AirTalk Blog

Posts about “Politics/Public Affairs” Category

• Larry's Daily Comment

  I didn’t have a chance to raise this on the air this morning, but I wonder if anyone else noticed the pacing and formality of President Obama’s speech in Cairo. Though it might be trivial to some listeners, I’m always interested in the way in which a message is delivered. I was wondering if the President’s lack of common contractions and slower pace might have been designed to allow for easier simultaneous translation. If you have any thoughts on the style of his address, as well as the substance, please share them here.

  Tomorrow, we’ll hear our critics’ reviews of Land of the Lost and The Hangover. We’ll also interview film critic for The Oregonian, Shawn Levy, about his new biography of Paul Newman. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • June 4, 2009 12:10 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality

• AirTalk for Thursday, June 4

  Obama Addresses the Muslim World: What did you think of his speech? Post your thoughts here.

  The Legacy of the Tiananmen Massacre: The events of the morning of June 4th put a brutal halt to a burgeoning democracy movement in China and resulted in the deaths of hundreds, maybe thousands of dissidents and the imprisonment of many others. Since then, China has become the fastest growing economy in the world even though individual civil rights and freedom of expression are still greatly suppressed by a powerful central government. Do you or anyone you know have any direct experience with the massacre at Tiananmen Square? What are your thoughts about the event 20 years later? Post your comments here.

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  • June 4, 2009 9:47 AM by Chumi Paul
  • Comments (18)
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Tuesday, June 2

  Obama will head to the Mideast tonight and deliver a speech in Cairo on Thursday. The visit and speech comes as another step in the President’s efforts to repair relations with Muslims abroad. His speech is said to emphasis a fresh start between the United States and Muslim countries. What do you think the President should say?

  Multiracial Americans are now the fastest-growing demographic group, making up 5 percent of the U.S. population. The number of multiracial people has risen to 5.2 million, with millions more believed to be uncounted. Although more and more people appear to be comfortable announcing their mixed racial backgrounds, the trend complicates current notions of race with regard to identitiy and minority rights. Post your comments here.

  A 13-year-old with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his mother fled Minnesota for a week after a judge ordered that he receive chemotherapy treatment. The child and his family objected to the procedure on religious grounds, but have since returned to the state and have agreed to undergo chemotherapy. When should children and their parents be allowed to refuse medical treatment, and when are the courts justified to intervene?

  Madeline Brand talks with Tom Standage author of “An Edible History of Humanity.” Post your questions for him here.

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  • June 2, 2009 9:47 AM by Chumi Paul
  • Comments (23)
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• Larry's Daily Comment

  As much market share as General Motors has lost nationally, you see the impact even more in Southern California. Scanning the streets and parking lots, it’s hard to pick out the GM vehicles amidst overwhelming numbers of Asian and European imports. It’s another example of how our region has led the way on a major American trend. Hopefully, GM can strengthen its surviving brands and return to profitability. I’d appreciate getting your input on what you would do if you were CEO of the company. How would you lead GM through its crisis?

  Tomorrow, the former host of NPR’s late Day To Day, Madeleine Brand, will guest host AirTalk. I’ll be attending a performance at my son’s school, and am so happy that Madeleine is able to step in for me. I’ll talk with you on Wednesday.

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  • June 1, 2009 4:34 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• AirTalk for Monday, June 1

  Today General Motors filed the largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history. To help support GM, the Obama administration will provide $30.1 billion to the automaker in addition to the $20 billion already given. This makes GM the second-largest recipient of bailout money, behind AIG. Please comment here.

  Then, Dr. George Tiller, one of the few doctors in the US who performed very late term abortions, was fatally shot on Sunday while working as an usher at his church in Kansas. The shooting may have a chilling effect on abortion providers nationwide resulting in increased security at clinics. Larry looks at how Dr. Tiller’s murder will influence access to abortion in Southern California. Make your remarks here.

  Then, President Obama is poised to name a Cyber Czar. Larry discusses cyberspace and national security. Let us know what you think here.

  And, why do men and women feel the way they do about the opposite sex? Who is hot and who isn’t? And do we actually makes decisions about sexual attraction or is it all beyond our control? In his new book, “How Sex Works,” Dr. Sharon Moalem explores the unique dynamic between biological imperatives, societal standards and individual choice. Comment here?

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  • June 1, 2009 9:50 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology, Society/Culture, Transportation

• Larry's Daily Comment

  The new Pixar animated feature Up has been getting almost univerally excellent reviews. Our Wade Major was the rare dissenter. However, he turned around and hailed the new Sam Raimi horror movie Drag Me to Hell.

  The film may be a delight for horror fans, but I found the early primetime placement of its TV ads irresponsible. I probably shouldn’t blame the studio’s marketers, as they want to maximize eyeballs (pun intended). However, I don’t know what Disney’s ESPN and Time-Warner’s TNT were thinking in scheduling the spots in early evening hours Pacific time during NBA playoff games. If you have any opinion on this, please share it on our AirTalk blog.

  Monday, we’ll talk about the President’s plan for a cyber czar to confront the increasing number of attacks on the nation’s digital infrastructure. Have a great weekend.

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  • May 29, 2009 2:45 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Friday, May 29

  Most State Parks May Close: According to Governor Schwarzenegger, 80% of California’s State Parks may be closed down because of the budget crisis. 2,000 park employees may be laid off as well. In addition, 200,000 state employees may take an additional 5 percent pay cut. This would be on top of two-day-a-month furloughs that have reduced the average worker’s pay by nearly 10 percent. Larry talks with H.D. Palmer of the State Finance Department and Senate President Darrell Steinberg about the news. Post your questions and comments here.

  LAUSD Cancels Summer School Programs: Summer school has been canceled this year for Los Angeles Unified School District elementary and middle schools due to declining revenues and the state budget crisis. Some Community Colleges are also cancelling or paring down their summer school programs. Larry talks with State Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell. Post your questions and comments here.

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  • May 29, 2009 9:13 AM by Chumi Paul
  • Comments (14)
  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs

• Larry's Daily Comment

  I have to admit that I hadn’t been following the story of Hollywood Park’s future closing all that closely. I knew that it had been purchased by a development company, but didn’t realize how far along the proposed $2-billion dollar project is to city approval. Regardless of what replaces the track, its closing will be sad. The era of horseracing isn’t over, but the sport’s downsizing is well underway. Though Santa Anita is for sale, Arcadia officials assure that new ownership will have to operate the site as a racetrack. At least we’ll still have Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Pomona for a while longer.

  This morning, Madeleine Brand, co-host of the former NPR program Day to Day, sat next to me in the studio, observing how we do AirTalk. I’m not sure I could’ve stayed perfectly quiet for two hours, as she did! Madeleine will guest host for me next Tuesday, as I’ll be attending a performance at my son’s school. For the large numbers of us who miss her daily voice, it’ll be a treat to hear her on our air again.

  Tomorrow, I’ll talk with Pete Doctor, the writer/director of Pixar’s wonderful new animated feature, Up. I don’t know how Pixar can have such an unbroken string of creative, and audience, successes. They’re the gold standard in consistent filmmaking. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 28, 2009 2:04 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Thursday, May 28

  Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood could soon be transformed into a retail and residential complex. The development company of Wilson Meany Sullivan is proposing a $2 billion project called Hollywood Park Tomorrow. Plans for the 238-acre property include a new neighborhood with office buildings, a hotel, and a 25-acre park with a lake and waterfall. It would also mean the end of horse racing at the historic Hollywood Park, which has taken place there since 1938. Larry Mantle discusses the details of the plan. Give us your thoughts here.

  Then, the FBI and Justice Department are planning to expand their role in counter-terrorism operations for the United States. Under what is called a “global justice” initiative, the FBI will play a central role in overseas counter-terrorism, with greater power in questioning suspects and evidence gathering. The initiative also presumes that virtually all suspects will be tried in a U.S. or foreign court of law. It is a shift from the Bush administration’s policy that relied on covert CIA interrogations. Larry Mantle finds out what this means for national security. Comment here.

  Finally, in the new book “Origin of the Specious,” former New York Times Book Review editor Patricia O’Conner and her editor husband Stewart Kellerman reveal why some of grammar’s best known rules aren’t and never were rules at all. They also explode some of the most common misconceptions about the English language and explain how Brits and Yanks wound up speaking the same language so differently. Let us know what you think here.

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  • May 28, 2009 9:55 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• Larry's Daily Comment

  It’s hard to imagine what California’s emergency rooms will look like if the proposed cuts in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families go through. Given what our guests said about the few areas available for the Legislature and Governor to make big cuts, it looks like the Federal government is the only hope for keeping a portion of the healthcare funding. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening in Sacramento.

  Tomorrow, our Orange County journalists will look at the reception Sheriff Sandra Hutchens is receiving, now that she’s been on the job nearly a year.

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  • May 27, 2009 1:34 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Wednesday, May 27

  Despite Setback, California’s Gay Marriage Movement Trudges Forward: Despite the California Supreme Court’s upholding of Proposition 8 yesterday, gay rights activists have not given up their fight to legalize gay marriage in California. Lawsuits are being filed and plans are being made to gather signatures for another initiative to reverse the ban. Write your thoughts here.

  State Budget Cuts to Health Care May be Severe: According the California Budget Project, 1.9 million Californians could lose health coverage in the next 3 years under the Governor’s plan.

  Is the Recession’s End in Sight? Home sales are up 2.9% nationwide, and the nation’s banks turned a profit in the first quarter. Consumer confidence is also up. A poll of economists show most believe the recession will end this year. Are you noticing a sea-change?

  Larry interviews Matthew May, author of “In Pursuit of Elegance: Why the Best Ideas Have Something Missing.” Post your questions and comments for May here.

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  • May 27, 2009 9:49 AM by Chumi Paul
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• Larry's Daily Comment

  It’s one of the biggest news days I can remember. We knew that the California Supreme Court ruling on Prop 8 was coming this morning, but were not expecting the President’s announcement of his U. S. Supreme Court nominee this morning.

  Legal observers weren’t surprised by the Prop 8 decision, but it’s still clearly difficult news for those who support same-sex marriage. We’ll give close attention to what comes next. We’ve heard many listeners mention that demographics favor future legalization. However, one of our bloggers noted that, with California becoming more Latino, same sex marriage isn’t a given. With many Latinos either Roman Catholic or Evangelical Christians, the argument goes that they will vote as social conservatives. The polls I’ve seen show a large generational split on this, including among Latinos.

  One of our listeners opined that Mexican-Americans won’t be particularly excited about Judge Sotomayor’s nomination, since she’s of Puerto Rican background. I’d like to get more reaction to that. I would expect some level of excitement among Latinos of all backgrounds over the choice of a Latina for the high court. Let’s hear what you think.

  Tomorrow, we’ll focus on the Prop 8 decision, the day after the ruling’s release. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 26, 2009 2:27 PM by Larry Mantle
  • Comments (4)
  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Tuesday, May 26

  The California Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its decision on Prop.8 this morning. Larry talks with experts and takes reaction from listeners as the decision is announced. Make your comment here.

  Then, President Obama nominated New York Federal Appeals Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor To The Supreme Court this morning. What will this mean for the court? What do you think of the President’s choice?

  Finally, North Korea reportedly tested two short-range missiles on Tuesday, just one day after testing a nuclear bomb underground. These two provocative moves have drawn criticism from around the world, and a threat of U.N. action. Give us your thoughts here.

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  • May 26, 2009 9:22 AM by Jackie Oclaray
  • Comments (84)
  • Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

• AirTalk for Monday, May 25

  A TALE OF TWO WARS: When should a country, like the United States, go to war? It is a difficult question and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In his book, “War of Necessity, War of Choice,” Richard Haass looks at the the first and second wars in Iraq with that question in mind. A member of the National Security Council during the first President Bush and director of policy planning in the State Department for George W. Bush, Haass has a perspective that only a handful of people have about the decisions made in going to war. Larry talks to Richard N. Haass about the ambition, execution and reasons by both wars and what the future holds for the current war in Iraq.

  ISRAEL AND PALESTINE: IS PEACE POSSIBLE? We reprise Larry’s on the road broadcast at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Bringing together a sitting Israeli diplomat with a Palestinian who actively lobbies the U.S. government on behalf of a two-state solution, Larry Mantle moderates a mock “peace summit” with “negotiations” between the Honorable Jacob Dayan, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest U.S., and Hussein Ibish, Senior Fellow at the Washington, D.C. based American Task Force on Palestine.

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  • May 25, 2009 10:00 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
  • Comments (1)
  • Categories: History, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Friday, May 22

  THE BAD BUDGET NEWS CONTINUES: With the rejection of all but one ballot measure in Tuesday’s special election, the conversation in Sacramento is now moving towards budget cuts. Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that they state is looking at 15-to-20-percent cuts across the board. Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed an addition $5.8 billion in reductions. These reductions come on top of the $15.4 billion short fall facing the state due to the recession. So with such liberal talk about cutting programs what does this mean for statewide welfare, medical and education programs? Larry talks to the experts about the issues and asks if there is a light at the end of this dark budgetary tunnel.

  And then… CAP N’ TRADE. On Thursday the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee passed a long-awaited carbon cap-and-trade bill which is designed to reduce carbon emissions 4% below 1990 levels by 2020. Some opponents of the Waxman-Markey bill say it doesn’t not go far to curb greenhouse gases and want even more drastic measures to prevent global warming. The Senate has blocked cap-and-trade bills in prior years, but unlike in years past, now has strong support from the Obama administration.

  In the second hour, it’s FilmWeek: Larry Mantle and critics Jean Oppenheimer of Village Voice Media and Henry Sheehan of henrysheehan.com discuss the week’s new releases including Terminator Salvation, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Girlfriend Experience, Easy Virtue, and O’Horten, among others.

  Finally, Larry talks with writer and director Bent Hamer about his new film, “O’Horten”.

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  • May 22, 2009 10:12 AM by Roger Rudick
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs

• Larry's Daily Comment

  Potentially closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility is clearly one of the most contentious issues between the political parties, but what’s even more fascinating is how this is playing out among Democrats. The President’s speech this morning (even more sonically resonant than usual, given the acoustics of the National Archives’ rotunda) seemed aimed as much at his own as at critics like former Vice-President, Dick Cheney. Our guest, Congressional journalist Jack Shaw, said he expects President Obama to present Congress with a more detailed plan for closure of Guantanamo. Then the ball will be in the court of the Democratic majority to see how they resolve their concerns over transferring some detainees to federal prisons on the mainland. We’ll be on this each step of the way.

  Tomorrow, we’re expecting new California unemployment numbers. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for, at the very least, less negative news than we’ve been getting. On the lighter side, our Film Week critics review the new movies. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 21, 2009 4:57 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Thursday, May 21

  WHERE SHOULD GUANTANAMO DETAINEES GO? It was a huge part of the Obama campaign—a promise to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. However, it’s now clearly a case of “easier said than done.” Critics point out that some prisoners will inevitably end up on US soil. This has created a political mess, since no state representative wants to volunteer their prisons to accept them. The Senate has now voted against funding the closure. What should be done with the Gitmo prisoners? Weigh in here.

  PROP DEFEAT FALLOUT: With the defeat of most statewide propositions on Tuesday, the gravity of the State’s financial situation is beginning to set in. It means California’s deficit for the fiscal year that begins in July will grow from $15.4 billion to $21.3 billion. To fill the gap, the school year may be shortened, and thousands of state employees, teachers and prison guards may be laid off or furloughed. Deep cuts will also be made in health services to the poor, the disabled and the mentally ill. Where would you make cuts?

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  • May 21, 2009 9:54 AM by Chumi Paul
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Thursday, May 21

  WHERE SHOULD GITMO PRISONERS GO? It was a huge part of the Obama campaign—a promise to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. However, it’s now clearly a case of “easier said than done.” Critics point out that some prisoners will inevitably end up on US soil. This has created a political mess, since no state representative wants to volunteer their prisons to accept them. The Senate has now voted against funding the closure. What should be done with the Gitmo prisoners? Weigh in here.

  PROP DEFEAT FALLOUT: With the defeat of most statewide propositions on Tuesday, the gravity of the State’s financial situation is beginning to set in. It means California’s deficit for the fiscal year that begins in July will grow from $15.4 billion to $21.3 billion. To fill the gap, the school year may be shortened, and thousands of state employees, teachers and prison guards may be laid off or furloughed. Deep cuts will also be made in health services to the poor, the disabled and the mentally ill. Where would you make cuts?

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  • May 21, 2009 9:54 AM by Chumi Paul
  • Comments (20)
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• Larry's Daily Comment

  Our guest, political scientist Rafe Sonenshein, hit it on the head when he said there’s no simple message to take from yesterday’s statewide election. AirTalk callers and bloggers offered strong opinions about taxes, government inefficiency, and cuts in state services. We’ll be certain to provide a forum for listeners to sound off on how this revised budget takes shape. To state the obvious, the process won’t be pretty.

  Tomorrow, we’ll talk about Congress’ refusal to fund President Obama’s request to close the Guantanamo Bay facility. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 20, 2009 2:22 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Wednesday, May 20

  ELECTION REACTIONS: Californians voted down all five of the budget-related ballot measures yesterday, leaving the state to deal with a $21 billion budget gap. The only measure the passed was Proposition 1F, which prohibits pay increases for state officials when California is running a deficit. In other races, Carmen Trutanich defeated Jack Weiss in the race for L.A. City Attorney, and Judy Chu beat out Gil Cedillo for the 32nd Congressional seat. The morning after the election, Larry goes over what propositions and candidates were victorious and what that means for you.

  And then in the second hour: Charge this! Consumers may be saying that a whole lot more as the Senate passed a bill on Tuesday to put new restrictions on the credit card industry. The primary focus of the bill is to restrict companies from raising interest rates on existing balances. According to statistics cited by the White House credit card debt has increased by 25- percent in the last decade. Will this new bill alleviate the burden from consumers or is it just a temporary fix to a long term problem? Larry gets the experts to weight in.

  Finally, the book “Master of Sex.” Many aspects of human sexuality were a mystery before the scientific research of William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Through thousands of laboratory studies, the couple explored issues like sexual dysfunction and female sexuality. In his book “Masters of Sex”, author Thomas Maier profiles the team that changed how people understood and engaged in sex. He also examines their secretive personal lives, detailing how the couple divorced after twenty years of marriage amid accusations of betrayal and infidelity. Larry Mantle is joined by author Thomas Maier and Virginia Johnson to talk about the book.

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  • May 20, 2009 9:35 AM by Roger Rudick
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  • Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology, Society/Culture

• Larry's Daily Comment

  I appreciate our listeners’ willingness to take part in the important debate on whether torture or “enhaced interrogation” is ever morally acceptable. Some folks objected to this even being a debatable issue. Clearly many more listeners said that they found torture unacceptable in any context. However, our calls and blog postings don’t show a consensus. The media debate has largely focused on whether torture elicits information, otherwise unobtainable, that could be used to save lives. We thought this was an important missing piece of the conversation.

  Tomorrow, we’ll examine the Senate’s passage of new restrictions on credit card terms. Also, a look at the influence of sex researchers and therapists Masters and Johnson. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 19, 2009 2:27 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Tuesday, May 19

  LARRY TALKS TO MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA about the city’s financial situation. Last week the Mayor asked the City Council to declare a “fiscal emergency.” He also called for mandatory work furloughs and the layoffs of 1000 city employees. Post your questions and comments for Mayor Villaraigosa here.

  PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGES AUTO EMISSIONS STANDARDS. The Obama Administration has called for a 30% reduction in green house gas emissions of all automobiles sold in the U.S. by 2016. What will this mean for auto manufacturers and consumers? Post your questions about the new policy here.

  IS TORTURE EVER MORALLY ACCEPTABLE? The definition and legality of torture is often debated - less so the pure morality of the act. If torturing one person could save the lives of thousands of others, would it be morally justifiable?

  ARE STEPMOTHERS UNDERAPPRECIATED? Larry talks with Wednesday Martin, stepmother and author of the new book “Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do.” Post your questions and comments for the author here.

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  • May 19, 2009 9:28 AM by Chumi Paul
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Tuesday, May 19

  LARRY TALKS TO MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA about the city’s financial situation. Last week the Mayor asked the City Council to declare a “fiscal emergency.” He also called for mandatory work furloughs and the layoffs of 1000 city employees. Post your questions and comments for Mayor Villaraigosa here.

  PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGES AUTO EMISSIONS STANDARDS. The Obama Administration has called for a 30% reduction in green house gas emissions of all automobiles sold in the U.S. by 2016. What will this mean for auto manufacturers and consumers? Post your questions about the new policy here.

  IS TORTURE EVER MORALLY ACCEPTABLE? The definition and legality of torture is often debated - less so the pure morality of the act. If torturing one person could save the lives of thousands of others, would it be morally justifiable?

  ARE STEPMOTHERS UNDERAPPRECIATED? Larry talks with Wednesday Martin, stepmother and author of the new book “Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do.” Post your questions and comments for the author here.

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  • May 19, 2009 9:28 AM by Chumi Paul
  • Comments (40)
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology, Society/Culture

• Larry's Daily Comment

  If you’re someone who does pre-election study on the last day, please listen to our first hour this morning, and the KPCC election primer that airs at 7:00 p.m. The six statewide ballot measures are, in my view, particularly complicated. I found myself studying and reading the voter information guide multiple times to figure out how all the numbers lined up as I was preparing to host debates on the measures. I’m curious about what tomorrow’s turnout will be at the polls.

