Larry Mantle

Listeners Disagree Over Curfew Sweeps and My Latest Visit to Our New Home

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:28:23 -0800

Thursday morning we talked about last week's Orange County curfew sweeps targeting minor teens who were out after 10:00 p.m. Some listeners supported the action, citing crime and public loitering as problems that the sweeps could address. Others took issue with police resources being allocated this way and thought it amounted to harassment. More such sweeps are planned in OC. What do you think?

Thursday afternoon I went over to our soon-to-open new broadcasting center on Raymond Avenue, just south of Old Pasadena. Our Director of Broadcasting, Doug Johnson, asked "AirTalk" Senior Producer Linda Othenin-Girard and me to come over to look at the planned placements of video monitors and microphones for our new studios. I'm very impressed with how the new facility is coming along. It's an extraordinary improvement on our current facilities in every way. Despite my sentimental appreciation of our decades-long home, and the pleasure of being on Pasadena City College's beautiful campus, I can't wait to get into the new building. The Forum that's under construction for live, in-person, audiences is wonderful. I'm particularly grateful to those of you who've financially supported this project. I have no doubt you'll be very pleased with your investment.

Sports Day on "AirTalk"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:27:12 -0800

This morning we talked with Andre Agassi about his new autobiography, "Open." He was a big hit with KPCC staff members who came up to welcome him to our studios. I was impressed with his candor, both in writing and in person.

This afternoon, I talked with Laker coach Phil Jackson about the start to this season. We talked about the team's erratic play so far, and what the return of forward Pau Gasol will mean for the quality of Laker play. We'll air that conversation tomorrow at the close of the program.

I was shocked to hear the news that Ruth Seymour is retiring in February as General Manager of KCRW. I so associate her with KCRW that it's hard for me to imagine the station without her. Ruth is an extremely important person in the history of public radio and someone whose personality and programming philosophy has made her a controversial figure in our field. However, there's no denying her accomplishments. In her next few months she'll be solidifying a major legacy in public broadcasting.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:58:02 -0800

This morning, bestselling writer Barbara Ehrenreich talked with us about her new book, "Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking is Undermining America." Ehrenreich argued that proponents of positive thinking have encouraged vulnerable Americans to spend beyond their means and deny the reality of their lives. She called it "magical thinking," and cited the book and movie "The Secret" as the ultimate expression of the movement. Do you agree, or do you see positive thinking as improving quality of life?

Tomorrow, we'll talk about Sarah Palin's media blitz for her new memoir, "Going Rogue." She's an explosive figure, even within her own party. We'll hear from Republicans with opposing views on what Palin's role should be in the GOP.

Can Medical Marijuana Legally Be Sold?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:04:16 -0800

This morning's spirited debate on what the law says about medical marijuana got to the heart of this dispute between dispensaries and the L. A. City Attorney's office. It's clear that the courts will ultimately decide the limits on how medical marijuana can be sold to patients.

This is a very important public debate, and I'd appreciate your comments. Do you agree with the City going after dispensaries that sell pot over-the-counter, or do you think it will keep patients from getting what they need?

Monday morning, we'll remember comedian George Carlin with Carlin's daughter, Kelly Carlin-McCall. Also, bestselling writer Barbary Ehrenreich on her new book, "Brightsided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America."

Afghanistan's Future and Southland Medical Marijuana

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:04:33 -0800

Last night's "AirTalk" On the Road taping at the Autry was an eye-opener, as our outstanding guests looked at the tough prospects for American success in Afghanistan. I was very impressed by the analysis of our panelists, as well our live audience's questions.

Tomorrow, we talk with the point man for the Los Angeles City Council's proposed medical marijuana ordinance, Councilman Ed Reyes. We'll find out what's in the proposal and what it will mean for the dispensaries already opened but threatened with closure. What would you like to see in the Council's ordinance, if anything at all? The L. A. Times recently editorialized that it didn't think an ordinance was necessary. The Times' argument was that the LAPD has all it needs to go after dispensaries that are operating illegally as for-profit businesses. What do you think?

Healthcare Reform and Abortion Rights

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:36:17 -0800

Though Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tried hard to avoid a battle over abortion rights, it looks like that's what he's now facing in his house's version of healthcare reform. Given the strong protest from abortion rights advocates over the House's Stupak ammendment, it looks like the Senate is in a tough spot.

We'll be closely watching the debate to see where some compromise might be reached. Right now, it's unclear what that would be.