  Tomorrow morning, we’ll spend time talking about whether there’s ever any moral justification for torture. Somewhat lost in the public debate about whether torture works at extracting valuable information from a detainee is whether it’s morally defensible to use extreme methods, even if lives are saved. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 18, 2009 5:01 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Environment, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology, Society/Culture

• Airtalk for Monday, May 18

  HIGH STAKES IN TOMORROW’S STATEWIDE ELECTION: The day before the May 19th statewide election, Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders have hit the road, desperately trying to convince voters to pass Propositions 1A through 1F. Will you vote for them or against them? Why or why not?

  “SMART” ELECTRICITY COMING SOON?: You’ve heard of Smart Cars, but what about a Smart Grid? It’s an ambitious plan that Google, Microsoft, and IBM are investing in to produce and distribute electricity in cheaper, greener and more efficient ways. When can we expect to see something like the Smart Grid? And how will it affect our daily lives as energy consumers? Post your questions about Smart Grid here.

  MORE AMERICANS ARE NOW PRO-LIFE: WHAT??? For the first time since the Gallup organization began asking the question in 1995, more Americans describe themselves as “pro-life” than “pro-choice.” What is the reason for this sea-change? Have your feelings about abortion changed?

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  • May 18, 2009 9:23 AM by Chumi Paul
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality, Science/Technology, Society/Culture

• Larry's Daily Comment

  Betty Garrett embodies the best of qualities of a committed performer. For more than 70 years she’s expressed her love of acting, singing, and dancing in whatever venues and media were available to her. It seems that I interviewed her so recently for her autobiography, but that was nearly ten years ago. It was a pleasure to talk with her right before her 90th. What a pro!

  If you’re still deciding how you want to vote in Tuesday’s election, make sure you’re with us Monday morning. We’ll revisit all the state ballot props so that you’re prepared for the following day. Also, a look at how Americans ate before the interstate highway system, chain restaurants, and frozen food. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 15, 2009 4:07 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Friday, May 15

  Governor Schwarzenegger announced his revised budget yesterday. It includes two scenarios: one, if the propositions on next week ballot fail, and another if they pass. If they fail, as polls indicate they will, over 5 billion may be trimmed from the education budget and the school year will be shortened. Drastic cuts in health care were also predicted, including withdrawing health insurance coverage to 225,000 underprivileged children. State landmarks like the Colliseum may also be sold. Does this news persuade you to vote for propositions 1A through 1F next week?

  The Obama administration announced plans to continue the Bush administration’s military tribunal system to try terrorism suspects, but ask Congress to expand the rights of defendants to contest charges against them. The decision is being criticized by human rights groups, who say that Obama is reversing a campaign pledge to change the way terrorism suspects are tried. Do you agree with the President’s change of heart?

  For over 60 years Betty Garrett has been gracing film and television screens across America. Reaching her peak during the golden age of Hollywood some of her films include: Big City, Neptune’s Daughter, On the Town, and My Sister Eileen. Post your thoughts about Betty Garret hear.

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  • May 15, 2009 9:47 AM by Chumi Paul
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Education, Politics/Public Affairs

• Larry's Daily Comment

  It wasn’t unanimous, but the majority of callers and bloggers strongly disagreed with the Governor’s proposal to sell such state properties as the L. A. Coliseum, Orange County Fairgrounds, and San Quentin Prison. Criticisms included this being a bad time to sell, that many of the properties had great historic significance, and that this wouldn’t provide immediate help for the state. Please weigh in with your reaction on this blog.

  The mix of listener internship experiences was terrific! I particularly marveled at the caller who described giving back massages to his boss as a condition of keeping his internship. There was also the listener who said a major Hollywood producer demanded she be his concubine in exchange for being an intern. Having grown up in Hollywood, I shouldn’t be surprised, but it’s still viscerally appalling.

  Tomorrow, we’ll talk about other aspects of the Governor’s budget revision, and our Film Week critics tell us what they think of “Angels & Demons,” starring Tom Hanks. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 14, 2009 12:47 PM by Larry Mantle
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  • Categories: Business/Economy, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for May 14

  LANDMARKS FOR SALE!: Some of California’s notable landmarks may be up for sale in an effort to generate more revenue for the state. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to sell the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, San Quentin State Prison, the Orange County Fairgrounds and other state owned properties to get cash quick amid the state crisis, according to the Los Angeles Times. Larry talks to the experts about this grab for cash and asks callers to weigh in on the pending sale of their beloved city landmarks.

  Then it’s the Orange County Journalists Roundtable. Larry talks with Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly staff writer, and Orange County Register senior editorial writer and columnist, Steven Greenhut, about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.

  In the second hour, experts predict that Social Security will start paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes in just seven years, earlier than had been expected. The Medicare system is expected to be depleted by 2017 and social security by 2037. That means the government would need to borrow money or raise taxes to get the system back on track. The problem stems from the recession, as unemployment has cut the amount of contributions from payroll taxes. Larry Mantle finds out what lies ahead for the Medicare system.

  Finally: Photocopy this. Get me Coffee. Wash my car? Many employers send unpaid interns on mundane errands like fetching coffee. In his recent column, New York Times ethics columnist Randy Cohen questions the appropriateness of such a duty. Which tasks are appropriate for interns, and which are not? Larry Mantle takes listener calls on the question.

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  • May 14, 2009 9:15 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Just before I went on the air this morning, our Senior Producer, Linda Othenin-Girard, told me that the President had reversed his decision on publicly releasing the photos showing alleged abuse of prisoners in U.S. custody in Iraq and Afghanistan. We had only seconds to debate whether we should jettison our 11:00 a.m. segment on the woes of Medicare and Social Security and replace it with a listener call-in debate on President Obama’s change of mind.

  Minutes later, we decided the photos were the more immediate story and merited the switch. I’m so glad we did, as listeners beautifully articulated their opinions. There were strong arguments on both sides, just as we like it!

  We had excellent guests lined up for the entitlement segment, all of whom agreed to move to tomorrow’s program. We’ll also talk with our Orange County journalists about the D.A.’s criticism of the conduct of some Deputy Sheriffs. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 13, 2009 8:17 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, May 13

  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has asked City Council members to declare a fiscal emergency, explaining the at the city could run out of cash as early as November. He also announced that he is implementing a furlough plan that will require most city workers to take 26 unpaid days of leave in the next fiscal year. In addition, the Mayor said that he would move ahead with plans to lay off 1,000 employees beginning July 1st - this would be in addition to the 1,600 layoffs authorized by the Los Angeles City Council earlier this month. Give us your thoughts.

  Proposition 1D would authorize a fund-shift of $268 million in annual tobacco tax revenue currently earmarked for “First Five” early childhood development programs to pay for other state government health and human services programs that serve children, including Medicaid, foster care, child care subsidies, and preschool programs. Money for these programs currently comes from the state general fund. Proposition 1E is basically the same strategy, but it would authorize a shift of $230 million annually in income tax surcharge revenue currently earmarked for mental health programs under the terms of California Proposition 63, approved in 2004, also known as the Mental Health Services Act. Let us know what you think about this Proposition.

  Then, Larry discusses President Obama’s decision to block the release of new photos showing prisoner abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Obama made the decision for fear that the release of the photos could endanger U.S. troops abroad. Comment here.

  Although the roots of our current global economic crisis began years ago, the effects continue to take its toll on Americans today. But how did we get into this mess? There is no neatly wrapped answer for such a complicated question, but one author helps us take a stab at understanding it. In Fools Gold, author Gillian Tett explains how the best, brightest and noblest minds of J.P. Morgan fought to extricate themselves from the pervasive greed of other financial institutions that ultimately led to both the misuse and abuse of the system they helped create. Give us your thoughts here.

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  • May 13, 2009 9:35 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’m very impressed with the amount of time and analysis that have gone into today’s blog postings on the future of the GOP. Some of my favorite segments come from opening the phone lines and the blog to listener suggestions on timely issues. This is the advantage of having an audience that is as informed and analytical as KPCC’s. Thank you for taking the time to further our conversation.

  I also appreciate the good comments we’ve received on healthcare reform. This issue will be front and center for us during the coming months. I’m relying on our listeners to strongly advocate for what they think a new plan should entail.

  Tomorrow, our California election primer continues with Props D and E, measures that would take funds from early childhood education and mental health services and place them in the state general fund. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 12, 2009 12:36 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, May 12

  Are Republicans endangered species? Since the Republicans lost White House and the Congress, they have been trying to redefine themselves and shore up a possibly fatal split between one faction that claims their only salvation is to cleave to the most conservative principles and another faction that proposes a moderate course and a bigger tent. The squabbling is public and former Vice President Dick Cheney, rather silent during his reign, is appearing on news shows to support the Rush Limbaugh wing of the party over the Colin Powell version. Where are the fault lines in the Republican party and which faction will win out?

  Proponents of the Proposition 1C say that $5 billion can be raised without risk to offset California’s $42 billion deficit, all the while revamping a struggling 25-year-old lottery system. Opponents of the measure say that the extra revenue comes with an unwanted price, as revenue may depend on increased gambling to generate future revenue, thus exploiting the poor and, they say, the problems associated with it. Will you vote “yea” or “nay?”

  A number of health care industry groups have pledged to participate in a White House plan to bring down health care costs by as much as $2 trillion over ten years. Among the participants are representatives from the insurance industry, hospitals and physicians groups, and organized labor. How would you make our current health care model more efficient?

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  • May 12, 2009 9:47 AM by Chumi Paul
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Defenders of Craigslist came out in droves this morning to support the online classified ad site in its battle with several state Attorneys General. I did get a chuckle out of the blog posting that it sounded like I was overly enjoying reading a few of the less explicit erotic services ads on air. I have a lot of fun hosting AirTalk each day, but in a chaste way. Howard Stern’s much better at “adult radio” than I would ever be.

  I don’t understand the psychology of someone like Bernie Madoff. How can you take advantage of people for decades and still live with yourself? He must have found some way to internally justify himself. I hope he explains himself in an interview or book, so long as he doesn’t profit from it.

  Tomorrow, we continue with our preview of next week’s state ballot props. Proposition 1C would allow for a greater array of jackpots and games, and let the state borrow from future lottery proceeds. It’s not faring well in likely voter polling. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 11, 2009 12:49 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’ve been hearing good things about the acting of Zachary Quinto of the TV series “Heroes,” and the new “Star Trek” movie. Now we know he’s an excellent interview, as well. He’s very enthusiastic about his role as young “Spock,” and it seems to extend beyond the recurring payday that a rejuvenated film series would provide.

  One of my greatest pleasures of Film Week is when our critics hail a small independent of foreign movie that would otherwise be overlooked. Such was the case this morning with the South Korean film, “Treeless Mountain.” I’m looking forward to seeing it.

  Monday, we’ll talk about Proposition 1B on the May 19th California ballot. It would significantly increase public education funding, but only if Proposition 1A also passes. Also, I’ll interview the producer of a new PBS/Frontline documentary on Bernie Madoff. I’ll talk with you then. Have a great weekend.

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  • May 8, 2009 2:07 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Friday, May 8

  Less than two weeks from now California voters will decide one way or another the future fiscal condition of their state. Unless voters approve ballot measures May 19, California may have to borrow more than $20 billion to offset the deficit. What do you think of this? Comment here.

  Westside Councilman Jack Weiss and attorney Carmen Trutanich are competing in the May 19 runoff election for Los Angeles city attorney. Larry Mantle talks with Carmen Trutanich about the issues surrounding the race. Comment here.

  Just ten years ago, actor Zach Quinto was a budding thespian fresh out of Carnegie Mellon Drama School in Pittsburgh. He went on to land several television roles, but it was his portrayal of the super villain Sylar on NBC’s “Heros” that catapulted his screen career… now he’s playing an American icon—Spock—in Paramount’s new Star Trek movie, out in theaters today. What’s it like playing a cultural phenomenon? And how does one translate traditional stage training to a big screen, popular summer release? Give us your thoughts here.

  Finally, Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig of USA Today, and Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor discuss this week’s new film releases including Star Trek, Julia, Adoration, Little Ashes, Rudo Y Cursi, Revanche and Treeless Mountain among others.

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  • May 8, 2009 9:43 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’m often asked how far in advance we plan our programs. It varies from day to day, but this morning’s AirTalk is an example of one that came together at the last possible minute.

  Manny Ramirez’ suspension was reported by the Los Angeles Times in the hour before our program. Our producers called all the Dodger beat writers, plus the Times’ National Baseball Writer, Bill Shaiken. We were fortunate that Bill was willing to take a few minutes for us, even while working on his updated story.

  Similarly, we wanted to share the latest from the Jesusita Santa Barbara fire, but all of the reporters on the scene were covering Governor Schwarzenegger’s news conference. We moved most of our segments around so that we could line up guests on each of our day’s topics.

  Tomorrow, our Film Week critics review the new “Star Trek” movie, and we talk with the new “Spock,” Zachary Quinto. Also, an interview with L. A. City Attorney candidate, Carmen Trutanich. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 7, 2009 3:06 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Soprano Carol Vaness was certainly a delight to interview this morning. It’s unusual to find a performer who’s so candid about her battles with the people with whom she’s worked. After we finished on air, Carol talked with me about how you have to be a bit different to work in opera. She also made sure to note that not everyone in opera is eccentric or difficult, despite the art form’s reputation. That was a fun conversation.

  Tomorrow, we’ll find out the results of the federal government’s “stress tests” on the nation’s banks, and talk with L.A. City Councilman and City Attorney candidate, Jack Weiss. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 6, 2009 2:21 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, May 6, 2009

  SANTA BARBARA FIRE UPDATE: Larry Mantle gets the latest on the fire burning in Santa Barbara with KPCC reporter Brian Watt.

  President Obama, in an attempt to ward off the flow of dangerous weapons and combat illegal immigration, is launching a proposal to increase funding for immigration reform by $27 billion, thus fulfilling his promise to the Mexican government to crackdown on trafficking organizations. In doing so, Obama is putting immigration enforcement as a high priority, beefing up security around the border, air- and seaports, as well as intensifying screening for employee eligibility.

  Are bio fuels bad? The EPA reports that ethanol, as produced today, does not meet congressional mandates that it produce 20 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. In fact, it reports that when land-use from ethanol production is taken into account, it may actually be worse. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said future improvements in production will, ultimately, make ethanol the better choice. But not everyone agrees. Nitrous oxide from the burning of bio-fuels may turn out to be an even more potent contributor to global warming. Meanwhile, the Obama Administration issued a directive to find ways to get automakers to make more cars that can run on ethanol. What’s the truth? Is ethanol part of the solution or part of the problem in fighting global warming?

  In the second hour, President Obama begins two days of talks with the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan on how to improve security in the region. Five weeks ago the three countries released a plan to combat the insurgency in eastern Afghanistan, but now must reevaluate that strategy due to fighting with the Taliban in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Larry Mantle discusses the pressing issues surrounding the talks.

  Then…Think Smart. Expanding your vocabulary? Eating right and sleeping right? What are you doing to keep your brain working at its peak? In Think Smart: A Neuroscientist’s Prescription for Improving Your Brain’s Performance, Dr. Richard Restek tells his readers there is a lot people can do to keep their brains working to their full potential, including spelling long words backwards and creating stories and mental pictures for lists you have to remember. Larry talks with Restek about his new book that is all about how everyone optimize their brains.

  Finally, Carol Vaness made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1984. Known for her Mozart operatic roles she has performed across the nation and abroad. Currently Vaness teaches at Indian University. Larry talks with opera singer Carol Vaness who is the first guest artist in Pasadena City College’s new Master Class Series. The series is endowed by the estate and family of Pamela L. Girard, a former music student at PCC and starts this spring with the inaugural event focusing on voice. In years to come, a different area of music will be showcased, such as piano or wind instruments.

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  • May 6, 2009 9:53 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Our phone lines were jammed with listeners wanting to talk with NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepard. This was her second time on AirTalk, and many of the same complaints as we talked about last time were made again today. One listener, who has called in a few times when we’ve covered same-sex marriage, took NPR and me to task for exhibiting a bias in favor of allowing such marriages. As I mentioned during our program, I do think it’s important for journalists to constantly examine personal biases and to take them into account when covering an issue. When we fail to do that, we should be held accountable. I’ll leave it to listeners to judge how that plays out on AirTalk. However, I’m generally impressed with how well NPR deals with the country’s most divisive issues.

  Tomorrow, speaking of controversial topics, we’ll debate whether the nation’s growing use of ethanol is sound energy policy or environmentally destructive. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • May 5, 2009 12:42 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for May 5, 2009

  HOUSING: IS THAT THE BOTTOM DOWN THERE? Depending who you ask, the housing “crisis” is either nearing bottom, or on the edge of a second precipice. The right answer depends on which housing crisis you’re talking about. In traditionally high-end, desirable areas there are now bidding wars going on for homes. While in outlying areas, take Victorville, things are so bad that banks are now ripping down uncompleted houses and selling the building materials for scrap. But with so much of the economy riding on the housing market, which market counts? Larry takes a look at the housing crisis and tries to figure out if things are leveling off.

  And then…Prop. 1A: The centerpiece measure on the May 19TH special election ballot is Proposition 1A. It would establish a state spending cap and strengthen the state’s rainy day fund which sets aside money for hard times. Less promoted is the flip side of Proposition 1A: If approved, temporary increases in the sales tax, personal income tax and the vehicle license fee will be extended an additional one to years, in some cases through 2013. Governor Schwarzenegger supports the measure along with State Democrats and some key Republican lawmakers. Anti-tax advocates strongly oppose the measure, as do some unions and health and education advocates who oppose the spending caps.

  In the second hour, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the economy is close to bottom and a recovery should be under way by year’s end. He was testifying before Congress’ Joint Economic Committee this morning, Bernanke also warned that business investment remains “extremely weak” and there will be more job losses in the coming months. Larry talk with Neil Irwin about Bernanke’s testimony and the bank stress tests that are due to be released later this week.

  Later, Larry talks with All Things Considered Host Melissa Block, who is in China, about how China is recovering one year after the Chengdu earthquake.

  And finally, Larry talks with NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepherd and takes calls from listeners.

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  • May 5, 2009 9:28 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Monday, May 4

  President Obama has just announced some major tax policy changes that would close overseas tax “loopholes” for corporations and individuals. What do you think?

  A cosmic war is not a war between nations and armies, but a religious war in which God is believed to be engaged for one side or the other. The hijackers of September 11 believed they were fighting a cosmic war, and according to religious scholar Reza Aslan, the United States is also fighting a cosmic war through the rhetoric of its War on Terror. He argues that the only way to win a cosmic war is by refusing to fight one, and to address instead the social and political roots of a conflict. Post your questions for Reza Aslan here.

  For over a decade the desert communities of the Coachella Valley have experienced unprecedented growth. But now, like so many other Southern California regions, they are feeling the economic pinch of the recession. For those of you in the Palm Springs area, how is the economic downturn affecting you?

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  • May 4, 2009 9:24 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Monday, May 4

  President Obama has just announced some major tax policy changes that would close overseas tax “loopholes” for corporations and individuals. What do you think?

  A cosmic war is not a war between nations and armies, but a religious war in which God is believed to be engaged for one side or the other. The hijackers of September 11 believed they were fighting a cosmic war, and according to religious scholar Reza Aslan, the United States is also fighting a cosmic war through the rhetoric of its War on Terror. He argues that the only way to win a cosmic war is by refusing to fight one, and to address instead the social and political roots of a conflict. Post your questions for Reza Aslan here.

  For over a decade the desert communities of the Coachella Valley have experienced unprecedented growth. But now, like so many other Southern California regions, they are feeling the economic pinch of the recession. For those of you in the Palm Springs area, how is the economic downturn affecting you?

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  • May 4, 2009 9:24 AM by Chumi Paul
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  The surprise announcement of Justice Souter’s retirement gives us a great opportunity to talk about the future of the Supreme Court. Please add your comment to the AirTalk blog about who you’d like to see nominated or what type of individual you’d like to see chosen.

  With so many films being released this weekend we stretched out our FilmWeek on AirTalk critics for a full hour of reviews. I love the passion in the reviews of Wade Major and Henry Sheehan. Our critics thoroughly care about movies and that devotion shows every week.

  Monday morning we’ll air last night’s On the Road program from Palm Desert. I learned so much about the economic challenges being faced in the formerly booming cities of the Coachella Valley. Have a great weekend.

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  • May 1, 2009 12:29 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Friday, May 1

  Supreme Court Justice David Souter has announced that he plans to retire at the end of the court’s current term, giving President Obama his first chance to appoint a new member to the high court. What do you think of Justice Souter’s tenure, and what traits should Obama’s Supreme Court nominee have? Give us your comments here.

  And it’s FilmWeek…Larry Mantle talks with critics Wade Major and Henry Sheehan about this week’s new releases including X Men Origins: Wolverine, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Battle for Terra, The Merry Gentleman, The Limits of Control, Il Divo, Lemon Tree, and Naked Ambition among others. Feel free to comment here.

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  • May 1, 2009 9:45 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Thursday, April 30

  The World Health Organization has raised its infectious disease alert level to phase 5 for the H1N1 virus known as swine flu. As infections spread worldwide, experts say that containing the virus is no longer possible. But many scientists studying the virus say the current strain is less severe than previous outbreaks or even the average seasonal flu. How worried are you?

  A team of researchers has identified genes which contribute important pieces to the puzzle of autism. One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases. Larry talks with experts about the implications of this breakthrough.

  UC Santa Barbara sociology professor William I. Robinson has caused a controversy after sending his students an email comparing graphic images Jews in the Holocaust to pictures of Palestinians in Israel’s recent Gaza offensive. The email also included an article criticizing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and a note from Robinson that likened the Gaza Strip to Israel’s confinement camp for Palestinians. The message has caused a university investigation and charges of anti-Semitism from two national Jewish groups. What do you think of the professor’s comparison?

  Can we have your attention please? With so many distractions today, it seems harder than ever to pay attention to things. But according to Winifred Gallagher, the quality of your life depends on what you choose to pay attention to. In her book “Rapt”, Gallagher explores the science of attention and its role in our work, relationships, creativity, and spirituality. Post your questions for Gallagher here:

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  • April 30, 2009 10:14 AM by Chumi Paul
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I certainly learned a great deal by listening to our two negotiators attempting to reach agreement on a peace settlement for the Middle East. It seemed we made progress, until hitting the wall on our final topic of how to govern Jerusalem. Regardless, I was impressed by our guests and appreciated their willingness to negotiate in our “speed diplomacy” format.

  Tomorrow evening, we’re On the Road in Palm Desert for our first broadcast from the Coachella Valley since we began airing on KPCV-FM 90.3. It’s a pleasure to be able to include desert listeners in our daily conversations, and I hope to see many of you tomorrow evening. Our broadcast starts at 7:00 p.m. at the UCR Graduate Center in Palm Desert. We’ll spend our hour looking at the local economy of the Coachella Valley, including real estate, tourism, unemployment, retiree finances, and challenges for agricultural workers. More info is here on the website. RSVP to airtalk@kpcc.org.

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  • April 29, 2009 12:44 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’m a big fan of writer Mark Arax and throughly enjoyed talking with him about his new book. He’s someone who really captures the complexity and richness of California.

  I hope to see you tonight at our On the Road broadcast from the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Little Tokyo. There’s more info here on the website. I’m looking forward to seeing what progress we can make in better understanding the positions of Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East debate. The program will air tomorrow morning.

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  • April 28, 2009 5:10 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  It was great to be back on the air this morning after a weeklong vacation in New York City. One of the trip’s highlights for me was seeing 93-year-old electric guitar pioneer Les Paul perform his weekly gig at Iridium jazz club. It was inspirational to see him entertain a full house and have so much fun doing it. We also got to compare both new baseball parks, the Mets’ Citi Field and the new Yankee Stadium. I actually preferred Citi Field, as it seemed the architects had a freer hand in designing an interesting park. The new Yankee Stadium was attempting to re-create, with modern amenities, the House that Ruth Built. However, it seemed colder to me than the Mets’ digs. I suppose if I’d grown up in NY as a Yankee fan I’d be quite happy to see a new stadium that’s so familiar.

  I hope you can attend tomorrow night’s On the Road broadcast, as we record a 90-minute “peace negotiation” between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We’re creating a mock summit that allows for debate on the key issues that separate both parties. More info is here on the website. RSVP to airtalk@kpcc.org. Community Advocates Inc. is partnering with us for the broadcast.

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  • April 27, 2009 3:52 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, April 27

  Larry Mantle talks with experts about the swine flu. Comment here.

  And, on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education may try to change legal protections that make firing bad teachers difficult. Currently teachers are laid off based on seniority, not performance. Should this change? Let us know here.

  Then, one-hundred days into the administration, the Obama team has still not named anyone to head up NASA. With a budget deadline looming on April 30th, critical decisions need to be made on whether to skuttle the shuttle program - decisions which could affect our timeline for the next moon visit as well as the future of space exploration. What do you think of this? Let us know here.

  Finally, it’s all about me. That’s what narcissism can be characterized as - a very positive and inflated view of the self - and it’s everywhere. A new book, “The Narcissism Epidemic,” looks at how narcissism is spreading and the social repercussions. The book cites everyday examples in relationships, entertainment and politics. Give us your comments here.

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  • April 27, 2009 9:40 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, April 24

  California regulators yesterday made a tenacious effort to combat global warming, approving a groundbreaking low-carbon fuel standard designed to slash greenhouse emissions. Guest host David Lazarus talks about California’s aggressive new goals and their implications. What do you think about this? Comment here.

  Then, The U.S. Treasury Department, already working with GM on bankruptcy plans, has now directed Chrysler to prepare a filing by next week. Both automakers are currently being kept afloat with government backing as the Obama administration struggles to redesign the American car model. Ford, the only Detroit hold-out, narrowly beat its forecast this last quarter despite lower sales. Give us your thoughts here.

  And, even though he is out of office, Vice President Dick Cheney is still trying to rule. Cheney has been very vocal about the Obama administration and has not hesitated to give his two cents in defending the decisions made during the Bush administration. Is Cheney still trying to legislate? Comment here.

  Finally, its FilmWeek with reviews of the week’s new releases and a discussion of the documentary “The Garden.”

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  • April 24, 2009 9:54 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Thursday, April 23

  The Food and Drug Administration says it will allow 17-year-olds to get the “morning-after” birth control pill without a doctor’s prescription. A U.S. District Judge ruled that Bush administration appointees let politics, not science, drive their decision to allow over-the-counter access only for women 18 and older. The judge ordered the FDA to let 17-year-olds get the medication. He also ordered the agency to evaluate whether all age restrictions should be lifted. What do you think of this?

  Next, In the first quarter of 2009 a record number of California homeowners failed to make their loan payments - the first step toward foreclosure. While the number of foreclosures has been dropping, these defaults could signal another increase in foreclosures, especially since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced that they will end their moratoriums and begin foreclosing on homes again. Give us your thoughts here.

  Then, in an effort to stop rising violence from the Taliban, the democratic Pakistani government last week agreed to impose Islamic law in the Swat Valley. Opposition to the pact is growing among Pakistani politicians and media, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the move a “mortal threat” to the world. Meanwhile, the Taliban continues to drive deeper into Pakistan, spreading fear throughout the region. Comment here.

  Then, Presdient Obama is meeting the credit card industry leaders today in Washington. What do you think that they need to accomplish? Let us know here.

  And, For 17 years Joe Palca has been the science correspondent for National Public Radio, reporting on topics from biomedical research to astronomy. He has just been named The Huntington Library’s first Science Writer in Residence, and plans to spend part of his six months researching Charles Darwin and first editions of “The Origin of Species.” Joe Palca joins guest host David Lazarus to talk about his work, his new position and a variety of science stories.

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  • April 23, 2009 9:31 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• David's Daily Blog

  No shortage of opinion from you guys today as we tackled some serious issues. Clearly there’s support for holding Bush administration officials accountable for torture and the policies that accommodated “harsh interrogation.” I can’t imagine how President Obama could have thought people would want otherwise once he issued those Bush-era memos on the subject. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes.

  I said during the show that I thought it was a little squishy to blame poor exit-exam scores among students of color and girls on “stereotype threat” — a self-fulfilling prophecy by which you perform poorly when you’re expected to perform poorly. Seems to me there has to be something more to this than “stereotype threat.” But what that may be, hard to say. I still think you want some sort of benchmark if your goal is to improve the caliber of public-school grads. Maybe the answer is to spend more time raising awareness among students that it’s cool to be smart, and nobody should think they’re doomed to fail.

  A lot of moving parts in the Jane Harman story. It seems to boil down to: Did she or didn’t she — and does it matter? Maybe it’s just me, but I suspect this one will blow over relatively quickly. More smoke than fire.

  We concluded with a lively discussion of whether Earth Day still matters. The polls say we don’t care about the environment as much as we used to. But your calls said otherwise. I’m with you. It’s a great planet. Let’s show some respect.

  — David Lazarus

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  • April 22, 2009 2:57 PM by Jackie Oclaray
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• David's Daily Blog

  Man, I hate stories about kids facing traumatic/dangerous experiences. But it’s so important that we talk about them. Our first segment about problems with L.A. County’s Department of Children and Family Services was deeply troubling, but getting this whole mess out into the sunlight is the first step toward cleaning things up. I’m glad the county supervisors are weighing in, but this is one of those situations where we’ll need more walk and less talk if we want to keep kids safe.

  Along those same lines, it was eye-opening to hear about the arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court related to the 13-year-old girl was strip searched at school. I suppose I can appreciate how school officials have a responsibility to act on their suspicions, but where does the line fall? And I absolutely agree with all the callers who said the parents need to be brought into the picture before a child is subjected to such a potentially humiliating act.

  President Obama’s first 100 days? Count me among those who tip their hat to his ambition and boldness. We’ve got big problems and we need big solutions. He’s on the right track.

  As for our discussion of marriage in America, what can I say? Marriage takes work — it ain’t easy. But if you can pull it off, there’s nothing better. If that’s not for you, there’s nothing wrong with cohabitating. See you tomorrow.

  — David Lazarus

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  • April 21, 2009 12:23 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, April 21

  The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is coming under public examination again. After records released show that 14 children, under the scrutiny of welfare officials, died of abuse and neglect. Do you have experience with the Department of Children And Family Services? Are you a social worker? Give us your thoughts.

  Guest host David Lazarus talks about President Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office. From the economy to health care, to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, how is he doing? Has he bitten off more than he can chew? David gets listener’s opinions on the first 100 days. Let us know here.

  The Supreme Court heard arguments today in case involving a 13 year-old girl who was strip-searched at her Middle School by officials who were looking for ibuprofen. At issue is whether or not the school violated the 4th amendment’s ban on unreasonable searches. The decision by the high court could have broad implications for schools with strict policies on student violence and drug use. What do you think of this case? Comment here.

  Finally, The United States has the dubious distinction of having the highest divorce rate in the Western world, in spite of the fact that American government spends more than $150-million per year to nurture good marriages. Although 90-percent of us will marry, about 50-percent of those who do marry will divorce. In his new book “The Marriage-Go Round,” sociologist Andrew Cherlin examines the volatile nature of American marriage, divorce, and cohabitation. Let us know what you think here.

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  • April 21, 2009 9:59 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, April 20

  Is the economy starting to turn the corner? Analysts are predicting that while the recession will continue, it may ease in intensity by this summer. Some signs include greater stability in new home construction and a 25% increase in March auto sales compared to the month before. Today Bank of America posted stronger than expected first quarter earnings, mainly from the purchase of Merrill Lynch. David gets the latest. What do you think?

  Then, April 20 may be the common celebration day for marijuana advocates, but this year many supporters are citing increased popular acceptance of the drug for medicinal or recreational use. With national polls showing increased support for marijuana legislation, the issue may be getting greater attention soon. David Lazarus discusses the progress of the marijuana cause. Give us your thoughts here.

  And, The Obama Administration Friday said that it would ease financing restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research, a position that replaces the more stringent restrictions of Bush administration. What do you think? Let us know.

  Did you know that almost half of all college students will become seriously depressed during their college career, and that one in 10 undergraduates will seriously consider suicide? Why are so many college students experiencing mental health problems? Give us your comments.

  Finally, United Airlines announced this week that it would charge overweight passengers for two seats when they travel in coach. David Lazarus talks with listeners about the new policy. What has been your experience? What do you think? Let us know.

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  • April 20, 2009 9:48 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, April 17

  California’s unemployment rate is now at 11.2% with the loss of 62,100 jobs last month. This is the highest level since the government began keeping records in 1976. Have you or someone you know lost their job? Comment here.

  The EPA has formally declared carbon and other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that threaten public health and welfare in a revamped effort to fight against global warming. EPA officials are using scientific evidence to propel the effort, evidence they say is “compelling and overwhelming.” What are your thoughts about this announcement? Let us know here.

  President Barack Obama indicated that CIA operatives who carried out brutal interrogation techniques during the Bush administration will not be prosecuted because “nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past.” Obama said the torture techniques, which included waterboarding and keeping detainees awake for up to 11 days straight, will never be used again. What do you think? Let us know.

  Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor and Henry Sheehan of henrysheehan.com review the week’s new film releases including State Of Play, 17 Again, Lymelife, Is Anybody There, American Violet, Sleep Dealer, Enlighten Up!, and Ballerina.

  And, Former Variety critic Emanuel Levy joins Larry Mantle to talk his new book, the first full-length comprehensive biography of film director Vincente Minnelli, “Vincente Minnelli: Hollywood’s Dark Dreamer.”

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  • April 17, 2009 9:57 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Esa-Pekka Salonen was in a very reflective mood when I interviewed him yesterday afternoon at Disney Concert Hall. I hope you heard and enjoyed the conversation as it aired this morning. Esa-Pekka is a remarkable person in Southern California’s artistic history. We’ve been so fortunate to take advantage of his artistic growth as he’s guided the LA Phil. However, it’s also important to recognize L.A. Phil President Deborah Borda’s stellar job in directing the overall institution. Since her arrival from New York, Deborah has done a wonderful job of raising the profiles of both the orchestra and its significant educational outreach.

  Tomorrow, our critics review the new political thriller State of Play, starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, and the comedy 17 Again, starring Zac Effron. We’ll also talk with critic and scholar Emanuel Levy about his new biography of director Vincente Minnelli. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • April 16, 2009 12:31 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  We hadn’t planned on extending our conversation on the LAUSD cuts to a full hour, but I’m so glad we did. The input from teachers, parents, and others was extremely valuable and spoke to the huge challenges the District faces.

  Tomorrow, we’ll air an interview I taped this afternoon with Esa-Pekka Salonen in his Disney Concert Hall dressing room. He was quite introspective about his 17 years at the artistic helm of the Orchestra. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • April 15, 2009 4:56 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, April 15

  The Board of Education for L.A. Unified School District approved a plan yesterday to lay off more than 5,000 employees including newer teachers without tenure, counselors, custodians, and administrators. Larry Mantle and guests discuss. What are your thoughts on the layoffs?

  Then, Larry and guests examine the new Pew Hispanic Center report on illegal immigration and talk about President Obama’s upcoming trip to Mexico in light of his immigration policy reform expected to be unveiled next month. What do you think reform should look like?

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  • April 15, 2009 9:53 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, April 14

  In the wake of the suicide of a 22-year-old man in the Men’s Central Jail, today the ACLU will release an expert’s report on psychosis—inducing conditions at the jail and reveal new details on the circumstances surrounding the detainee’s death. The ACLU is calling for facility to be closed, claiming that savings from the jail’s closure could provide diversion and housing programs for mentally ill inmates. What do you think about closing the Men’s Central Jail? Give us your thoughts here.

  Then, Los Angeles school officials have dropped the plan to lay off as many as 1900 permanent teachers from the LA Unified School District. Some jobs have been spared, but some still may be in jeopardy. Let us know what you think here.

  Larry Mantle talks with Mayor Villaraigosa’s Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety, Arif Alikhan about his job and what it entails as it pertains to safety and security in Los Angeles. Comment here.

  Then, The number of local films shoots in the Los Angeles area has fallen to its lowest level on record due to out-of-state economic incentives and the recession. Do you work in the industry? What is your experience?

  And, in a set of experiments involving mice, Chinese researchers have shown for the first time that adult mammals can harbor primitive cells that are capable of becoming eggs and producing offspring. Their finding challenges the assumption that female mammals are born with all of the eggs they will ever produce, and has possibly significant human implications. What do you think?

  Finally, Mike Tyson’s boxing career was often overshadowed or sidetracked by his legal troubles and eccentric behavior. In his documentary “Tyson,” director James Toback provides a revealing portrait of the figure through original interviews and archival footage. Give us your comments.

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  • April 14, 2009 9:46 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, April 13

  WHAT’S NEXT IN THE PIRATE PURSUIT? The standoff with Somali pirates off the African coast came to a swift and dramatic end yesterday, resulting in the rescue of the U.S. ship captain who was held captive. Three of the pirates were killed by Navy sharpshooters, while the fourth pirate is in custody and could face trial. While resolution came to this incident, larger questions remain. What should be done to combat piracy, and how should vessels protect themselves? Larry Mantle and guests discuss. You’re comments are welcome…

  Then, there is an ongoing conflict that threatens to turn violent between animal rights advocates and scientists using animals for research at UCLA. Larry hears both sides. What’s your take on the controversy?

  Also, President Obama just announced he’s lifting the ban on travel to Cuba for Cuban Americans. Your thoughts on this development…

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  • April 13, 2009 9:54 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Jon's Daily Blog

  The controversy that arose over the Los Angeles Times printing an ad on its front page yesterday is one more sad decision Timesmen (and women) are having to make as they preside over the long, slow, remaking of one of the country’s great papers.

  Discussing the segment with the excellent production staff at KPCC, I wondered if the story wasn’t a little parochial; of interest more to people involved in the news business than to the general public. We all felt that the story had resonance across our community, because even in its weakened state, the Times remains the news source of record in LA.

  I’m glad we decided to air the segment. We got to speak with Al Tompkins, one of the superb teacher/mentors at the revered Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg FL. Tompkins had a long career in TV news before hiring on to the Poynter staff. He now manages a hefty portfolio of seminars, training, writing, and research connected with his work there. He made no bones about calling the publication of that ad an ethical failure, especially running the ad on the front page, because it removed a substantial chunk of that valuable real estate from news and handed it to advertising. Most especially, however, Tompkins took the Times to task for printing the ad to look something like a news story, and for approaching NBC Universal with the deal to begin with - the broadcaster didn’t propose the idea to the times; it was the other way around.

  Like many in the industry, Tompkins reminded listeners that publications get very few chances to prove their credibility with their audiences, and once that credibility is sullied, it’s hard to win back.

  Publishing an ad on the front page of the Times is probably not the end of the world, but I have to say on this one, I have great sympathy with the owners and managers of the Times. It’s got to be hard to find an appropriate way to ‘sell your child’ to keep from going broke. The decisions facing Times management these day are very likely tinged with regret, sadness, and a wrenching sense of the earth moving beneath their feet. Al Tompkins is right that putting the ad on the front page of the Times was an ethical lapse, but it’s hard to blame Times management when they are looking for lost change in the sofa cushions just to keep the lights on.

  Jon Beaupre

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  • April 10, 2009 8:23 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, April 10

  Although financial analysts predict that job losses will reach more than 10 percent in 2010, there is, at least for now, some good news. The economy is showing signs of life, with Wells Fargo & Co. expecting record first-quarter profits and major banks’ stocks soaring. Thursday’s Dow was up 246 points and the Commerce Department said the U.S. trade deficit declined as exports rose in the month of February. These reports have many people wondering, “Is the worst of the financial crisis over?” What do you think? Let us know here.

  Despite protests from editors, publisher Eddy Hartenstein, decided to run the front page ad about NBC’s new drama Southland. Designed to look like an editorial, the advertisement highlighted the shows main character Ben Sherman. Hartenstein argues that the advertisement was necessary and that it was a step in helping the struggling paper gain revenue. Yet the ad has sparked a loud conversation on ethics and the sanctity of the Los Angeles Times’ front page. What did you think about the ad on the front page of the L.A. Times.

  Finally, its FilmWeek with reviews of all the week’s new films, and a discussion about Yahoo’s list of the “100 Movies To See Before You Die.” What do you think of the films on the list? What do you think is missing from the list? Let us know.

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  • April 10, 2009 9:50 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Thursday, April 9

  Legal scholar John Yoo is best known for his work from 2001 to 2003 in the United States Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, assisting the Attorney General in his function as legal advisor to President Bush. His legal opinions and memos have come under intense criticism for advocating warrantless wiretapping and the denial of Geneva Convention protection to prisoners. Yoo is now a visiting professor of law at the Chapman University School of Law in Orange County. His presence there hasn’t gone unnoticed—and his fellow instructors who agree with the torture accusations want him booted. Guest-host John Beaupre is joined by two of Chapman’s most prominent voices. He also asks KPCC’s listeners: what do you think? Should John Yoo be permitted to teach? Let us know here.

  Then, The Children’s Museum of Los Angeles is facing bankruptcy. The city intends to take over the San Fernando Valley facility. Scheduled to open, by 2010, the museum was to replace a smaller downtown museum that closed in 2000. Now its future is bleak. Give us your thoughts here.

  Bogaletch “Boge” Gebre has been steadily working to change perceptions on female genital mutilation in her native Ethiopia. In 1997 she founded the Kembatta Women’s Self Help Center to end the ritual practice performed on young girls each year by Christians, Muslims, and tribal families. Jon talks with her about her work. Comment here.

  Finally, Jon talks with James Flanigan, author of “Smile Southern California, You’re the Center of the Universe: The Economy and People of a Global Region.”

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  • April 9, 2009 9:26 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, April 8

  Since the start of the economic downturn an estimated 3.7 million working-age Americans, including 500,000 in California, have lost their health insurance. Those with health coverage are being deterred from preventive care visits by high deductibles and copays. The result is a drop in doctor’s visits in all areas. People are cutting back on routine screenings and examinations, and cancers and chronic conditions are going undiagnosed and left to become more problematic. Are you putting off medical care? Let us know about it here.

  Then, A few years ago, there were music stores on every street corner. Now, not so much….why? Because downloading music over the Internet is a much easier way to get your favorite tunes. And Internet download speeds are now so fast that downloading movies is in the process of sending DVD stores the way of CDs. Worst yet—movies that aren’t even in the theaters yet are sometimes showing up on the Internet. “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is the latest example. What’s the net result? At a Congressional field hearing Monday, the industry estimated some $20 billion in sales are lost due to illegally copied and distributed movies, music and other entertainment. What can be done? Give us your thoughts here.

  The International Committee of the Red Cross says in a report that doctors monitored CIA interrogations of prisoners at secret overseas sites, and that this is a clear violation of medical ethics. Is it a violation? Or, could Doctors have saved the lives of some detainees during their interrogations? What do you think? Let us know.

  Finally, would you like to know how long you’re likely to live, what diseases you’re susceptible to, or what genes determine your personality? In his book “Experimental Man,” journalist David Ewing Duncan made himself a guinea pig and underwent hundreds of cutting-edge medical tests to find what useful knowledge could be gained. Would you use these tests? Tell us here.

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  • April 8, 2009 9:47 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  This morning’s listener calls regarding corporate entertaining were so interesting. We heard a mix of comments as to whether such big ticket hospitality was essential to business success in many fields. The tough part is hearing how hard many of our listeners have been hit. Our best wishes go out to those of you in the hospitality business who’ve been especially hard hit by our economic slide.