It was a blast to talk with "Monty Python's" John Cleese this morning. Just as fun was listening to the clips we played from "Monty Python's Flying Circus," "Fawlty Towers," and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." The humor's as funny today as when they created it.

I appreciate all the listener contributions to our conversation on cyclists and motorists sharing the road. He continued our conversation from last week, given that we had such strong listener interest. Please share your comments here about how cars and bikes can better share the road.

Tonight, "AirTalk" is on the road at the Autry in Griffith Park. At 7:00 p.m. we'll talk about the way forward in Afghanistan. Please join us. More information is here on the website. RSVP to: airtalk@kpcc.org.

Tomorrow, we'll air our Afghanistan conversation during the 11:00 a.m. hour.

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe and new LAPD Chief Charlie Beck

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:00:33 -0800

Plouffe's new campaign memoir, "The Audacity to Win," is a very engrossing look at the challenge Team Obama faced in introducing its candidate to the nation. I'm so focused on what's going on now between Congress and the President that it was fun to take some time to look back on the whirlwind year-and-a-half leading up to the election. I'd forgotten how well Obama's strategists handled the caucuses in Iowa and put the Clinton folks on their heels, despite her still being the front-runner.

Tomorrow, we'll talk with new LAPD Chief-designate, Charlie Beck. He was unanimously endorsed by a City Council committee today, with the full Council vote just a week away. I welcome your questions for the incoming Chief. He's got tough shoes to fill, but what seems like a supportive city behind him. I wonder how much the Council will try to exercise control over Beck. Bratton always made it clear that he considered the Police Commission and the Mayor his bosses, as much as he had any.

The Rise and Fall of Starbucks

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:22 -0800

I'm fascinated by what Starbucks says about us as Americans -- at least those of us who can afford to go there and choose to do so. How did the company take hold so quickly, and what does it offer above and beyond its beverages? That's one of our topics tomorrow, as we talk with the author of, "Everything but the Coffee: Learning About America from Starbucks." The book's written by Temple University professor Bryant Simon.

This morning we had excellent listener questions for GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Campbell. We're looking forward to having Jerry Brown with us, once he formally declares.

Sharing the Road Brings Out the Passion

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:45 -0800

Our segment this morning on how to help cars and bikes share the road was one of our more passionate in weeks. Monday's conviction of a motorist who intentionally caused serious injuries to two cyclists was seen by many of our riding listeners as an important step in supporting their rights. There are several other pending court cases involving allegations of road rage carried out against bike riders. Postings continue on the "AirTalk" page, as listeners debate the best ways to work out road conflicts. Fortunately, most of the conflicts don't end in rider injury, but the number of such incidents is growing as more people ride.

Most callers provided a pretty balanced perspective, looking at the sometimes competing interests of cyclists and drivers. Others verbally went after either bike riders or drivers for rude behavior and violating the law. I suspect just about all of us have seen examples with both groups. The ongoing problem will be how to respectfully share streets that aren't designed for the coexistence of both types of vehicles.

Unfortunately, it will be tough to keep some impatient drivers from blowing past cyclists without regard for the rider's vulnerability or legal right to share the road. Maybe as more people ride, or have family members who do, it will sensitize drivers to cyclists.

It will also be difficult to avoid some riders who claim the full lane, regardless of whether there are parked cars, a narrow lane, or a road hazard that makes lane ownership adviseable. It might be legal, but it's sometimes unnecessary and, in my opinion, rude to needlessly hold up car traffic.

Regardless of who's being rude to whom, let's hope these incidents of violent road rage stop. The jury in the Mandelville Canyon case sent a clear message.

Hopefully, we can begin a dialogue that takes us well beyond what's technically legal, to what's a considerate and safe way to share the road.

Gavin Newsom Drops Out

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:41:15 -0800

It was about a month ago that "AirTalk" callers and I talked with the San Francisco mayor. He was high energy in pitching the changes he said he'd bring to California, including an emphasis on building a green economy.

However, with AG Jerry Brown taking most of of the campaign contributions available to Democrats, Newsom could never get ahead of the financial curve. Donors must see Brown as the safer choice, given Newsom's personal behavior and what we hear is his lack of statewide name recognition. It's hard for me to believe that Newsom is so unknown outside of the Bay Area, but that's what pollsters claim. I would've thought his efforts on behalf of same-sex marriage and his alcohol and marital problems would've put him on even casual voters' radar screens. He certainly lives, and governs, large.