  I’ll be in San Francisco for the rest of this week to be with my father as he has back surgery. I look forward to talking with you Monday.

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  • April 7, 2009 12:28 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, April 7, 2009

  UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: JUNKET CUTS HURT: Americans were outraged to learn that companies such as AIG took bailouts and then turned around and spent hundreds of thousands on luxury junkets. So industries have been cutting down their junkets…but this leads to unintended consequences. The leisure industry, so important to the economy of many cities, is taking a major hit. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas lost $131 million worth of business this year. The Four Seasons hotel in Los Angeles has taken a 15 percent hit in its meeting business. This translates into lost jobs for hotel staff and suppliers. Does this change how you think about junkets and their significance? Tell Larry what you think.

  And then… less than six months before its planned opening in September, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s downtown arts high school still lacks a principal, and concern is rising over its direction. Several critics are calling for the district to turn over control to a charter school organization, and philanthropist Eli Broad reportedly said that the school was “deemed to be mediocre and a failure” otherwise. Also at issue is the district’s plan to reserve most of the school’s seats for students from the surrounding neighborhood instead of for the most talented students throughout the district. Despite the criticism, Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines has stated that he won’t consider turning the school over to a charter organization until after its opening. What do you think should be the future of LA’s downtown arts school?

  Then in the second hour: Defense Secretary Robert Gates has released his budget: the Pentagon will end the F-22 fighter jet and White House helicopter programs run by Lockheed, but would increase production of the company’s Joint Strike Fighter. There’s also a call for more unmanned aircraft and more money for treating traumatic head injuries and psychological scars from returning veterans. What will it all mean for the armed forces? Larry gets all the details on the military’s new budget.

  Finally, America’s Culture of Outsiders… Reporter Evan Wright has always been fascinated by outsiders. In his new book “Hella Nation”, he collects 12 profiles of people with one thing in common- they don’t fit in. From anarchists in Oregon, to sex workers in Porn Valley, to runaways in Hollywood working as corporate skateboard promoters, Wright reveals the stories of people for whom “the American dream is either just out of grasp, or something they’ve chosen to reject altogether”. Larry Mantle talks with Evan Wright, bestselling author of “Generation Kill”, about his new book.

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  • April 7, 2009 9:39 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I understand that callers and those who comment on our blog aren’t necessarily statistically representative of the overall audience, but they still provide a great window into the range of opinions listeners have on a particular topic or guest. This morning’s conversation on the Iowa Supreme Court decision legalizing same sex marriage is a good example. Several of our callers and bloggers were unhappy that we had Matt Barber of the Liberty Counsel on AirTalk to discuss the impact of the ruling on California.

  I certainly understand why many listeners would be angered by Barber’s views. He sees homosexuality as a lifestyle choice, not innate. Barber also claims that legalizing gay marriage creates a slippery slope that could lead to polygamous or incestuous marriages. You might consider that argument absurd, but it’s one frequently made by those against same sex marriage. In fact, Liberty Counsel made that one of its prominent legal arguments in the amicus brief it filed in the Iowa case.

  Even if you find Barber’s argument offensive, it’s important to have it as part of our AirTalk conversation. It’s an argument heard by the Court and it’s one that holds sway with enough voters that same sex marriage bans have been passing. Barber’s is not a fringe point of view, though one that will be harder to implement in the future, given younger Americans’ easygoing attitudes about same gender relationships.

  Tomorrow, we’ll look at the future of the new LAUSD performing arts high school. Can the District successfully operate the school? Would it do better as a Charter? Does it make sense to give the vast majority of seats to students living close to the school, or should it be like NYC’s FAME and require that students audition in? I’ll talk with you then.

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  • April 6, 2009 1:50 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, April 6

  North Korea took another step in advancing its space program - or its ballistic missile program, depending who you ask - over the weekend with the firing of a three-stage rocket. Although the launch was only a partial success the United States and other western powers are trying to forge a strong response via the United Nations. Comment here.

  An Iowa Supreme Court ruling has legalized gay marriage in that state. Iowa joins Connecticut and Massachusetts and becomes only the third state to legalize gay marriage…well, except for California of course, which briefly legalized same-sex marriage before Prop. 8 repealed it. What does it mean now that a state in the nation’s heartland has recognized gay marriage? Give us your thoughts here.

  A new report shows that Barack Obama’s loan modification program has, so far, failed to stop the growth of foreclosures. The report, which was released Friday by the federal government, shows that most loan modifications have reduced monthly payments by less than 10%. It also showed that over one-quarter of loan modifications actually resulted in higher monthly payments. Is it time for a new strategy? Let us know here.

  Finally, Alan Boss, author of “The Crowded Universe: The Search for Living Planets,” tries to answer the age-old question, are we alone? Boss argues that life is not only possible elsewhere in the universe but that it is common. What do you think?

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  • April 6, 2009 8:58 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  It’s wonderful to have good movies to talk about again! Our critics today were like desert wanderers who’d found a waterhole. I guess the crummy movies have been dumped off the studio shelves and quality, intelligent, films are having their season.

  We have several topics already planned for Monday, including the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, and we’ll look at whether the President’s plan to help distressed homeowners is providing much relief. Have a great weekend.

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  • April 3, 2009 7:18 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Friday, April 3

  The House of Representatives has voted to put tobacco regulation under the control of the FDA. If the bill becomes law, the FDA wouldn’t be able to ban nicotine or tobacco outright, but would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make their ingredients public, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and strictly control or prohibit marketing campaigns. Do you think this is a good idea?

  Larry Mantle talks to author Andrew Lih about the Wikipedia “revolution.” Lih discusses how the online encyclopedia came into being, who exactly keeps the incredible site on track and how its editors reflect the cultures and lifestyles of their countries. Do you use Wikipedia regularly? How does it work for you? Post your questions and comments about Wikipedia here:

  Larry talks with Conrad Vernon, director of the animated, 3-D film “Monsters vs. Aliens.” Do you have any questions about making of the film?

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  • April 3, 2009 9:32 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Thursday, April 2

  Big promises and agreements have come out of the G-20 Summit. Leaders agreed to: clean up banks around the world, restructure the world financial system, give $1.1 trillion to the IMF, the World Bank, and other financial institutions, reduce protectionism, crack down on hedge funds and tax havens, give third world countries a greater say in world economic affairs, create new rules linking executive pay to performance, and create a supervisory body to oversee the global financial system. Wow. Bill will member countries actually follow through? And how?

  House Republicans have unveiled a more detailed alternative budget plan. Under the GOP plan, taxpayers would have an option of staying with the current system or paying either 10 percent or 25 percent, depending on their income. The plan would also repeal the entire economic stimulus package, except for the extension of unemployment insurance benefits. What do you think?

  It’s not brain surgery! Oh, wait… It is. Larry Mantle talks with brain surgeon Dr. Keith Black about his work and about the inner workings of the brain. Post your questions for Dr. Black here.

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  • April 2, 2009 9:45 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for April 1, 2009

  Crime is down in Los Angeles and other parts of the Southern California, despite expectations that it would rise due to the recession and a 12% unemployment rate in Los Angeles. In the city of Los Angeles, property time is down 6.4% and violent crime is down 4.9% compared to the same period last year. Larry Mantle and guests talk about this surprising trend.

  And then, to help offset the state’s $41.6 billion budget deficit, California residents today will begin to face an increase in their sales tax that will bring their rate to almost 9 percent. Experts say that the increase on items like cars, furniture, laptops and toys will bring in $5.8 billion until it expires in July of 2011. Will it change how you buy?

  Want to go to Cuba? Since 1959, when Fidel Castro took power in Havana, the US has maintained a trade and travel embargo against Cuba. But that may finally be changing. The Obama Administration, along with a group of lawmakers, wants to start chipping away at the restrictions. The Administration supports lifting bans on travel and allowing Cuban-Americans to send remittances to their families. Is this the beginning of a rapprochement with Cuba? Larry gets the details.

  In the second hour, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrived in London Tuesday, the first stop on their eight-day, five-country trip through Europe. In that brief period of time, the President will attend the G-20 economic summit, a NATO summit, deliver a speech in France on the trans-Atlantic relationship, and give an address in Prague on weapons proliferation. He will also make his first stop in a Muslim nation, Turkey. How will Mr. Obama be received in these countries by their leaders and citizens? And what do Europeans think of his performance as President so far? Larry Mantle talks with reporters abroad.

  Finally, “Spade and Archer” is a gritty mystery novel that focuses on the Private Detective Sam Spade. A prequel to Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon,” the novel follows Spade as he sets up his own agency in San Francisco in 1921. Spade brings on his partner in crime Archer. From booze runners to murderers the book follows Spade through his early years. Larry Mantle talks to author Joe Gores about the noir behind his novel. Larry talks with Joe Gores, author of Spade and Archer.

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  • April 1, 2009 9:50 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for March 31, 2009

  It’s an open secret that many industries in California employ migrant workers who often aren’t here legally. Reports are coming in that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will soon direct federal agents to focus on arresting and prosecuting Americans who knowingly employ illegal immigrants, rather than going after the laborers themselves. The belief is that if they can cut off the demand for cheap, illegal labor, migrant workers will no longer have an incentive to sneak across the border. Will it work? Tell us what you think.

  And then…are California school children at risk for mumps? Decades ago, horrific diseases such as polio, were a scourge for children. But mandatory vaccinations made most of these diseases a forgotten nightmare of the past. Recently, however, increases in autism have led some to conclude that vaccines themselves are actually the culprit in some diseases. Many parents are now delaying vaccinations for their children. California health workers now worry that we may see a return to the days of mumps, measles, and worse. Tell us your concerns.

  In the second hour, it’s sexting. Teens all over the country are stripping down and taking pictures of themselves and then sending these explicit photos to friends on their cell phones or the internet. It’s called “texting” and may be innocent teenage exhibitionism but a 14-year old New Jersey girl is being charged with child pornography for posting nude pictures on herself on MySpace.com. These charges could force her to register as a sex offender. Larry and guests discuss this new trend.

  And then it’s “Jesus, Interrupted”…in his book, Bart D. Ehrman argues that the Bible is full of inconsistencies. According to Ehrman, these are not trivial details, but rather contradictions over major issues like who Christ is and how the followers of Jesus should live. The author contends that most of the books in the Bible were written long after Jesus’ death. In order to understand the Bible, he says that one must know who wrote each book and why the authors contradict each other. Larry Mantle talks with Religious Studies Professor Bart D. Ehrman about his book.

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  • March 31, 2009 9:20 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for March 31, 2009

  It’s an open secret that many industries in California employ migrant workers who often aren’t here legally. Reports are coming in that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will soon direct federal agents to focus on arresting and prosecuting Americans who knowingly employ illegal immigrants, rather than going after the laborers themselves. The belief is that if they can cut off the demand for cheap, illegal labor, migrant workers will no longer have an incentive to sneak across the border. Will it work? Tell us what you think.

  And then…are California school children at risk for mumps? Decades ago, horrific diseases such as polio, were a scourge for children. But mandatory vaccinations made most of these diseases a forgotten nightmare of the past. Recently, however, increases in autism have led some to conclude that vaccines themselves are actually the culprit in some diseases. Many parents are now delaying vaccinations for their children. California health workers now worry that we may see a return to the days of mumps, measles, and worse. Tell us your concerns.

  In the second hour, it’s sexting. Teens all over the country are stripping down and taking pictures of themselves and then sending these explicit photos to friends on their cell phones or the internet. It’s called “texting” and may be innocent teenage exhibitionism but a 14-year old New Jersey girl is being charged with child pornography for posting nude pictures on herself on MySpace.com. These charges could force her to register as a sex offender. Larry and guests discuss this new trend.

  And then it’s “Jesus, Interrupted”…in his book, Bart D. Ehrman argues that the Bible is full of inconsistencies. According to Ehrman, these are not trivial details, but rather contradictions over major issues like who Christ is and how the followers of Jesus should live. The author contends that most of the books in the Bible were written long after Jesus’ death. In order to understand the Bible, he says that one must know who wrote each book and why the authors contradict each other. Larry Mantle talks with Religious Studies Professor Bart D. Ehrman about his book.

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  • March 31, 2009 9:20 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Monday, March 30

  Today President Obama issued strict orders for GM and Chrysler to get their financial houses in order, saying that government financial assistance for the companies would end unless GM produces a better restructuring plan within 60 days. The announcement comes on top of the Obama administration’s request that GM CEO Rick Wagoner resign. Larry Mantle and guests talk what these changes mean for the future of the American auto industry. Post your thoughts here…

  Then, the fret over debt. The National Debt has increased an average of $3.73 billion per day since September 28, 2007. It is now at $11 trillion. The Bush administration added $4 trillion. The National Debt stood at $10.6-trillon on the day Barack Obama took office. But if his budget projections are accurate, he’ll run up nearly as much government debt in four years as President Bush did in eight. How concerned are you about the huge looming national debt?

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  • March 30, 2009 9:49 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, March 27

  President Obama Friday morning said that he plans to send an additional 4,000 troops to Afghanistan to train Afghan security forces as part of a new war strategy in that region and Pakistan, in large part because attacks against Americans in that region have escalated in the past seven years. What do you think of the President’s new strategy? Let us know.

  Then, The Los Angeles Planning Commission has voted for a new law that would ban digital billboard in most parts of the city. The law also restricts the size of signs, making them significantly smaller then currently allowed, including signs on store front windows. Yet, signs and billboards already approved would not be affected by the new ordinance. Give us your thoughts about the vote here.

  And, Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Andy Klein and Henry Sheehan of henrysheehan.com discuss the week’s new releases including Monsters vs. Aliens, The Haunting In Connecticut, Spinning Into Butter, The Education of Charlie Banks, Three Monkeys, and Tokyo Sonata.

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  • March 27, 2009 9:55 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Where is the outrage over my “insensitive” comments this morning about the evictions of the holdouts in Chavez Ravine? I must say I expected more negative response. From the first time my high school teacher tried to enlist my sympathy on behalf of the evictees, through art exhibits, theater, and books on the subject, I’ve never been able to work up distress over the construction of Dodger Stadium on that site. Our caller, Gunter, raised the point that typical eminent domain proceedings are for a public project, not on behalf of private enterprise. However, in this case, as our author pointed out, the eviction notices had been presented much earlier when a public housing project was planned for the ravine. Further, Dodger Stadium has provided a cross-cultural meeting place for Los Angeles for nearly 50 years. I think there’s tremendous civic value from its construction.

  If we were building Dodger Stadium today, we’d ideally situate it in an urban, walkable and transit-centric area like Downtown or South Park. However, in the early 60s, the car was seen as the ultimate method of transportation and room for parking and freeway access trumped all else. Regardless, I think it’s worked out pretty well for the City. Now, in terms of the quality of the Dodgers’ starting rotation…

  Tomorrow, our Film Week critics will review Dreamworks Animation’s, “Monsters vs. Aliens,” and several other new movies. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • March 26, 2009 1:20 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Thursday, March 26

  A survey shows that the propositions designed to close the state budget gap will most likely fail in May. One of the measures would raise the State sales tax by 1%. If the measures fail, economic instability in the State will very likely continue. How will you be voting?

  Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is proposing a vast plan to more tightly regulate the financial services industry. It would, for the first time, regulate financial derivatives and large hedge funds. Do you support the idea?

  A new study shows that people with a genetic predispostion for depression show a significant amount of thinning of the right side of the brain, on par with brains of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Are you surprised by the finding?

  Larry talks with author Michael D’Antonio about his new book, “Forever Blue.” It outlines Walter O’Malley’s controversial decision to move the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958. Do you have questions for Michael D’Antonio?

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  • March 26, 2009 9:42 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  MONITORING PAROLEES: Attorney General and former Oakland mayor Jerry Brown says the recent shootings of four police officers show the state needs to more aggressively track and limit the activities of parolees. What do you think?

  And then …Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner asked Congress on Tuesday for broad new powers to regulate non-bank financial companies like troubled insurer American International Group. Is this the answer to stopping the big bonus debacle?

  In the second hour… to eat duck or not to eat duck? That is the question in Mark Caro’s new book, “The Foie Gras Wars,” a look at the morality of meat,

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  • March 24, 2009 9:55 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Thanks to AirTalk listeners, we made our $5,000 challenge this morning. I really appreciate your support for the program. Tomorrow’s our power block, when we hope to keep our on air fundraising to a half-day. Please join in tomorrow morning so we can all get a fundraising break tomorrow afternoon.

  Thomas Ricks has extraordinary access to the Generals in Iraq. That level of access has produced the superb book we discussed with him this morning. Please listen to it here if you missed it on air today.

  Tomorrow, we look at the Foie Gras wars, fought over a thousands year old delicacy and the process used to cultivate it. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • March 23, 2009 12:53 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, March 23, 2009

  The Obama Administration is taking another shot at freeing up cash flows, saying the Treasury will team up with private investors in buying up a half-trillion of bad bank assets to ease credit markets. The stock market has rallied this morning as a result. Will this finally work to rejuvenate the economy?

  And then…in a television appearance yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger called for increased federal spending on infrastructure projects. In order to pay for it, he said that raising the federal gas tax is something that should be looked at. The current federal tax on gas is 18.4 cents per gallon, and California already has the highest combined gas taxes in the country. Is raising the gas tax a good way to pay for infrastructure? Larry Mantle finds out.

  In the second hour, Larry talks with Thomas Ricks, author of “The Gamble: General Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008” (Penguin, 2009). Rick is the Washington Post’s special military correspondent, where he covered the US military since 2000.

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  • March 23, 2009 9:43 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  The AIG mess just won’t go away. As the bonus drama moves to the Senate, we’ll continue covering the story. However, the more important economic issues should return front-and-center.

  I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s been six years since the war in Iraq was launched. Let’s hope some progress can be made in building political coalitions there.

  What a wonderful response to our generous challenge from the Bergmans. We heard from more than a hundred AirTalk listeners this morning, allowing us to fulfill the $5,000 challenge. I left the studio on a real high.

  Have a great weekend. I’ll talk with you Monday.

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  • March 20, 2009 12:35 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Friday, March 20

  Outrage over bonuses to AIG and other giants in the financial sector has Washington on the move. The House easily approved a 90 percent tax on bonus payments yesterday. The Senate’s considering a 35 percent tax on the companies and a 35 percent tax on the recipients. Is it constitutional to tax these bonuses after the fact? Let us know your thoughts.

  Then, American flags were set on fire Friday to chants of “no, no for occupation.” That’s how followers of an anti-U.S. Shiite cleric marked the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war. How can the US wind down its presence there as violence continues? What are the logistically challenges? Will the country remain stable without the presence of US forces? Comment here.

  And, Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein of Variety and Jean Oppenheimer of Village Voice Media discuss the week’s new releases including Duplicity, I Love You Man, Knowing, The Great Buck Howard, Explicit Ills, Tokyo!, Sin Nombre, Super Capers, Virtual JFK: Vietnam Had Kennedy Lived, and Perestroika.

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  • March 20, 2009 9:49 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’m headed home for a nap. These days when I fundraise on both Morning Edition and AirTalk can be challenging. I’m not an early morning person and always admire the commitment Steve Julian makes to his arduous schedule. However, I’m also energized by the tremendous response we’re getting for KPCC. Thank you for supporting our news mission.

  Tomorrow, our Film Week critics review several new movies, including Julia Roberts’ return to the screen. She and Clive Owen star in “Duplicity.” I’ll talk with you then.

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  • March 19, 2009 12:32 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Thursday, March 19, 2009

  The President is here. Yesterday President Obama visited Costa Mesa. Today he’s in downtown LA. Larry gets the latest on his first visit to the Southland since the election.

  And then…Larry Mantle talks with Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly staff writer, William Lobdell, Orange County journalist, and Orange County Register senior editorial writer and columnist, Steven Greenhut, about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.

  In the second hour… more economic news. In its continued drive to reverse the sliding economy, the Federal Reserve said yesterday that it will spend an additional $1 trillion to bring down interest rates on mortgages and other loans. Will it work to get the economy growing? And how much more can the Fed do?

  Finally, Larry talks with Peter S. Canellos, author of Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy.

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  • March 19, 2009 8:53 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  All of us at KPCC enter every member drive with baited breath. Even though we see the growing numbers of listeners reflected in higher ratings and the ongoing financial commitment of members, we never consider on air fundraising a sure thing. The current economy gives us even more pause than usual.

  However, I’m happy to share that we’re off to a good start. This fund drive will, if fully successful, raise about 20% of our annual budget. These next several days will be key and I want you to know how much we all appreciate your support. It’s an honor to serve you and I consciously appreciate it every day.

  I was impressed by bioethicist Peter Singer’s argument for why we need to do more to support the world’s impoverished people. Regardless of whether you agree with his conclusions, his arguments are typically well framed and impressively written. He’s a pleasure to interview.

  Tomorrow, we’ll check in with our Orange County journalists to talk about the visit by President Obama, among other topics. Also, the author of a new biography of Ted Kennedy — Last Lion. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • March 18, 2009 2:23 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, March 18

  The Obama Administration is proposing to require private insurers to cover ongoing treatment for medical conditions related to military service, such as amputations, post-traumatic stress disorder and other battle wounds. This would save the Department of Veterans Affairs some $530 million a year. But it’s already raised the ire of veterans groups, who call this an abrogation of the government’s responsibility to care for wounded veterans

  And then…gun sales are surging amidst rising concerns that the Obama administration will strengthen controls. Are these worries well-founded?

  In the second hour of AirTalk, Larry talks with Peter Singer, professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, about his new book “The Life You Can Save,” Singer makes a case for how everyone can reasonably contribute to help end world poverty.

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  • March 18, 2009 10:02 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’m keeping up with everyone’s comments on the blog. This morning’s topics certainly connected. I was particularly pleased with the guests and listener calls regarding the quality of financial journalism. So many excellent points were raised.

  It’s tough hearing from all the folks who’ve lost their jobs or who have close family members now unemployed. They’re in good company. I hope this morning’s segment was helpful in the job hunt.

  Tomorrow, we kick off our Spring member drive. Though this is such a tough economy, we’re optimistic that listeners will do what they can to help us continue this service. Given all that we’re facing as a country, I hope public radio can continue to help explain what’s going on. I appreciate your listening and support, and look forward to talking with you tomorrow.

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  • March 17, 2009 2:24 PM by Larry Mantle
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  As important as the Getty’s two beautiful venues are to the cultural life of our region, I certainly hope that the Trust’s educational outreach efforts will continue without cuts. When an institution as solid as the Getty is forced to cut operating expenses by a quarter, you know we’re in tough times.

  I was amazed to hear how many local Salvadoran-Americans went back to El Salvador to vote. That’s a long way to travel for casting a vote — an impressive commitment.

  Abraham Verghese’s visits to AirTalk mean a lot to me. I don’t know that my grandfather, who worked as a physician until his mid-70s, would have been able to practice medicine today. His emphasis, like Dr. Verghese’s, was about spending time with the patient and developing longterm professional relationships with entire families. My grandfather even did housecalls until late in his career. Verne Mantle didn’t graduate medical school with huge debts and practiced in an era when talking with a patient was itself considered therapeutic. Whenever I visit with Dr. Verghese, I’m reminded of my grandfather’s approach to medicine and am heartened that the author thinks such a personal level of providing care is still possible.

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  • March 16, 2009 2:09 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, March 16, 2009

  Economic Round Up: This morning Obama announced a new initiative to provide billions in low-interest loans to small businesses. This comes on the heels of a plan to reduce mortgage deduction amounts for people earning over $250,000. What impact will this have on our ailing economy, which Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said over the weekend may come out of recession next year?

  And then: museums, philanthropy and budgets in the recession of 2009. The John Paul Getty Trust announced that it is cutting its budget by 25 percent. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced plans on Thursday to lay off 10 percent of its workforce, partly because of an endowment loss approaching 28 percent. How are philanthropies surviving in this sour economy?

  In the second hour, Larry talks with guests about the elections in El Salvador. Mauricio Funes, a leftist television journalist, won El Salvador’s presidential election. The election brings a party of former guerrillas to power for the first time and ends two decades of conservative rule.

  Then, if you’re nuts about peanuts… there are some 3 million American children with severe peanut allergies who can die from an innocent swap of sandwich or a candy bar with another child. But new trials are showing that there may be a way to treat this dangerous condition and it runs contrary to instinct and common sense: give allergic children small doses of peanut butter to build up their tolerance. And in a small trial, it seems to work. Larry gets the details from an allergy expert.

  Finally, Cutting for Stone..a portion of the Hippocratic Oath reads: “I will not cut for stone”, meaning a doctor was not to take on the menial task of performing surgery on a kidney stone, a role that at the time was limited to surgeons. Nevertheless, Abraham Verghese’s novel Cutting for Stone takes readers through the lives of four surgeons, with the primary focus on twin, orphaned brothers Shiva and Marion in Ethiopia. Although Verghese is also a doctor, and the field of medicine is a common theme that intertwines the boys’lives, the novel is about more than medicine. It’s also about the brothers’ love for the same woman, and the political and internal turmoil of living in war-torn Ethiopia. Larry talks with Abraham Verghese about his new book.

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  • March 16, 2009 9:41 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Friday, March 13

  Guest host David Lazarus discusses the latest news on the economy and the markets. Have we hit bottom? Are things looking up? Give us your thoughts here.

  Then, it’s “Pink Friday” in schools across California. Teachers are wearing pink to protest coming pink slips and layoffs. It has been reported that teachers and schools are involving their young students in these protests? Should they? What do you think?

  Then, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) agreed Thursday to a demand for increases in electric rates requested by Southern California Edison. Are you willing to pay more? Let us know.

  Finally, its FilmWeek with the KPCC film critics reviewing all the week’s new releases.

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  • March 13, 2009 9:55 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  Kudos to our producer Jackie Oclaray for her ability to reassure OC Supervisor John Moorlach that he would be treated fairly on AirTalk and that he’d have ample opportunity to explain his decision to vote against funding for Planned Parenthood. We often run into potential guests who, if they’re unfamiliar with the program, fear that they’ll be treated belligerently. Fortunately, this is less the case now than in the past, as the size of our audience has grown so dramatically and more potential guests know what we do.

  Tomorrow, guest host David Lazarus will lead our critics through the week’s new movies, and also talk about the top news of the day. Morning Edition host Steve Julian and I are off to Arizona for our annual trip to watch spring training baseball. We’ll catch two Dodger games and one Angel contest. We’ll offer several player and manager interviews that will be posted on this KPCC website. I’ll talk with you Monday.

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  • March 12, 2009 12:15 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Thursday, March 12

  An agreement has been reached between the University of California and L.A. county to reopen Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital within three years. Give us your thoughts about the re-opening of the hospital.

  Then, last month, the California legislature reached a budget deal. On May 19 Californians will vote on six budget-related ballot measures. Included are propositions for a state spending limit, state aid for education, and borrowing $5 billion against future lottery revenue. The most controversial measure on the May 19 ballot is Prop 1A. If passed, it would impose a state spending limit by setting aside money during boom years in a rainy-day fund and limiting what it could be used for. Additionally, there would be $16 billion in tax increases that could last as long as four years. Please comment here.

  And, the Orange County Board Of Supervisors has voted to suspend Planned Parenthood’s contract. What do you think of this action? Let us know here.

  Finally, Larry talks with Edward Humes, author of “Eco Barons: The Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Who Are Saving Our Planet.” Give us your thoughts here.

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  • March 12, 2009 10:26 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  I’ve been touched by the calls and blog comments we’ve been getting from our segment on high functioning alcoholics. I hope that the conversation is helpful. I also appreciate the support that’s being offered by bloggers to those who’re seeing this as an opportunity to get help.

  I don’t think there’s any frequent AirTalk guest who gets as much response as UTLA head A.J. Duffy. Regardless of your opinion of his positions on teacher compensation, tenure, and LAUSD adminstrative priorities, he never backs down or sugarcoats his statements. He doesn’t seem to care that he’ll outrage people. Duffy’s an old school (no pun intended) labor leader who’ll stand toe-to-toe and fight on behalf of his membership. As to whether his positions benefit his union — that’s the teachers’ call.

  Tomorrow, we’ll debate the best way for the federal government to regulate risk in the financial marketplace. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • March 10, 2009 2:23 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, March 10

  Larry talks with A.J. Duffy of UTLA about the vote today on laying off teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District. What do you think? Comment here.

  Then, Larry discusses the commercial real estate market and how it is being affected by the economic downturn. Are you in commercial real estate? How is the downturn affecting you?

  And, Larry talks about the political ins and outs of President Obama’s spending bill. The Democrats in the Senate are holding it up. Why? Give us your thoughts.

  Finally, Larry talks with Sarah Allen Benton about her new book, “Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic.” Please share your experiences here.

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  • March 10, 2009 9:55 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, March 4

  Los Angeles City election results are in: Mayor Villaraigosa will serve a second term, but his controversial solar power measure is fighting for its life with a few thousand votes left to be counted. The City Attorney and City Council district 5 races are both headed for runoffs. Are you surprised by the results?

  Heath insurance companies won’t cover the most relied-upon autism therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, because they see it as an educational intervention rather than a medical necessity. Should this change?

  The State Supreme Court will hear oral arguments tomorrow in a challege to the constitutionality of Proposition 8, and the legality of roughly 18,000 same-sex marriages hangs in the balance. If Proposition 8 is upheld, should these married, gay couples be exempted from the ruling and allowed to remain married?

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  • March 4, 2009 9:13 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Friday, February 27

  46-year-old Irvine resident Craig Monteilh was sent by the FBI to infiltrate several Orange County mosques. What does this mean to the Islamic community of Southern California?

  Today the 150 year-old Rocky Mountain News published its last newspaper. And unless it can find a buyer, the San Francisco Chronicle may also shut down, having lost more than $50 million last year. Demand for news is higher than before, but readers and ad revenues are shifting to the internet. How do you feel about the possibility that print news may soon be history?

  Then, Larry talks with KPCC film critics Andy Klein and Henry Sheehan about film criticism and the general movie-going public. Are film critics out of touch with audiences?

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  • February 27, 2009 9:13 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Thursday, February 26

  President Barack Obama released a budget for more than $3.5 trillion, with proposed changes that could push it closer to $4 trillion. The spending plan would increase taxes on the wealthy and make cuts in Medicare. What do you think?

  And then…three candidates debate for the District 5 City Council seat (Westwood, Encino, Sherman Oaks area). What would you like the new City Council member to address in this area?

  And finally, Larry interviews the author of “Righteous Porkchop,” Nicolette Hahn Niman’s odyssey through the inner workings of the “factory farm.” Is it possible to make factory farming green?

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  • February 26, 2009 8:55 AM by Roger Rudick
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  It’ll be fascinating to see if the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles tries this novel approach for getting indictments against the local archdiocese, and if Cardinal Mahony ends up directly named. Hearing legal analyst Laurie Levenson describe the strategy, it sounds like quite a challenge to prosecute such a case.

  What do you think about whether it’s justified for health insurers to charge women more than men for individual policies? The companies say it’s statistically justified but, even if that’s true, should the insurers be allowed to do it? Please listen to this morning’s segment on the topic and add your comment to the blog.

  Tomorrow, our critics review the week’s new movies and we’ll hear from Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Paul Shanley about his movie Doubt. I’ll talk with you tomorrow.

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  • January 29, 2009 12:51 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, January 26

  Today President Barack Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to re-examine whether California and other states should be allowed to have tougher auto emission standards. Larry and guests, including Senator Barbara Boxer, discuss.

  Then, the President is calling for bipartisanship to pass his economic stimulus package. Can the Democrats and Republicans come together on a plan fix our ailing economy? Your thoughts are welcome here…

  Pulitzer Prize winning author Daniel Yergin joins Larry Mantle to discuss the current global energy crisis and its relationship to the global economy.

  And the future of water in the western United States.

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  • January 26, 2009 9:50 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  President Obama hasn’t wasted any time laying out his vision for the new administration. Listeners did a great job of weighing in on what they think the new President should tackle first. We had no advance word of Mr. Obama’s pubic announcement this morning about a series of Presidential directives on White House staff salaries and lobbying restrictions. It’s always fun when we can jump on something like this right away and get in on the air. With this one, NPR didn’t even know it was coming. We got our feed from CNN.

  I learned a lot about the Millennial generation and its social interactions. I’m so different, preferring one-on-one or small groups to large social gatherings or networks. I know that’s rather ironic for a “broadcaster.” You can hear our bonus half-hour of today’s “AirTalk” exclusively here at kpcc.org.

  Tomorrow, we’ll hear what our critics say about the Oscar nominations, we’ll talk with the New York Times’ chief Washington writer about the Obama presidency, and welcome composer Stephen Schwartz of “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin” fame. I’ll talk with you then.

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  • January 21, 2009 12:38 PM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Monday, January 19

  It’s Martin Luther King Day and the day before Obama’s inauguration…Larry gets the latest from Washington. But first he checks in with State Controller John Chiang who says his office will suspend tax refunds, welfare checks, student grants and other payments owed to Californians starting Feb. 1, as a result of the state’s cash crisis.

  Then it’s all about the inauguration: Larry’s joined by veteran White House Correspondent Ken Walsh for a look back at past inaugurations. He’ll also be joined by an inauguration committee spokeswoman and an historian. Later, he’ll check in with KPCC reporter Brian Watt who’s in DC on the mall and he’ll hear from Californians attending tomorrow’s ceremony.

  Finally, Larry talks with Clay Risen, author of A Nation on Fire: America in the Wake of the King Assassination”

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  • January 19, 2009 9:17 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Friday, January 16

  Larry Mantle discusses The President-elect’s economic stimulus plan. What will the package ultimately entail? How will the remaining TARP funds be disbursed? What is happening politically behind the scenes? Larry tries to find out.Give us your thoughts.

  Then, Larry discusses the announcement by Circuit City to close all of its stores and liquidate. What do you think? Comment here.

  And, Larry talks about President Bush’s farewell speech last night. What did you think of the speech?

  Finally, its FilmWeek with all the week’s new releases. And Larry talks with John Patrick Shanley about his film, “Doubt.”

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  • January 16, 2009 9:04 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Larry's Daily Comment

  No fireworks this time out in the confirmation of Senator Clinton. It appears she’ll sail through this process, after answering more questions about her husband’s foundation.

  We’re looking at the legacy of President Bush this week, and it’s fascinating to hear differing perceptions among Republicans. When a party’s winning, like the Democrats, it’s a lot easier to set aside internal differences. When your party’s getting hammered, factionalism comes to the fore. As someone who really enjoys the ideas behind politics, I’m looking forward to hearing more of these internal GOP debates. What we didn’t get into this morning, was the huge demographic challenge the party faces. We’ll have more on that to come. I’ll talk with you tomorrow, when we look at Bush’s legacy on environmental and energy policies.

  And here’s a request from our newsroom: we’re interested in interviewing members of Saddleback Church in Orange County, as well as people who’ve had experiences with Pastor Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life.” If you can help us, click on Contact on our website. Thanks.

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  • January 13, 2009 11:50 AM by Larry Mantle
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, January 13

  Larry discusses Hillary Clinton’s confirmation hearings to become Secretary of State. What are your thoughts about her answers? Tell us here.

  Then, Larry talks about the legacy of President Bush with a panel of conservatives. Give us your thoughts.

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  • January 13, 2009 9:56 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for January 9, 2009

  In the first hour, it’s about the economy…good news for people declaring bankruptcy—CitiGroup is now supporting legislation to allow courts to reduce the principal on a primary mortgage. This is a reversal for the banking sector and may result in broad changes in the way bankruptcy judges can assist people in getting out from “underwater.” Is this good or bad for Southland consumers? Larry finds out.

  And then… why won’t they lend? Banks are in the business of lending money. But despite cash infusions from the government’s bailout program, so far they just aren’t doing it. What’s going on? And how can the government get their cash back into the economy?

  A new report from a congressional panel is highly critical of the Treasury Department. Remember that $350 billion taxpayers gave to banks via the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program? Well, yes, it went to banks, but after that…nobody’s quite sure what happened to it or how it was spent. Oops. Larry sends out a search party.

  Then the latest movie reviews on FilmWeek.

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  • January 9, 2009 9:33 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Thursday, January 8

  Larry talks about Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal to shorten the school year by five days. Is this a good idea or not? Give us your thoughts.

  Then, Larry talks with our trio of Orange County Journalists about all the latest Orange County News.

  And, Larry talks about the proposed ban on smoking outside at cafes and coffee shops in Los Angeles. However, the outdoor patios of bars are exempted. What do you think?

  Finally, Larry talks with the author of the book, “In Defense Of Dolphins.”

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  • January 8, 2009 9:47 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, January 7

  Larry gets the latest on the State Budget stalemate from lawmakers… then how will those cut backs impact LA’s school? Larry is joined by David Menefee-Libey and Charles Kerchner for a talk about the history of LA’s public education.

  Then…moving towards the Inauguration, President-Elect Obama announces his pick for “Chief Performance Officer” plus controversy continues over Roland Burris and whether or not he’ll be seated in the Senate—in Obama’s old seat.

  Finally, Larry talks with medical experts about cancer prevention versus treatment…which should have the highest priority?

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  • January 7, 2009 9:39 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Monday, January 5

  Over the weekend Israeli troops began the ground war in Gaza. This morning Larry gets the latest… analysis and reports from the ground on the fighting. He’ll also check up on the humanitarian situation and tenisions on the Egyptian/Gaza border.

  And then, Larry checks in with economists on the latest Obama stimulus proposals…will they be enough to stop the economic slide? Will Congress be ready in time for Obama to sign stimulus legislation upon entering the White House?

  Finally, Larry talks with writer Siddharth Kara about his book: “Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery.”

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  • January 5, 2009 9:17 AM by Roger Rudick
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• David's Daily Blog

  A big finish to a big week. I’m glad we were able to spend some time today talking about the humanitarian aspect of the clashes in the Middle East. As our guest from U.N. observed, the real story here isn’t one of geopolitics — it’s one of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. And conditions sound very difficult indeed as residents of the Gaza strip struggle with limited food and power, and as hospitals make do with increasingly limited resources. Israel’s foreign minister says there’s no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I respectfully beg to differ.

  A very intriguing look at the passel of new laws enacted in California on Jan. 1 and the growing inertia in Sacramento that blocks lawmakers from being more effective at what we pay them to do — make laws. Then we delved into the new ban on texting while driving. I’m sorry, I have to disagree with the callers who insisted capable drivers can handle a little multitasking behind the wheel. Not as fas as this SoCal driver’s concerned. Then we expanded to look at some of the truly dumb stuff people have witnessed on the roads. My offering: The guy I saw eating a bowl of cereal while driving. The winner from you guys: The woman who was dressing while driving — and the convoy of other drivers who kept pace to enjoy the show.

  We wrapped up with the editors of a new guide to good eats in L.A. Judging from the call volume, we could have spent a few hours talking about places to go and dishes to eat. My thanks to everyone who called and blogged with suggestions for decent Chinese on the Westside and elsewhere. If any other suggestions come to mind, feel free to pitch them below.

  I’m outta here. Had a great time being with you this week. Larry’s back in the saddle Monday.

  — David Lazarus

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  • January 2, 2009 12:22 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• David's Daily Blog

  Hours to go until 2008 fritters away — and I suspect many of us will be glad to see it go. We opened today’s show with another stop at the Middle East for the latest on the continuing clashes between Israel and Hamas. With a ceasefire off the table, at least for the moment, doesn’t look like this is going to get solved any time soon.

  Speaking of clashes, but with a corporate bent, you guys had plenty to say in our discussion of whether Viacom should be paid more for its package of 20 or so cable channels, and whether Time Warner Cable is justified in resisting Viacom’s demands. The consensus among callers was that cable rates are high enough already, thank you very much, and this is no time to go reaching deeper into the pockets of subscribers. I’m all for having people pay only for the channels they want to watch, rather than spending big bucks for 100 or more channels you never see.

  I’ll be the first to admit it was a downer talking about the top humanitarian crises of 2008. But here’s the bottom line: There’s a lot of suffering in the world, and it’s better not to turn away just because the problems appear so monumental. I appreciated that our guest from Doctors Without Borders said it’s not just a matter of all of us throwing more money at the problem. The trick is spending the money we already send abroad more wisely. Contact your elected represenatives if you think your tax money could be used more effectively.

  Last but not least, New Year’s Eve. We asked whether 2008 is a year you’d rather soon forget, and how you’ll be marking the holiday. We had a mixed bag of callers, but I got a real sense that people are toning things down this year. Many are opting to stay home or to gather with friends and family. And those heading out are keeping a lid on spending. My feeling: New Year’s Eve is time for looking ahead, not back, and to embrace optimism about the future. This is best done in the company of those you care about.

  Stay safe. Be smart. Stick around. Larry’s back tomorrow and I’ll return on Friday.

  — David Lazarus

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  • December 31, 2008 1:07 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, December 30

  Conflict in Gaza: Guest host David Lazarus would like to hear from listeners on the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas: Is the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks on Southern Israel disproportionate, or appropriate? Does the Israeli military response set the stage for a long term resolution to the conflict?

  Suicide hotline calls: Layoffs, foreclosures, lost savings - the economic news this holiday season has been very grim. On top of that, calls to Los Angeles’ busiest suicide hotline, which is run by the Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, have increased by as much as 60% over last year.

  Virginity pledges: A new study concludes that teens who take pledges to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have sex as teens who don’t make such promises and are less likely to practice safe sex to prevent disease or pregnancy. Another study indicates that teenage pledgers do actually delay having sex longer than non-pledgers. Just how effective is the abstinence-only movement?

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  • December 30, 2008 9:09 AM by Chumi Paul
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• David's Daily Blog

  A very cosmopolitan show today. We opened with a discussion of what’s going on in the Middle East and how the current clashes between Israel and Hamas will play out, and later in the program we took a close look at the most overlooked foreign policy stories of 2008. I find it refreshing to be discussing international events again after the intense focus on domestic matters during the never-ending election campaign. That said, I’m deeply disappointed to see the Middle East conflict once again heading down the Boulevard of Bad Things. Will it ever end?

  Higher parking fees in L.A. — why am I not surprised that the switchboard lit up instantly when that topic aired? I sure can see things from the experts’ perspective. Parking fees in the city haven’t changed much in 20 years; congestion can be alleviated by introducing uniform rates; and we sure need the extra money. But the middle of a nasty recession seems like an especially cruel time in which to reach deeper into people’s pockets.

  Lots of fun with that segment on worst Christmas gifts ever. (And, no, I still won’t say exactly what it was that my family gave me that time — you’ll just have to use your imagination.) Did we miss your call? It’s not to late to post your all-time-most-bogus gift at the AirTalk blog.

  I’ll be back tomorrow. See you then.

  — David Lazarus

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  • December 29, 2008 12:45 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Monday, December 29

  Israel Pounds Hamas in Gaza: Israeli attacks on Gaza stretched into a third day today, continuing a major offensive. Israel called up thousands of reservists, sparking fears that those new soldiers would be used as part of a ground invasion. More than 300 Palestinians are reported dead. Guest host David Lazarus gets the latest from the region.