Monday on "AirTalk," we'll talk with state campaign analysts and open the phone lines for you to comment on what this does to the governor's race. Given Newsom's polling, maybe the effect is minimal. However, barring Diane Feinstein running, it would seem Jerry Brown can just save his money to fight it out with a wealthy, self-financed, Republican nominee.

Do Survey Respondents Lie About Lying?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:17:13 -0800

The Josephson Institute of Ethics in Los Angeles released a survey this morning claiming to show that those who lie as teenagers are far more likely to lie as adults, and that many more teens today think that dishonesty is a requirement for success. The conclusion from the Josephson Institute is that we're headed for a world that's much more dishonest than today. If true, the consequences could be tragic.

However, several of our listeners were skeptical about the survey's results -- including whether older respondents were being honest about their behavior earlier in life. One caller brought up the socio-economic status of those polled, wondering if younger people with fewer opportunities might see deception as necessary to help level the playing field.

Do you think younger Americans are less honest than past generations? Do you think it's difficult to succede without lying, cheating, or stealing?

Tomorrow, our "Film Week" critics review the new Michael Jackson concert rehearsal movie, "This is It." I'll also talk with the author of a new biography of director Robert Altman. If you're a fan of his, what's your favorite Altman film?

What Works in Law Enforcement

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:44:37 -0800

This morning we aired our conversation with exiting LAPD Chief Bill Bratton, followed by an interview with UCLA Public Policy Professor Mark Kleiman. In both, we talked about what the best methods are for detering criminals and assuring a higher level of public safety.

For Chief Bratton, it's assigning officers based on statistical analysis of crime "hotspots," while paying attention to less serious quality of life crimes that might set the stage for more serious violations. Professor Kleiman didn't take issues with the Chief's perspective, but argued that it will take more than that to keep crime down and deal with overflowing prisons. His book "When Brute Force Fails" details how the threat of swift arrest and incarceration is ultimately necessary to keep the group of criminals responsible for the majority of crime from repeating their behavior again and again. This would require a significant change in our sentencing, courts, and prison systems. However, it's a very interesting argument, that claims human nature as one of its primary proofs.

Tomorrow, we'll talk about the latest developments in technology and how they're helping older adults, and get an update on the solar industry -- which has been the "next big thing" for the past 40-years.

Chief Bratton Reacts to Possible Successors

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:31:51 -0800

I just got home from meeting with Bill Bratton this evening at the new LAPD headquarters. We spent a half-hour talking about the three finalists to succeed him, what he sees as his Los Angeles legacy, local race relations, and why he chose to resign. You'll hear the full conversation Wednesday morning on "AirTalk." As always, the Chief speaks his mind and answers questions directly.

The Women's Conference in Long Beach has been a boon for us in terrific guests over the past couple of years. This morning I had the pleasure of interviewing participants Madeleine Albright and Jane Goodall. As interesting as they both were, their enthusiasm for their work was particularly notable. The physical energy required to live lives like theirs is extraordinary. Between their travel, writing, and speaking engagements, I marvel at how they stay so "up" for all of it.

Reviews of Bad Films Are Often the Most Entertaining

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:09:36 -0800

There's no question that my greatest pleasure in talking with our critics on "Film Week on AirTalk" comes from one of them uncovering a gem of a movie that would otherwise go unnoticed. It's exciting to hear the critics' passion over something they've seen that really moves them. There are many weeks where that doesn't happen, and our critics endure numbingly bland and empty-headed films. However, there's always hope that the next terrific movie is just coming up.

On the flip side, for sheer fun, it's hard to beat witty critiques of movies that are both pretentious and flat-out bad. According to our critics Wade Major and Andy Klein, Lars von Trier's "Antichrist" fits that description. They were very funny in describing a movie that's said to be torturing its lead characters onscreen and members of the audience, as well. Just reading about "Antichrist" was so repulsive that it's tough to imagine what sitting through it is like. It will be interesting to see if there's an art house audience for this movie, as there's been for von Trier's previous ones. Maybe the "Saw" fans will turn out.

Monday, our guests will include Republican candidate for Governor, Steve Poizner, and NPR Ombudsman, Alicia Shephard. It's a great chance for you to ask each of them questions. Have a great weekend.

Friday's Guests -- Bill Cosby, Mitch Albom, and Mayor Villaraigosa

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:13:40 -0800

We have a big morning of "AirTalk" tomorrow, with Bill Cosby, mega-selling author Mitch Albom, and Mayor Villaraigosa all lined up. In addition, our "Film Week" critics have a busy week of releases, including "Amelia," starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere, Lars von Trier's horrific and stomach-turning "Antichrist," and the animated "Astro Boy."