  In local news, LAUSD arts funding is cut. The school district has suspended an arts partnership as part of a spending freeze and may have to increase class sizes, lay off teachers or provide fewer meals, depending on state funding. When the school board was forced to slash almost $400 million from this year’s budget because the district received less than expected in state funds, it kept most of the cuts away from classrooms. But now the district may have to cut another $400 million, What will this mean for the arts and other school programs?

  And, LA’S parking meter rates are going up. Los Angeles is hoping to generate an extra $18 million for the city by updating old parking meters with 6,000 new digital machines that take credit cards and cash in addition to coins. The switch to the new parking meters comes as city parking rates increase in 2009 to a $1 per hour minimum, and as high as $4 per hour in popular areas. Supporters argue that the new meters and higher rates will lead to higher turnover in parking spaces and bring greater flow into storefronts. But are higher parking rates a wise move during a recession, and could they deter shoppers? Guest host David Lazarus finds out.

  Then, a look back at the Top Foreign Policy Stories Of 2008. Will manufacturing solar panels make global warming worse? Did you know the US is helping India build a missile shield? Or that a US citizen was convicted of torture abroad? Every year, Foreign Policy magazine compiles a list of the top overlooked stories. David Lazarus talks to FP editor Blake Hounshell about the most surprising things you haven’t heard about in 2008.

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  • December 29, 2008 10:08 AM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, December 23

  The embattled Screen Actors Guild has decided to postpone a strike authorization vote. Ballots were to go out to members on January 2, but SAG leaders decided to delay the vote until after an emergency board meeting on January 12. They hope to get the union to agree on whether to go ahead with the proposed strike vote. The issue has deeply divided SAG members, who have been without a contract since June. Negotiations have broken down over the issue of payment to actors for internet programming. Are you a SAG member? Share your thoughts!

  Then, Larry discusses Measure B, a new solar power plan slated to be on the March ballot. A report by a consulting firm said the plan may be “extremely risky,” and more expensive than previously thought. As a result, this might cost DWP customers significantly more on their bills. But, is this really the case?

  And, do vitamins work? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health showed that people who took the antioxidants vitamin C, E and selenium were just as likely to develop certain cancers than those who didn’t take them. Other studies involving certain vitamins and supplements also showed they no effect in the prevention of illnesses like heart disease and stroke. But if vitamins aren’t a magic bullet for disease prevention, does that mean we shouldn’t take them? What do you think?

  Also, the financially strapped Museum of Contemporary Art has voted to accept a $30-million bailout from philanthropist Eli Broad. Museum officials have scheduled a news conference for 10:30 this morning to talk about the agreement. Larry gets the latest.

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  • December 23, 2008 9:09 AM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Monday, December 22

  Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a legal brief Friday asking the state Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8. Larry talks with Brown and dueling legal experts about the constitutionality of the controversial ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in California. What do you think? Is Prop. 8 unconstitutional? If so, should it be thrown out? If not, what should be done now?

  Then, Larry discusses MOCA’s financial woes. Should this important Los Angeles art institution merge with LACMA in order to save itself? Or should philanthropist Eli Broad bail it out?

  With only three days left before Christmas, ‘tis the season…for what? Jesus, gifts, or both? How do you teach the value of Xmas in a world inundated by materialism?

  And during the holidays, complicated family issues often overshadow the festivities. Larry talks with marriage and family therapist Stephen Treat about how to manage these challenges and about how best to enjoy the holidays in spite of them. How does your family cope?

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  • December 22, 2008 10:03 AM by Karen Fritsche
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  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Criminal Justice, Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality

• AirTalk for Thursday, December 18, 2008

  News from Sacramento…the Dems have a plan, maybe, for closing the budget gap. It involves new taxes, without new taxes. Got that? The short of it is the Dems say they’ve figured out a loop hole around the two-thirds restriction on raising taxes. Republicans are up in arms, saying it just ain’t legal. Confused? You aren’t alone. Larry talks with Karen Bass, Dem Assembly speaker, and Roger Niello, Republican Assemblyman, about the proposition and tries to get the answers.

  Then… Larry hosts an in-depth discussion on treatments for one of the most mysterious and growing afflictions hitting children: Autism.

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  • December 18, 2008 9:41 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, December 17, 2008

  Congressman Xavier Becerra talks about why he turned down a trade position with the Obama Administration.

  Then…has the California housing market bottomed out? It looks like people are buying again, with sales up almost 13 percent in November. Larry gets the details.

  What’s next for LA’s public schools? Larry talks with Ramon Cortines, named as successor for David Brewer as Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent.

  Shoot for the moon…again? A permanent moon base and a mission to Mars are on NASA’s agenda, maybe. The Obama administration’s transition team is looking into that now. Larry and NASA experts try to figure out what’s next for the space program. Where do you think we should go?

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  • December 17, 2008 8:53 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for December 16, 2008

  Obama makes more picks. Chicago public schools chief Arne Duncan will be Education Secretary. Obama’s Interior Secretary pick is Colorado Senator Ken Salazar. Larry gets the details

  Then…Sacramento is still struggling with a looming $40 billion budget deficit. GOP lawmakers have a new proposal: tap cash currently slated, but not yet spent, in various social programs.

  Would you give cash to a guy whose name is pronounced: MADE-off? It seems that’s just what some Southern California Jewish charities did as part of a $50 billion Ponzi scheme. Larry gets the details.

  Go eat some sushi! The FDA is circulating a draft report within the government that may indicate the health benefits for pregnant women and children of consuming fish are greater than the potential risks from mercury. But some environmentalists says that’s a bunch of wasabi…so what’s safe to eat? Larry tries to find out.

  Then Larry finds out about Karaoke from writer Brian Raftery…and he might just sing a bit.

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  • December 16, 2008 10:14 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Monday, December 15

  The SAG talks with the producers get even more contentious. Will there be a strike? Larry checks in for the latest with a journalist from the Hollywood Reporter.

  Then… President-elect Obama moves forward with energy appointments. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu will be Energy Secretary and Nancy Sutley will head up the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Larry finds out what the plan is for energy policy in the incoming administration.

  Then the show is for the birds…really. Larry talks with the Audubon Society about the Christmas Bird Count, a wildlife census.

  Next…the Obama campaign has two million registered users now sitting around with nothing to do. Not quite: meetings were held over the weekend to figure out a new role for the immense campaign apparatus. Larry checks in with an organizer. Then Larry talks with writer Alex Beam about classic books

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  • December 15, 2008 10:23 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for December 12, 2008

  The $14 billion auto bailout fails for now, but the White House is talking about using Treasury funds for a sort of bridge bailout until congress can revisit the issue. Will it save the ailing auto industry? And what are the politics behind the bailout’s defeat in the Senate? Let us know what you think.

  And then Larry talks with the new State Senate pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg about California’s budget emergency.

  Then Larry discusses the life of Bettie Page.

  Finally, it’s FilmWeek with the latest movie reviews, plus a talk with Andrew Stanton, director of “Wall-E” and “Finding Nemo.”

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  • December 12, 2008 9:30 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, December 9

  Superintendent David Brewer says he’ll leave his post, but only if the board honors the buyout clause in his contract of $500,000. Can the cash-strapped district afford these terms? And who will replace Brewer? Give us your thoughts.

  And, Democrats in Congress have a proposal out for a bailout of the auto industry. It’ll involve an Car Czar to force them to build fuel efficient vehicles. But with gas prices suddenly dropping from record highs to record lows, will that force them to build more cars that people don’t want? What do you think? Comment here.

  Then, Jay Leno goes prime time. NBC is announcing today that Jay Leno will stay at NBC and will be given his own, hour—ong, primetime talk show airing at 10 p.m. 5 days a week. Comment here.

  Finally, Larry talks about piracy and terrorism. And, the history of Chicano Rock in Los Angeles.

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  • December 9, 2008 9:28 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, December 8

  Over the weekend Barack Obama talked about a huge investment program on the scale of the national highway system of the 1950s or the WPA of the Great Depression. It’s unclear how much it will cost, but reports are it could be as much as $700 billion. Monies will go to the electricity grid, better broadband access, railroads and roads. But will it be enough to stem unemployment and salvage the economy?

  And then… college has always been expensive, but in today’s hard financial times, with grants and scholarships drying up, it’s even harder for students to pay for the universities of their choice. What are recent high school kids doing? How are they paying? What compromises are they having to make? Larry asks KPCC’s listeners to call in.

  Later, Larry talks with a military expert about the connection between modern piracy and terrorism. And then he talks with Jonathan Engel, author of “American Therapy: The Rise of Psychotherapy in the United States.”

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  • December 8, 2008 9:16 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Friday, December 5

  Larry Mantle talks about the unemployment numbers released today and the news is not good. Make your comments here.

  Also, Larry discusses the possible mortgage rate drop. If mortgage rates drop would you refinance? Would you buy? Give us your thoughts.

  Then, Larry talks about the opening of L.A. Live. Have you been there? Tell us what you think.

  Finally, Larry talks about all the week’s new film releases on FilmWeek and with Greg Laemmle about the 70th anniversary of the Laemmle Theatres.

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  • December 5, 2008 9:43 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, December 5

  Larry Mantle talks about the unemployment numbers released today and the news is not good. Make your comments here.

  Also, Larry discusses the possible mortgage rate drop. If mortgage rates drop would you refinance? Would you buy? Give us your thoughts.

  Then, Larry talks about the opening of L.A. Live. Have you been there? Tell us what you think.

  Finally, Larry talks about all the week’s new film releases on FilmWeek and with Greg Laemmle about the 70th anniversary of the Laemmle Theatres.

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  • December 5, 2008 9:43 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, December 3

  Larry discusses President-Elect Barack Obama’s choice of Bill Richardson for Secretary of Commerce. What do you think of the choice?

  Then, Larry discusses bailing out the auto industry. Should Congress give the automakers the money? With what conditions? Let us know your thoughts.

  And, before President Bush leaves office, he plans to put into effect a new law which is being referred to as the “Right of Conscience” rule. The new law would expand protections for healthcare workers who refuse to participate in procedures they are morally opposed to. What do you think of the “Right of Conscience” rule?

  Finally, Larry talks with Ariel Sabar about his new book, “My Father’s Paradise: A Son’s Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq.”

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  • December 3, 2008 9:14 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, November 28

  Larry Mantle talks with author Donald Worster about his new biography of Joyn Muir, “A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir.” Any thoughts about Muir? Post them here.

  Then, Larry discusses the book, “Waking Giant: America In The Age Of Andrew Jackson,” that chronicles a time in history seldom studied and why it was so transformative. What do you think of this time in history? Let us know.

  Finally, it’s FilmWeek with all the week’s new releases including “Australia,” “Milk,” and “Four Christmases,” among many others.

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  • November 27, 2008 3:23 PM by Mike Roe
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• AirTalk for Thursday, November 20

  The State Supreme Court has agreed to hear legal challenges to Proposition 8. Larry talks with legal expert Kareem Crayton. Post your comments about this decision here…

  Then, a new study from UCLA explores how young people present themselves on social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook and how that affects their identity. How have these sites changed your idea of yourself?

  California Congessman Henry Waxman will head the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is Omaba’s pick to head the Department of Homeland Security. What do think of these developments?

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  • November 20, 2008 9:43 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, November 19

  Larry talks about President-elect Barack Obama’s choice of Eric Holder for Attorney General. Make your comments here…

  Then, Larry discusses Governor Schwarzenegger’s conference on climate change, taking place here in Los Angeles. Let us know your thoughts about the conference.

  And, Larry gets a preview of the L.A. Auto Show, which begins this week in Los Angeles.

  Finally, Larry talks with singer-songwriter K.D. Lang about her career in music. Questions for Lang? Post them here.

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  • November 19, 2008 9:12 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, November 18

  Larry Mantle talks about the Cal State systems’ financial woes and the fact that for the first time in its history, it may not be able to accept all qualified students into its system. Post your commments here..

  Then, Larry gets the latest on the economic testimony of Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke before Congress.

  And, Larry talks about the “Status of Forces” agreement between Iraq and the U.S.

  Finally, Larry talks with media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner about his new book, “Call Me Ted.” Do you have questions for Ted Turner? Post them here.

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  • November 18, 2008 9:33 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, November 17

  Larry Mantle gets an update on the fires still burning in Southern California with KPCC reporters out in the field. What has been your experience with the fires? Post your comments here…

  Then, who should President-Elect Barack Obama selet for his inner circle, his Cabinet? Make your suggestions here….

  Finally, Larry talks with Irene Pepperberg about her new book, “Alex and Me: How a Scientist and Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence - and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.” What has been your experience with animal intelligence? Place your comments here.

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  • November 17, 2008 9:09 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, November 14

  First…an update on the fires in Montecito: More than a hundred homes are burned. High winds drove flames across 2,500 acres overnight. Larry gets the latest from reporter Frank Stoltze.

  Then…in two months, Obama’s administration will take power, but that hasn’t stopped foreign leaders from making overtures. Several countries, ranging from France to Iran, have already written letters of congratulations and are making policy suggestions. What will be the biggest foreign policy challenges for Obama? What should he tackle first? And how will the world respond to this new face for America?

  FILMWEEK: FILM REVIEWS: Larry Mantle talks with Claudia Puig, film critic for USA Today and Andy Klein, film editor for CityBeat about the week’s new releases including Quantum of Solace, Slumdog Millionaire, The Alphabet Killer, A Christmas Tale, and the documentaries Pray The Devil Back To Hell, and JCVD, among other films.

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  • November 14, 2008 9:35 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Thursday, November 13

  This morning Southern California law enforcement, emergency services and millions of others are participating in a regional earthquake drill. Larry checks in with KPCC reporters about the activity and how it is hoped it will prepare us to respond to the real thing.

  And then… the Bloomberg news agency is reporting that Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have set aside billions of dollars for bonuses at the same time they could be eligible for federal bailout funds. In other words, taxpayers could end up helping finance multi-million-dollar bonuses for captains of industry who sunk their own ships. This has lawmakers furious. Larry follows the money trail with Chris Farrell, Economics Editor of Marketplace Money, and Marek Fuchs, writer for “the street.com.”

  Gas prices are down…oil prices plunged below $56 a barrel on Wednesday as the global economy waned and demand for gas declined throughout the world. The Department of Energy expects that next year the demand for petroleum will decline more than any time since 1980, with gasoline to drop another 3%. Low gas prices are a boon for cash strapped Americans but do they translate into lower prices for bread and eggs? And are these low gas prices good for the equally cash strapped State of California?

  Finally…why does our understanding of early Americans end with pilgrims sitting around a Thanksgiving table with Native Americans? In her new book, “The Wordy Shipmates,” Sarah Vowell employs modern day anecdotes to show just how much the lives of the Puritans have influenced our country.

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  • November 13, 2008 9:51 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, November 12

  Bailout rethink: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced today that in the next phase of the $700 billion financial rescue plan, they will not buy bad loans and related assets. Instead, the focus will shift to injecting equity and encouraging private investment in banks, perhaps by requiring matching funds to receive bailout monies. Larry gets the latest.

  And then the California’s Legislative Analyst said Tuesday that the budget deficit will grow to $28 billion through June 2010 unless lawmakers take bold action, possibly including a hike in the state income tax. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged lawmakers to act immediately on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposals to close the deficit for this fiscal year, projected at $11.2 billion.

  Finally, ever send an email and regret it? Larry Manyle talks with co-author Will Schwalbe about the latest version of “SEND: Why People Email So Badly and How to Do It Better.” Schwalbe will revisit some basic email rules about clarity, work etiquette and legal issues and offers new tips and tricks to prevent email from taking over your life. Schwalbe co-authored the book with David Shipley.

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  • November 12, 2008 8:54 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, November 11

  More financial woes for California? Goldman Sachs, the giant investment firm tapped to help California sell municipal bonds, has also urged its clients to place investment bets against California bonds. This may be artificially raising interest rates the state pays to borrow money. Meanwhile, the Bush Administration put through new tax breaks for banks that are taking over failing banks—and this could end up costing California some $2 billion in tax revenues. Larry goes over this latest salt in California’s financial wounds.

  And then, Larry talks with automotive industry reporter David Kiley about the prospects of a bail out for the Big Three. What form will it take? And what mistakes did Detroit make to get in this mess in the first place?

  Then Larry and guest discuss Thursday’s big earthquake drill. Plus a look at Prop. 8 and how it was received in minority communities.

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  • November 11, 2008 9:38 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Monday, November 10

  Obama will reverse many Bush executive orders when he takes power..restrictions on stem cells, providing federal funds for counseling on abortions, environmental rules waivers…there are a host of executive powers that reside at the White House. Larry talks to a journalist and advocates about what rules might change and who will be impacted.

  And then…can statins also help healthy people? People with low cholesterol and no big risk for heart disease had dramatically lower rates of heart attacks, death and stroke if they took the cholesterol pill Crestor, a large study found. The results, reported Sunday at an American Heart Association conference, were hailed as a watershed event in heart disease prevention. Doctors said the study might lead as many as 7 million more Americans to consider taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Larry talks with Los Angeles Times Science/Medical writer Thomas Maugh about the news.

  Plus…Larry Mantle gets the latest news on the legislative special session called by Governor Schwarzenegger. Followed by a look at the GOP and its future, post election 2008.

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  • November 10, 2008 10:18 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Friday, November 7

  IT’S STILL THE ECONOMY! Larry Mantle and guests talk about the latest economic news including the most recent unemployment numbers, the auto industry earnings report, the retail slump, President-Elect Obama’s transition meeting with economic advisors and the stock market. Your comments on the economy are welcome here…

  Then, Larry talks with KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Henry Sheehan and Charles Solomon about the week’s new films.

  Also we take a look back at the Presidential campaigns to chuckle at some of the highlights and lowlights and then we go Barak Obama’s first press conference.

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  • November 7, 2008 9:12 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, October 31

  Larry moderates a debate on Proposition A which would add an additional $36 to the property tax bills of Los Angeles homeowners to fund after-school and gang prevention programs. Let us know what you think of Prop. A?

  And what’s your favorite scary movie? Larry and film critics Peter Rainer and Wade Major ask listeners to call-in with their favorite horror films. What about yours?

  Then, Larry and the critics review the week’s latest film releases.

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  • October 31, 2008 8:10 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, October 28

  Is the Governor of California going to be found in contempt-of-court? Larry Mantle talks with KPCC state capital reporter Julie Small and lawmakers about yesterday’s order by U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson for the state to pay the $250 million down payment by Nov. 5 or face a contempt hearing starting Nov. 12. The judgement is part of a request for $8 billion by Clark Kelso, the court appointed receiver in charge of California’s prison medical system.

  Then, a debate on Measure T, the Santa Monica ballot measure that would limit commercial growth in that city.

  Are you freaking out about the election? Larry talks with Drew Westen, the author of “The Political Brain” and listeners about the highly charged emotional atmosphere leading up to the presidential election. How you are feeling about it? Post your comments here…

  Writer and NPR commentator John Ridley joins Larry to talk about his new blog thatminoritything.com.

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  • October 28, 2008 8:59 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Monday, October 27

  The Treasury Department’s “Troubled Assets Relief Program,” or TARP, is now starting to send money towards America’s banks. City National in Beverly Hills is one recipient and will receive a $395-million infusion. Host Larry Mantle discusses whether the infusions will help the ailing economy.

  Also: As we dive headlong into the final week of campaigning before the Nov. 4 election, McCain continues to lag in the polls and Obama gears up for a prime time television slot on Wednesday. Larry talks about how the candidates are focusing their efforts in the home stretch and pulls listeners into the discussion for an AirTalk focus group.

  And then…do you work for a charity? The economic downturn means people have less money for basic necessities…and non-profits really feel that pinch. Have you stopped giving?

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  • October 27, 2008 10:11 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, October 24

  We may be in a recession but people still need to eat, or do they? Restaurants are hurting as cash strapped diners decide to eat at home or hit the drive-thru. Larry Mantle takes calls from listeners in the service industry and folks who are finding it more prudent to stay home than go out for a meal at their favorite eatery. What about you?

  Then, a debate on the Beverly Hills ballot initiative, Measure H which would allow the Beverly Hilton Hotel to build a 12-story addition of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel on its property. It would also approve the construction of two additional towers for luxury condominiums. Your comments on Measure H are welcome here…

  Also, Larry talks with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman about his new film, “Synecdoche, New York” and critics Henry Sheehan and Jean Oppenheimer review the latest film releases.

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  • October 24, 2008 9:03 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Thursday, October 23

  Ads from the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign claim that the defeat of the initiative would force California teachers to teach about gay marriage in elementary schools. What do you think of the ads and how do you feel about this issue?

  Then, the OC Weekly’s Gustavo Arellano and Orange County journalist William Lobdell review the latest news stories from Orange County.

  A new study from the Centers for Disease Control finds that diagnoses of food allergies in children have risen 18% in the last 10 years. Researchers are not sure why.

  Larry Mantle takes calls from listeners about politically mixed marriages. Are you and your spouse at opposite ends of the political spectrum? Share your experience here….

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  • October 23, 2008 9:15 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, October 22

  San Francisco residents will soon vote on a measure that would decriminalize prostitution in the city. Proposition K would not legalize prostitution, because state law forbids it, but the measure would prevent local law enforcement from arresting or prosecuting sex workers. Give us your thoughts here on this measure…

  Then Larry discusses Proposition 6, otherwise known as the “Safe Neighborhoods Act” to those who favor the plan. The measure asks voters to approve an extra 365 million dollars from the state’s general fund for police and jails to enforce tougher crime penalties for crimes like like gang violence.Those who oppose the plan say that the cost is just too high. Let us know what you think.

  Next, Larry talks with the wife of Tony Blair, Cherie Blair, about her new book, “Speaking for Myself: My Life from Liverpool to Downing Street.”

  Finally, Larry talks with Thomas Kostigen, author of “You Are Here: Exposing the Vital Link Between What We do and What That Does to Our Planet.”

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  • October 22, 2008 9:22 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Friday, October 17

  The Los Angeles Planning Commission has recommended that the City to place a moratorium on the conversion of traditional billboards to electronic displays. What do you think of LA’s billboards going digital?

  Former CIA agent Robert Baer challenges the conventional wisdom about Iran’s standing in the Middle East in a new book, The Devil We Know. The author joins Larry to talk about Iran and its relationship with U.S and the rest of the world.

  Also on FilmWeek, Larry and critics with Lael Loewenstein and Claudia Puig review the latest films and do you go to a movie because a certain actor is starring in the film? Post your comments here…

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  • October 17, 2008 8:20 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Thursday, October 16

  Wednesday night the presidential candidates had their last opportunity to go at each other in a national debate format. Larry talks about the event with guests and listeners. What did you think of last night’s debate and how the candidates conducted themselves?

  Then, election law expert Rick Hasen from Loyola Law School joins Larry to examine allegations of voter fraud from both political campaigns.

  Also, Dr. Gary Small, Director of the UCLA Memory and Aging Research Center, comes in to discuss how our brains are changing in respose to our use of new technology.

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  • October 16, 2008 8:18 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, October 10

  The Great Stock Market Crash of ‘08: How should world leaders address the crisis?

  Also: Proposition 2, The California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act , will appear on the November 2008 ballot. If it passes, it will create a new state statute that prohibits the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Opponents say Prop 2 would wipe out California’s egg industry and increase the risk of bird flu and salmonella contamination. What do you think?

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  • October 10, 2008 10:37 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, October 7

  Yesterday the New York stock market dropped below 10,000. Meanwhile, the crisis continues to spread overseas. What can be done to get the world economy off the precipice?

  The Supreme Court could lose as many as 3 justices to retirement during the next Presidential term, and if John McCain wins, the Court may become much more conservative. Larry Mantle talks with law school deans John Eastman and Erwin Chemerinsky about what’s at stake.

  The second Presidential debate airs tonight, and McCain’s poll numbers are sliding. What should Obama do to shore up his position, and how can McCain gain ground?

  Also, what American myths do Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain embody? And how do those myths collide with reality?

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  • October 7, 2008 8:56 AM by Chumi Paul
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• AirTalk for Monday, September 29

  Over the weekend, congressional leaders came to agreement on an economic bailout deal. What are the next big steps for the $700 billion rescue plan?

  Then, let the debates begin! Where did you watch them? And what did you think? Substance? Show? Who won and why? And what do Obama and McCain need to accomplish as the debates continue next month? Tell Larry Mantle what you think.

  Then… Larry talks to a focus group of KPCC listeners about the elections.

  Plus…thatminoritything.com… a new Web site provides news and opinion pieces on minority communities.

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  • September 26, 2008 3:40 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, September 26

  The debate is on! But what will they debate about? The subject is officially foreign policy, but with a $700 billion bailout program still under discussion in Washington, it seems a given that discussion will shift to the economy. What points will McCain need to score to win tonight? Will his official suspension of his campaign help or hurt him? And what does Obama need to accomplish? Larry finds out from the experts and asks KPCC’s listeners.

  After that, it’s more bad news for the economy. Washington Mutual was seized by the feds and sold to JPMorgan Chase & Co. How safe is your savings?

  And then Larry interviews Robert Wagner about his new book, plus the latest film reviews on Filmweek.

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  • September 26, 2008 9:01 AM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Thursday, September 25

  Last night, President Bush addressed the nation on the proposed $700 billion bailout package… this morning congressional leader announced progress on a compromise package. Meanwhile, many Americans are outraged at the idea of using tax payer money to bailout Wall Street, and congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle are reacting. On the other hand, nobody wants the whole economy to falter, no matter who’s at fault. Larry opens a discussion with experts and KPCC’s listeners on the bailout blues.

  Then… McCain announces that he will suspend the campaign and cancels Friday’s debate to deal with the financial crisis. He calls it “country first.” Obama and the Dems say you don’t get a “time out” in a presidential campaign. Is McCain interested in getting the work done, or is all this just political theater? Larry asks KPCC’s listeners.

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  • September 25, 2008 9:24 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, September 24

  The long-overdue state budget is finally signed, sealed, and delivered, but not everyone is happy… the governor blue-penciled out funding for several social programs, and this has some advocates screaming foul.

  More on the proposed Wall Street bailout… Then, can cell phones give your kids cancer? A new study done in Sweden finds that kids and teens who use cell phones are five times more likely to develop brain cancer.

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  • September 24, 2008 10:08 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, September 23

  Larry talks about both candidates’ economic plans in light of the $700 billion bailout. Representatives from the Obama and McCain campaigns join Larry. What do you think of their plans? Please comment.

  Then, Larry talks about Proposition 7, The Renewable Energy Generation Initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

  Next, Larry asks the question, “Should the U.S. Government bailout foreign banks?” What do you think?

  Larry also talks with H.D. Palmer, with the State’s Department of Finance, about all the latest on the state budget. The governor is supposed to sign today.

  Finally, Larry discusses the PBS special program, “Killer Stress.” New research indicates just how bad stress is for your health.

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  • September 23, 2008 9:58 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, September 22

  California Senator Barbara Boxer joins Larry Mantle to talk about the government’s $700-billon plan to bail out the banking system. Larry continues the conversation to examine the conversion of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley from investment banks to holding companies.

  Then joys of gerrymandering! Larry and guests debate Prop. 11, the redistricting measure on November’s ballot. If passed, it would change the authority to establish Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization district boundaries.

  Lawmakers are duking it out over the government bail out of the banking system. Larry talks with members of Congress about what they want from a bailout agreement.

  And Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the new UCI Law School discusses his vision of federalism, which would empower rather than limit the federal government’s ability to respond to society’s needs.

  Post your comments here…

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  • September 22, 2008 9:34 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, Sept. 19

  Oh, the Governor and the Legislators can be friends! We have a state budget and Larry gets the details from Jordan Rau at the LA Times. But big economic woes continue to plague the country. Larry and his guests discuss the widespread bailout the US government is considering for various financial institutions. Then Larry gets the latest on yesterday’s SAG Board elections. Could this mean that the screen actors and producers could finally be friends? In the FilmWeek hour - it’s not often that Speilberg and Jackson don’t get there way but Universal has pulled the plug on their $130 million production of “Tintin.” Then a conversation about The Brothers Warner with Harry Warner’s granddaughter who’s made a new documentary about her famous family, and of course, our critics review some of the week’s new films.

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  • September 19, 2008 10:19 AM by Mindy Steinman
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• AirTalk for Thursday, Sept. 18

  Larry gets an update on efforts by the Federal Reserve and central banks to stabilize global financial markets and we’ll hear the latest news from Orange County.

  Also, the safety of a common chemical found in plastics is being called into question. New studies indicate that people with high levels of Bisphenol A in their systems have higher rates of diabetes and heart disease. Larry and guests discuss.

  Then, Dexter Filkins, foreign correspondent for The New York Times who’s covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001, joins Larry to talk about his new book, The Forever War.

  ATTENTION AIRTALK LISTENERS! AirTalk is forming a mini focus group of KPCC listeners to join Larry Mantle by phone once a week to discuss the presidential campaign, the candidates and the most important issues in the November election. If you would like to participate, write us at AirTalk@kpcc.org and give us a brief description of yourself. Please include a phone number so we may contact you. We look forward to hearing from you.

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  • September 18, 2008 9:05 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, Sept. 17

  Budget, budget, do we have a budget? Gov. Schwarzenegger plans to the veto the long awaited state budget calling it irresponsible. What do you think? Then, do parents have the right to be notified before an abortion is performed on their minor daughter? That’s the question being posed to California voters for the third time since 2005. Larry and his guests discuss Prop. 4. And, have we hit the economic bottom yet? Larry and his guests talk about the ramifications of the Government’s loan to AIG. And finally, a look back at the 1910 bombing of the LA Times building. Larry talks with Howard Blum about his new book American Lightning: Terror, Mystery, The Birth of Hollywood and The Crime of the Century.

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  • September 16, 2008 5:17 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, September 16

  Larry discusses the budget passed by lawmakers early this morning. Will Governor Schwarzenegger veto it? And, is California ready for high speed rail? If voters approve Propositon 1A in November, the state will sell nearly 10 billion dollars in bonds to jump start California’s first high speed rail system. Larry Mantle looks at the pros and cons of the initiative.

  Then, a discussion of Wall Street’s financial woes. And finally, OC Weekly’s Gustavo Arellano, author of the nationally syndicated Ask a Mexican column joins Larry to talk about his new memoir, Orange County: A Personal History.

  Comment here…

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  • September 15, 2008 4:51 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, Sept. 12

  On Thursday evening, ABC’s World News will air excerpts of Governor Sarah Palin’s first interview since she accepted the Republican vice presidential nomination. Larry Mantle asks listeners to share their thoughts about Palin’s first unscripted public appearance. Post your comments here.

  Then, Larry talks about the death of radio icon George Putnam.

  And, Larry talks with Paul Pendergraft at KUHF in Houston to get the latest on Hurricane Ike.

  Plus, Larry and film critics Andy Klein, of CityBeat, and Jean Oppenheimer, of Village Voice Media, review some of the week’s new films.

  And, Larry talks with Alan Ball, creator of “Six Feet Under” about his new film “Towelhead.”

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  • September 11, 2008 3:40 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Thursday, Sept. 11

  NPR, FOX, CNN, the LA Times, the Daily Show? Larry opens the phones to ask listeners where they get their election news. Then, a conversation with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa about the success of his anti-gang initiatives. We close out the first hour with the latest news from the Inland Empire with our journalists roundtable.

  Most Americans remember where they were seven years ago today. Larry and his guests discuss how present the terrorist threat is seven years after 9/11? And finally, Michael Ritchie, Artistic Director of the Center Theatre Group, talks with Larry about the re-opening of the newly renovated Mark Taper Forum.

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  • September 10, 2008 4:32 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, September 10

  Larry Mantle talks about the House vote yesterday to deny access to Mexican trucks on U.S. Highways. And, Larry talks about the Super Collider and the controversy over its use. Larry also discusses fundraising, voter fraud and ballot fights in this year’s election.

  Then, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK SARAH PALIN? Gov. Palin’s first interview is scheduled for Thursday with ABC’s Charlie Gibson. It’s the first time she will speak in an unscripted format since accepting the Republican Vice Presidential nomination. Given the chance, what would you ask the Alaskan governor? Larry opens the phones to find out what AirTalk listeners want to know about, and from, Senator McCain’s running mate. Post your question here…

  Finally, writer Jonathan Kirsch joins Larry to talk about his new book, “The Grand Inquisitor’s Manual: A History of Terror in the Name of God.”

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  • September 9, 2008 5:17 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, Sept. 9

  Larry and his guests talk about the results of the latest Presidential polls and why the numbers differ. Then a closer look at the beleagured King-Harbor. More hospital employees have criminal histories than County officials had previously disclosed. And this morning Pres. Bush announced he would withdraw 8,000 troops from Iraq by February, but hasn’t committed any more to Aftghanistan. Larry and his guests sort out the ramificatons of the President’s decision. Then, the bluefin tuna. It isn’t just for sushi. A history of one of the biggest, fastest, and most highly evolved marine animals. And finally, a chat with Ros Atkins of the BBC. He and Larry will co-host tonight’s live conversation at the Skirball, Talking America - What the World Expects.

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  • September 9, 2008 8:59 AM by Mindy Steinman
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• AirTalk for Monday, September 8

  Larry Mantle and guests talk about the federal government’s takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Sunday.

  Then, how does your own cultural background affect the way you vote? Larry asks AirTalk listeners to weigh in. Call in or post your comment here.

  Also, Larry talks with the Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, founder of the political blog Daily Kos about the new era of digital activism.

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  • September 8, 2008 8:27 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, September 5

  The national political conventions are over but their impact on voters remains an open question. Larry Mantle and guests examine the acceptance speech Republican presidential nominee John McCain gave last night in Minnesota. What did you think of McCain’s speech? Post your comments below.

  Then Larry and critics Wade Major, of CityBeat and boxoffice.com, and Claudia Puig, of USA Today, review some of the week’s new films including Red, Ping Pong Playa, Mister Foe, Momma’s Man, A Girl Cut in Two, and I Served the King of England. Plus Larry talks with Georgina Spelvin, the unintentional star of the legendary porn film, “The Devil in Miss Jones.” Her new book is “The Devil Made Me Do It”

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  • September 5, 2008 8:47 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• What Did YOU Think of Palin's Speech?; Orange County Journalists Roundtable

  While she was supposed to be on the defensive, allegedly reeling from controversies surrounding her pregnant teenage daughter and ethics questions in her home state of Alaska, Gov. Sarah Palin came out on the offensive last night, gleefully jabbing Barack Obama and delighting the crowd of GOP delegates. In a speech that started with gentle references to her family and working-mother status, Gov. Palin quickly moved to the attack, castigating Sen. Obama as an elitist and roasting the media for good measure.

  Early speculation was that Gov. Palin’s speech, and even her selection as John McCain’s running mate, was designed to appeal to disenchanted Hillary Clinton supporters. However last night’s speech made clear that Gov. Palin’s intention is to rally the conservative Republican base, and perhaps even to spark a renewed culture war of big-city liberal elitists vs. small-town, family values conservatives.

  Are you now more convinced in Gov. Palin’s credentials, her political chops, and her readiness to assume the role of president?

  Patt kicks off the discussion with reaction to the speech from guests and from YOU. Call 1-866-893-5722 beginning at 10 a.m. with your thoughts. Then Larry Mantle continues the discussion with more analysis and reaction to the speech beginning at 11 a.m.

  Also, Larry Mantle convenes his Orange County Journalists roundtable with Gustavo Arellano, *OC Weekly *staff writer, and *Orange County Register *senior editorial writer and columnist, Steven Greenhut. They discuss the latest news, events, and developments in Orange County.

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  • September 4, 2008 8:39 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Amb John Bolton; Al-Jazeera's Thoughts on the RNC; And Reaction to the Speeches last Night

  It’s a busy morning for the Patt Morrison show…Patt gets reaction to the the speeches last night from President Bush, Senator Joe Lieberman and former Sen Fred Thompson. Then John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, talks about his dissapointment with President Bush. And Al-Jazeera is here at the RNC - whats the view of the Grand Old Party, and American politics in general, from the Muslim and Arab worlds? Patt finds out.

  Then Larry Mantle continues the conversation with more reaction from last night’s speeches, including your calls.

  And although California’s unemployment rate is at its highest in more than a decade, some employers in our state are looking for more than a few good men and women. Larry and his guests delve into California’s recession-proof jobs and the resources to find them.

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  • September 3, 2008 8:13 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Reporter's Notebook: Bloody Marys flow for California delegates

  KPCC reporter Frank Stoltze reports from the Republican National Convention in St. Paul:

  California delegates to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul traveled to the Lafayette Club on the windy and rainy shores of Lake Minnetonka Tuesday for Bloody Marys and salmon and eggs. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians picked up the tab - even though its chair Robert Martin may end up voting for Barack Obama. Martin is a longtime Republican who says he tired of the party’s failure to reach out to minorities. He was a Clinton delegate to the Democratic Convention and now finds himself undecided. Martin says the tribe - which has lots of business in Sacramento - likes to remain friendly with both parties.

  White gloves and bloody marys—policy, Republican style

  The Lafayette Club is one of the oldest country clubs in Minnesota - started in 1899. The golf course looked great but I neglected to bring my sticks.

  Back to the brunch, which included an elephant made out of ice. Republican Pollster and author of “Words That Matter” Frank Luntz was the featured speaker. He openly spoke of the “BRADLEY EFFECT.” That refers to the 1982 California gubernatorial election when then Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley was leading in the polls against George Deukmejian. Bradley lost the race. Analysts believe voters lied when they said they’d vote for Bradley, when in fact they were unwilling to vote for a black man. Luntz predicted the same thing would happen with Barack Obama. He told California delegates not to get discouraged if John McCain is trailing in the polls, because the Bradley effect will make up for some of that.

  Frank Luntz lays out the talking points

  GOP Stalwart and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt also spoke to the delegation. He accused Obama of being part of the “deeply corrupt political machine” of Chicago - classic “red meat” for the party faithful.

  I’ll balance this entry with this: The Daily Show has a billboard along the highway leading from the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. it reads, “Welcome Rich White Oligarchs.”

  GOP on ice

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  • September 2, 2008 3:18 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• The Vetting Process

  Despite the facts that have come to light about Sarah Palin’s family, Senator John McCain says he is satisfied that the Alaska Governor’s background was fully vetted before he chose her as his Vice Presidential running mate. Larry and his guests discuss the Presidential and Vice-Presidential vetting process.

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  • September 2, 2008 11:33 AM by Mindy Steinman
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• Proportional Response?

  Despite the facts that have come to light about Sarah Palin’s family, Senator John McCain says he is satisfied that the Alaska Governor’s background was fully vetted before he chose her to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Larry and his guests discuss the Presidential and Vice-Presidential vetting process.

  A funny thing happened to the Patt Morrison crew on the way to dinner last night on the streets of downtown St. Paul, just outside of the Xcel Centre—dozens of heavily armed St. Paul Police and Minnesota State Troopers, most of them ironically riding in decidedly non-militaristic Kia Minivans, zoomed past the streaming GOP delegates on their way to the scene of some protest.

  It turned out to be roughly 30 Code Pink protesters marching into the middle of the Wabasha St. bridge overlooking the Mississippi River to unfurl anti-war and anti-George Bush banners while screaming over a bullhorn.

  Here’s some pictures of the police response on Monday night, plus the police presence earlier in the day at a larger anti-war march. You decide for yourself: does the overwhelming show of force seem like overkill, or necessary in this age of terrorism and opportunistic anarchists?

  

  

  

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  • September 2, 2008 11:18 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Back to Politics at the RNC; Peter Baker on George Bush's Legacy

  It’s Day 2 at the RNC and presumptive VP nominee Sarah Palin is on everybody’s mind as more details about her personal and political life come to light and McCain’s screening process comes under scrutiny. Patt talks to political analysts about the situation and hears your opinion, too….the comment area is open.

  And let’s face it - the perception of the GOP is that it’s a party of white, affluent males. We talk to former Congressman JC Watts about the perspective of black Republicans and how the old and new guard may be looking for different things from a McCain presidency.

  Then Larry Mantle talks with New York Times Magazine contributing writer, Peter Baker, about the legacy of President George W. Bush. Baker interviewed past and current friends, advisors and the president’s father to learn what the President really thinks about his own legacy, along with views on his former rival and the fall campaign. Its a topic that will be examined for decades after he leaves office, but how does the President view his legacy in these remaining days?

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  • September 2, 2008 9:13 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Back to Politics at the RNC; Peter Baker on George Bush's Legacy

  It’s Day 2 at the RNC and presumptive VP nominee Sarah Palin is on everybody’s mind as more details about her personal and political life come to light and McCain’s screening process comes under scrutiny. Patt talks to political analysts about the situation and hears your opinion, too….the comment area is open.

  And let’s face it - the perception of the GOP is that it’s a party of white, affluent males. We talk to former Congressman JC Watts about the perspective of black Republicans and how the old and new guard may be looking for different things from a McCain presidency.

  Then Larry Mantle talks with New York Times Magazine contributing writer, Peter Baker, about the legacy of President George W. Bush. Baker interviewed past and current friends, advisors and the president’s father to learn what the President really thinks about his own legacy, along with views on his former rival and the fall campaign. Its a topic that will be examined for decades after he leaves office, but how does the President view his legacy in these remaining days?

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  • September 2, 2008 9:13 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Hurricane Gustav Hits the Republicans

  Sen John McCain: “It’s time to take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats.”

  No matter what your political affiliation, it’s hard not to empathize with the Republican Party and the difficult position in which they find themselves kicking off their nomination convention at the same time that a massive hurricane is about to wreak havoc on the Gulf Coast. As the roughly 15,000 media personnel were setting up their equipment in the halls of the Xcel Center rampant rumors were flying about Sen. John McCain possibly accepting the GOP nomination from somewhere on the Gulf Coast, or the Convention closing up shop early.

  

  Sen. McCain himself talked to the press at 3pm local time in St. Paul and he went to great pains to describe the new tone of the RNC, switching from a raucous celebration of Republican values to a somber recognition of Americans sacrificing on the Gulf Coast and even starting a fundraising effort to help the evacuees. Using the analogy of wearing political hats, Sen. McCain said it was “time to take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats.”

  It sounded noble and as nonpartisan as possible, but here’s the rub—in the hyper-partisan environment of the presidential campaign, certainly both the Obama and McCain campaigns are looking to turn potential hurricane devastation into political advantage. Things to watch for in the coming days, especially from here in St. Paul, is how the campaigns go out of their ways to avoid the usual political bickering while positioning their respective candidates as strong and responsible leaders.

  For the Republicans that effort starts with Sen. McCain’s acceptance speech, which at this point might come at any point this week. How does the candidate proudly display his “America hat” while still subtly flying the GOP colors?

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  • August 31, 2008 3:44 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• Reaction To Biden And Clinton Speeches; The Wrecking Crew

  Thursday is the final day that AirTalk broadcasts live from the Democratic Convention in Denver. Larry will provide analysis of the speeches by Senator Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. Then, he will talk about the African American vote in this historic election, and how significant is the youth vote?

  Then, Thomas Frank wrote “What’s the Matter with Kansas,” and in his new book, he excoriates an administration that has turned public policy and government responsibilities into a private sector bidding war. He joins Patt Morrison to talk about “The Wrecking Crew.”

  From Kitty Felde: Reporter’s Notebook: Wed night

  I’ve covered a lot of Conventions. I’ve covered a lot of protests. By comparison, Denver has been extremely low key and quiet. There have been arrests — about a hundred mostly young people were arrested on Monday night outside the hotel that houses the California delegation. It was unclear exactly what they wanted. One young man who participated in the protest said it was “organic.”

  But Wednesday night, more than a thousand people marched to the Pepsi Center to protest the war organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War. Most had attended the free Rage Against the Machine concert earlier in the afternoon. Most were under 30. They carried signs reading, “Fund Them Home” and bright orange tee shirts and bandanas reading “Guantanamo Cell Tour.” A bike group joined the protest, chanting “Less Oil, More Bikes” as they rode down Blake Street. The Denver Police wasted no time, arriving on horseback, bicycle, and marching down the street in riot gear to block the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The city of Denver received 50 million dollars for security. Much of it has gone for overtime. But you can also spot the brand new riot gear — shin and knee guards that look like Star Wars costumes and minivans with running boards where a dozen or so police ride hanging on the outside of the car. I asked some of the protestors what they wanted. “For all the troops to come home. Now.” They weren’t satisfied with the Democratic Nominee Barack Obama’s promise to bring the troops home. And they also wanted all troops out of Afghanistan. And worried about possible war with Iraq. The demonstration was peaceful.

  Denver Riot Police (Photo: Kitty Felde)

  

  There were also several dozen protestors outside the hotel where Barack Obama is rumored to be staying. They lined the sidewalk, using chalk to write anti-abortion messages.

  Anti-Abortion Protestors (Photo: Kitty Felde)

  

  Meanwhile, inside the Pepsi Center, the funny hats and silly souvenirs are starting to sprout.

  New York Delegates (Photo: Kitty Felde)

  

  And finally, the heat seems to be lifting, leaving Denver with a beautiful sunset to end the day.

  Denver Sunset (Photo: Kitty Felde)

  

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  • August 27, 2008 4:56 PM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Reaction To The Hillary Clinton Speech; Oil Drilling Off Santa Barbara Coast

  Wednesday AirTalk continues broadcasting live from the Democratic National Convention. Larry gets reaction to Hillary Clinton’s speech at the Convention. Did she hit it out of the park? Then, Patt Morrison picks up where Larry left off and provides more analysis of Clinton’s speech.

  And then, Patt takes on the issue of oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast - despite an infamous 1969 oil spill, Santa Barbara Supervisors are expected to approve a measure supporting drilling off the coast. Patt gets the details.

  Click here to watch last night’s speeches:

  Click here for updates at the Democratic National Convention

  Kitty Felde: Reporter’s notebook - midnight Tuesday night

  The Pepsi Center is WAAAAY too small. I noticed it Monday when I walked around when it was empty. The smallest venue I’ve seen — smaller than the site of the Philadelphia Republican Convention in 2000, smaller than Madison Square Garden used for the Democrats in 2000 and the Republicans in 2004, smaller than the Staples Center where the Democrats met in 2000.

  So half an hour before Hillary spoke, the fire marshalls shut it down. Kept all reporters out of the arena. The only way I got in was to sweet talk my way past a helpful volunteer who was feeling guilty for initially steering me in the wrong direction, which was why I wasn’t inside in the first place. As it was, I got stuck in the biggest human crunch since those hundred clowns climbed out of that tiny car. I ended up right next to the stage. Great for viewing the Clinton speech. Bad for watching the California delegation’s reaction to that speech. Oh, did I tell you? California is halfway to the moon, far away from the floor action. We are, of course, a Blue state, not a swing state, so the DNC has nothing to gain by giving away prime real estate at the Convention to Californians.

  But I did catch up with the California delegates after the speech. Several Hillary supporters cried. The Obama supporters were very happy and left the arena as soon as they could. But the Clinton supporters stayed behind, long after the band had left, to wipe away the tears.

  I did have a close encounter with Michelle Obama. I accidentally got caught in the secret service lock down in the hallway of the arena. That’s when every police officer from every suburb around Denver puts up a thick blue line and some shifty eyed, frowning secret service agents stand there with earbuds and tiny microphones up their sleeves and nobody moves. For 15 minutes. Nobody moved. Finally, we spotted Joe Biden being escorted to his seat. But still we stood, watching the clock as the time for Clinton’s speech got closer. And there she was. Michelle Obama passed right past us. I took a perhaps the worst picture of her that’s ever been taken. That’s why I’m in radio.

  Michelle Obama (Photo: Kitty Felde)

  

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  • August 27, 2008 8:45 AM by Jackie Oclaray
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• Live from Denver; Plus Bob Barr

  Larry Mantle begins four days of coverage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver starting off with a preview of the week’s events with KPCC’s Special Correspondent Kitty Felde. Then Larry and guests take a look at Barack Obama’s choice of Delaware Senator Joe Biden for his vice presidential running mate. Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council President joins Larry. What do you think of Biden for VP? Post a comment below

  In our second hour, Patt Morrison interviews Bob Barr, the former Republican Congressman is running for President as a Libertarian. Could he take votes from John McCain? Does he care?

  Reporters Notebook — Kitty Felde, Sunday, from Denver:

  Imagine my surprise to find a voicemail from…Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. He just wanted to be the first to welcome me to Colorado for the Democratic National Convention and invited me to enjoy not only the restaurants and shopping, but also the miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, rafting on the Colorado River, and discovering ancient Native American cliff dwellings. Whew! I’m exhausted already! But thanks, Governor Ritter.

  It’s quite hot in Colorado. 90 degrees plus with a threat of thundershowers toward evening. One of our compatriots from Minnesota Public Radio is beet red and has to buy a hat and sunscreen tomorrow or risk heatstroke.

  Attended the Faith in Action Interfaith Service this afternoon. Thousands of prayerful Democrats waving their hands in the air and shouting “amen!” Of course, in the reporters’ row, it was a chorus of jaded journalists checking their email on their Blackberrys…

  Lots of transportation options here in Denver. Inside the Convention Center, staff rides around on Sega’s. Outside, the police are on bicycle, horseback, flatbed truck, and occasionally on foot, wearing riot gear that includes shin guards and knee pads. Delegates have the option of riding one of a thousand free bicycles stationed at stations around the downtown area. I haven’t seen anyone on a bike yet.

  Fashion note: black and white floral prints seem to be the favorite. The California delegation is sharing the hotel with the NY delegation — who all dress in black, by the way. Californians favor polo shirts and khaki pants in pastel shades. But dressing out for a night on the town, if you’re not in black and white floral, you ain’t hip.

  More snafus getting into the Pepsi Center. Hope it goes smoother on Monday.

  Reporters Notebook — Kitty Felde, Saturday, from Denver:

  The plane was packed with California delegates, including LA City Councilman Bernard Parks, Obama organizer Robert Cole, and labor organizer Yvonne Wheeler. Fox reporter John Schwada was there as well, asking who’s who and playing it close to the vest with information he knew. Flying is a great equalizer: the former LA Police Chief and now City Councilman wrestling bags like the rest of us off the luggage carousel.

  Unlike New York and other host cities for conventions, the welcome in the airport was low key — a few red, white, and blue carnations in a vase and several friendly volunteers in orange tee shirts eager to help you find your way.

  

  The California delegation is staying in a hotel on Denver’s equivalent to Third Street Promenade — 16th Street. There are lots of shops and restaurants and a few horse and carriages for hire. Year round, I’m told, it’s quite the happening place. But last night, Denver police and fire folks closed down several blocks of 16th street for about an hour. They sent out the bomb squad, several dozen police in riot gear hanging off of a truck, and lots of fire trucks. They were quite close mouthed about the reason, but then we heard the explosion. According to one local firefighter, likely a suspicious package detonated by the bomb squad. And the nightlife continued happily thereafter. By the way, the police will be arresting errant protestors using baby blue plastic wrist restraints, which every officer had sprouting off their equipment belt.

  Meanwhile, reporters were complaining (isn’t that what we’re paid to do?) about the bottleneck at the Pepsi Center. For several hours, there were only three metal detectors for both media trying to set up electronic equipment in their work areas and staffers for the DNC.

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  • August 23, 2008 12:53 AM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Thursday, August 21

  Democratic State Senator Darrell Steinberg has a new bill that melds urban growth with a plan to reduce California’s greenhouse gases. Sounds good, but will it work? Guest host David Lazarus talks with the Senator and the head of Occidental’s Urban and Environmental Policy Institute to sort it out. Then Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly staff writer, William Lobdell, Orange County journalist, and Orange County Register senior editorial writer and columnist, Steven Greenhut, talk about the latest news, events, and developments in Orange County. And - both Senators McCain and Obama have been accused of being elitist. But just how much like regular folk do we want, or expect, our President to be? Plus author David Ebershoff joins David to explore the mysteries of love, faith and polygamy, both historical and modern.

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  • August 20, 2008 5:49 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, August 20

  Guest host David Lazarus examines a new study that reveals who frequents hospital emergency rooms the most and why. Then a look at political speech during the presidential campaign. David talks with pollster Frank Luntz about the rhetorical high and lows of this election cycle. Also Chazz Palmenteri joins David to discuss his career and his play “A Bronx Tale” that comes to LA next month. All that and more…

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  • August 19, 2008 2:35 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Monday, August 18

  Pakistan’s President Pervez Mushareff has resigned. Guest-host David Lazarus explores what this means for U.S./ Pakistan relations. Then, Obama and McCain had their joint appearance on Saturday at the Saddleback Church as they vie for the Evangelical vote. David will look at the political implications of this encounter. California’s unemployment rate reaches 7.3% and we still don’t have a state budget. Is there any light at the end of this economic or political tunnel? Also, an update on the conflict in Georgia…and author Deanne Stillman joins David to talk about the history of wild horses in America.

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  • August 15, 2008 4:01 PM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Friday, August 15

  Larry Mantle will talk about Obama and McCain sharing the stage for the first time at the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Then… why do cars always seem to go faster in the other lane? Larry talks with Tom Vanderbilt, author of “Traffic: Why we Drive the Way We Do” about this and other traffic conundrums. Then it’s reviews of the latest feature films on FilmWeek, followed by a talk about B-movies and bad science—why so many movies get all their facts wrong.

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  • August 14, 2008 2:48 PM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Thursday, August 14

  Oil prices down? Yup… and gas is down about 20 cents from last month. But will it last? And what’s driving it? Larry Mantle talks to the experts and asks KPCC listeners what they think. Then Larry finds out all the latest in the Inland Empire. Then it’s a look at the projected lack of geriatricians to treat a growing number of aging Baby Boomers. Plus a talk with Gustav Niebuhr, author of “Beyond Tolerance: Searching For Interfaith Understanding In America.”

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  • August 13, 2008 4:02 PM by Roger Rudick
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, August 12

  Larry Mantle heads up to Sacramento to speak with lawmakers about the budget impasse. Guests include Democratic State Senator Jack Scott, California State Controller John Chiang, Democratic State Senator and Senate Pro Tem, Don Perata, Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass, and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines among others.

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  • August 11, 2008 3:00 PM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, August 12

  Larry Mantle and the AirTalk team travel to Sacramento to speak with lawmakers about the budget impasse. Guests include Democratic State Senator Jack Scott, California State Controller John Chiang, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass, and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines among many others.

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  • August 11, 2008 2:39 PM by Jackie Oclaray
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• AirTalk for Monday, August 11

  Sales tax increase? The Mayor says yes; the County Sups say no. Larry talks with LA Mayor Villaraigosa about his proposal to increase the sales tax in order to pay for transit projects.

  Then our nation’s first Madam Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, joins Larry to talk about her career, the presidential race, and her new book, Know Your Power.

  Plus a new look at arranged marriage. Some people go to India to find themselves or to find God. Anita Jain went to her parent’s homeland to find a husband. Larry talks with Jain about her new book, Marrying Anita, which chronicles her encounters with romance, nosy relatives, and dozens of potential husbands.

  All that, plus the latest news.

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  • August 8, 2008 1:42 PM by Mindy Steinman
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• AirTalk for Monday, August 11

  Sales tax increase? The Mayor says yes; the County Sups say no. Larry talks with L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa about his proposal to increase the sales tax in order to pay for transit projects.

  Then our nation’s first Madam Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, joins Larry to talk about her career, the presidential race, and her new book, “Know Your Power.”

  Plus a new look at arranged marriage. Some people go to India to find themselves or to find God. Anita Jain went to her parent’s homeland to find a husband. Larry talks with Jain about her new book, “Marrying Anita,” which chronicles her encounters with romance, nosy relatives, and dozens of potential husbands.

  All that, plus the latest news.

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  • August 8, 2008 1:42 PM by Mindy Steinman
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• AirTalk for Friday, August 8

  Larry talks about the current conflict between Russia and Georgia with Fred Weir, Moscow based correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.

  Then, Let the Games Begin! KNBC’s Ted Chen talks with Larry from Beijing about the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics. NPR’s Ron Rappaport gives us an overview of the teams and countries most likely to get the gold and which athletes to keep your eye on during the games. And Larry talks with the TV sports columnist for The New York Times to get tips on how to catch your favorite Olympic sport on TV.

  Plus, FilmWeek reviews and a conversation with veteran actor Ernest Borgnine. The American Cinematheque is showing a retrospective of Borgnine’s films this weekend at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Click here for more information.

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  • August 7, 2008 3:02 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, August 6

  A six-member military jury found Salim Ahmed Hamdan, Osama bin Laden’s former driver, guilty of material support of terrorism but acquitted him of conspiracy. Larry Mantle and legal experts discuss the verdict.

  Plus Julie Small, KPCC’s State Capital reporter updates us on the budget crisis.

  Emergency rooms continue to close throughout the nation. Larry and his guests discuss a new study from the CDC that sheds light on the state of our E.R.’s.

  New Yorker writer Jane Mayer contends that the Bush administration used the Sept. 11th attacks to advance their agenda to increase Presidential powers to new heights. Larry talks with Mayer about her new book, “The Dark Side.”

  And think tank history - Part 2. Following a recent conversation with writer Alex Abella about his history of RAND, Michael Rich, the think tank’s Exec. VP, joins Larry to give the “official” version.

  Click here to listen to Larry’s June 10th interview with Alex Abella:

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  • August 5, 2008 4:30 PM by Mindy Steinman
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, August 5

  Governor Schwarzenegger proposes a one-cent sales tax to help close the budget gap and LA County residents may be looking at a half-cent on the dollar tax to pay for transit projects. Larry and guests discuss.

  Has the housing market in Southern California hit rock bottom yet? Larry Mantle asks experts if now is the time to buy.

  He also speaks with political analysts about John McCain’s Vice Presidential short list.

  And author Thurston Clark joins Larry to explore Robert F. Kennedy’s exhilarating and tragic 1968 presidential campaign.

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  • August 4, 2008 3:47 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Monday, August 4

  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislators are still trying to carve out an agreement to reform health insurance for 5 million uninsured Californians. Larry Mantle and guests discuss.

  Then it’s the Doping Dilemma. Larry Mantle and Skeptic magazine’s Michael Shermer explore how game theory helps to explain the pervasive abuse of drugs in cycling, baseball and other sports.

  And, word is, Obama’s shortlist for Vice President is down to three names: Evan Bayh, Senator for Indiana; Joe Biden, Senator for Delaware; and Tim Kaine, Governor of Virginia. Is Hillary out of the running?

  Also, Larry talks with Leonard Susskind about his battle with celebrated physicist Stephen Hawking over the true nature of black holes.

  Here’s a short Discovery Channel video, “Hawking vs. Susskind.”

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  • August 1, 2008 2:12 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
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• AirTalk for Friday, August 1

  Larry talks about the latest developments in the 2001 anthrax poisoning case.

  Plus how much is too much to spend on school repair and construction? The LAUSD is puting a controversial $7 billion bond measure on the November ballot and Larry talks to stakeholders with varying opinions.

  Then, Larry and the FilmWeek critics talk about new movies out this week, and confess to some of their guilty cinematic pleasures. Do you have any movies you love, but are embarrassed to admit, like “Xanadu,” “Ishtar,” “Pretty Woman?” Come on, ‘fess up.

  We got tons of great calls and comments about guilty movie pleasures…but one of our favorites was for — Zardoz. This classic 1974 Sci-Fi flick was directed by John Boorman, and stars Sean Connery, looking great in a red loin cloth.

  Check out the trailer here:

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  • July 31, 2008 4:27 PM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Thursday, July 31

  Do you support an increase in off-shore drilling? Apparently, a growing number of Californians do. Larry Mantle discusses the surprising shift in public opinion and delves into the ongoing debate about how to respond to our nation’s rising energy costs.

  And, Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, announced he’s stepping down in September. What impact will this have on Middle East peace talks?

  Then, Larry mixes with musician Grandmaster Flash. The pioneering master of Hip Hop raps on about his new book, “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats.”

  All that, and the news of the day…

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  • July 30, 2008 4:00 PM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Wednesday, July 30

  What’s shakin’ California? Yesterday’s 5.4 earthquake rattled nerves and walls across the Southland. What lessons can be learned to prepare us for future disasters?

  And, did you know that California is raking in an estimated $14 billion annually from the sale of marijuana? What impact is this having on the sale and use of pot? Larry Mantle talks with David Samuels, writer for The New Yorker, about this burgeoning business. We’d love to hear from listeners too. Call us at 866.893.5722 or blog away…we’ll read your comments on the air.

  Then: He might be the next President of the United States — John McCain. What would you like to know about him? Larry talks with Paul Alexander, author of “Man of the People: The Maverick Life and Career of John McCain,” about the presumptive Presidential nominee of the Republican Party. That and the news of the day…

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  • July 29, 2008 4:35 PM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Tuesday, July 29

  Breaking News Update: We stayed on the air until 1:00 today, discussing the 5.4 earthquake that hit Southern California at 11:42. Post your comment and tell us about what you experienced!

  Audio: Hear Larry react — calmly — as the earthquake interrupts his discussion of “Stuff White People Like.” (34 second .wav file)

  Link: USGS information on quake

  Earthquake Rocks Southern California: About twelve minutes into “Stuff White People Like,” a strong earthquake interrupted the discussion with author Christian Lander. Despite a large speaker swinging overhead, Larry continued to broadcast, immediately talking with KPCC’s reporters, earthquake experts, and listeners across the region. The magnitude 5.4 quake, felt from Los Angeles to San Diego, was centered in the city of Chino Hills, in San Bernardino County. It’s the strongest earthquake to strike a populated are of Southern California since the 1994 Northridge quake. You can listen to AirTalk’s special hour of extended earthquake coverage here.

  Imagine a pact between Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton. Impossible, right? Not so, according to author Steven Gillon. Larry Mantle talks with Gillon about his new book: “The Pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry that Defined A Generation.”

  Then — how white are you? Christian Lander, writer of “Stuff White People Like,” joins Larry in studio to poke fun at the sacred cows of Caucasion culture. And in case you’re not certain just how white you are, here’s a hint: listening to public radio and driving a Prius raises your whiteness quotient exponentially.

  All that, plus the news of the day…

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  • July 28, 2008 3:50 PM by Karen Fritsche
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• AirTalk for Friday, July 25

  Larry Mantle looks at why hate crimes are increasing in LA County and a new proposal to cut pollution from ships arriving in the state’s ports. Plus FilmWeek critics review this week’s new film releases, including the new X-Files movie, I Want to Believe…

  Check out the the trailer here:

  On Today’s FilmWeek, critic Wade Major, calls the new film Boy A, a “near masterpiece.”

  Check out the trailer here:

  Then Larry talks with Brian Lowry, TV Critic and Columnist for Variety, about this year’s Comic-Con, happening this weekend in San Diego.

  And if you’ve ever wondered what those colorful attendees do for day jobs, you’ll enjoy this YouTube video from “Big Time Attic.”

  Tools

  • July 24, 2008 4:16 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
  • Comments (2)
  • Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture, Transportation

• AirTalk for Thursday, July 24

  Larry Mantle talks about the latest news in the OC. Also, should the rich be taxed more? The tax rate for America’s wealthiest has fallen to an 18-year low. Plus baby boomers volunteering for the Peace Corps…

  Tools

  • July 23, 2008 3:56 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
  • Comments (18)
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Tuesday, July 22

  Larry Mantle talks about the future of the FCC’s indecency standards and a new book on the history of the condom. All that and more…

  Tools

  • July 21, 2008 4:14 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
  • Comments (20)
  • Categories: Arts, History, Politics/Public Affairs, Society/Culture

• AirTalk for Monday, July 21

  Larry Mantle talks with guests about the condition of California’s aging infrastructure; how black conservatives might vote in the upcoming Presidential race; and has a conversation with author Alvin Stephen Felzenberg about his new book “The Leaders We Deserve.”

  All that and more.

  Tools

  • July 18, 2008 4:17 PM by Linda Othenin-Girard
  • Comments (7)
  • Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs

• AirTalk for Wednesday, July 16

  L.A.’s disaster preparedness; California’s economic forecast; How Wall Street caused the mortgage and credit crisis; Bishop Gene Robinson; and more.

  Tools

  • July 15, 2008 4:27 PM by Jenn Dungan
  • Comments (1)
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality

• AirTalk for Tuesday, July 15

  Geoengineering; New Yorker’s Obama cover sparks uproar; we are what we buy; and more.

  Tools

  • July 15, 2008 3:19 PM by Jenn Dungan
  • Comments (1)
  • Categories: Business/Economy, Politics/Public Affairs, Science/Technology

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