Thank you so much for the enormous support you provided to KPCC during our Fall Member Drive. It's heartening to hear from so many "AirTalk" listeners who are highly dedicated to the program. I was touched by listener message after message, in addition to the generous financial support our audience contributed. You are deeply appreciated.

Childhood Roots of What We Do

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:14:28 -0800

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkeley Breathed talked this morning about how he's always been a cultural outsider within the world of cartooning. He never set out to do it, yet established himself as a huge presence in the art form. Movies were his big interest as a kid. He didn't start writing a strip until he was in college and had been fired from every other job at the school newspaper.

This is in contrast to my childhood friend, Kevin Fagan, who draws the popular "Drabble" strip. Kevin lived in the apartment next door to my family's in Inglewood. I met him the first day we moved into the building, just before I started third grade.

Kevin was always drawing, just like I was always talking. I have great memories of Kevin working on characters he was drawing, at the same time we were using one of our small tape recorders to do an interview or bit of humor. Our territory seems to have been staked out from a very young age.

Then this afternoon, I taped an interview with the heroic Hudson River pilot, "Sully" Sullenberger. He knew he wanted to be a pilot when he was six years old. His career was a straight line through the Air Force to the old PSA carrier, and on to US Airways. "Sully" is a wonderful talker and I'm looking forward to our airing the interview early next week.

I'm always interested in these accounts of how we get where we are. Whether it's the Breathed example of unintentionally finding yourself gifted at something the world values, or knowing from early on just what you love to do. I don't know whether one provides an easier path than the other. I just feel very fortunate to get to do what I love.

Biggest Member Turnout for "AirTalk" Yet

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:52:26 -0800

Wow, thank you so much for the extraordinary show of support for our $25,000 Power Block challenge from SCPR Board Member, Jarl Mohn. Our 11:00 a.m. hour saw more than 400 listeners join or renew their memberships. Though it looked doubtful that we would hit the morning's challenge, we did it thanks to you.

Tomorrow, we'll talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bekeley Breathed. He created the acclaimed "Bloom County" and "Opus" cartoon strips, and has also written a first-time novel, "Flawed Dogs." I'll talk with you then.

Where the Disagreeing Critics Are

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:07:07 -0800

Spike Jonze's adaption of "Where the Wild Things Are" has opened to superb business, despite its mixed reviews. Our "Film Week" critics were also split on the movie, with Claudia Puig and Henry Sheehan very high on it, and animation critic Charles Solomon not impressed.

It's not surprising that there'd be disagreement, given that "Wild" is a very short book turned into a feature film. Maurice Sendak's classic left a lot open for the reader to fill in, which had to be fleshed out for a movie.

Max's adventure is only slightly wilder than what's alleged about the Heene family of Colorado. Local authorities claim the Friday runaway balloon "crisis" was staged by the family as an attempt to get back onto a reality television series. The Heene's had already been featured twice on the show, "Wife Swap."

This, obviouisly, brings up several of the ongoing uncomfortable questions about the nature of "reality" TV. Chief for me is how "eccentric" individuals are both sought out for these shows and seek the attention they'll get from being on them. Unfortunately, if these charges are true, the three Heene children are the real emotional casualties.

Monday, we'll talk with self-described "human guinea pig," A. J. Jacobs. Among his extreme projects, he read the entire "Encyclopedia Britannica," lived for a year attempting to follow every commandment contained in the Bible, and outsourced his life to India (including hiring someone to argue with his spouse). His adventures go on from there. We'll hear more about them Monday.

I Was Left Speechless

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:48:21 -0800

It wasn't anything my guests said, just inadequate water sipping that left me speechless and voiceless in mid-program this morning. I'm sorry for the interuption to a great conversation about the IRS' amnesty program for Americans holding untaxed, offshore, bank accounts.

It's a radio host's worst on-air nightmare to suddenly lose the ability to speak. Fortunately, it came back within a minute. Many listeners probably hoped the silence would kick in whenever we started a fundraising break.

Speaking of which, we had a very strong turnout from listeners this morning. When we finished our Power Block Thursday at noon, there were more than 80 members in the process of contributing. Thank you very much for your generosity. We made our goal, fulfilled the $10,000 challenge, and concluded today's on air fundraising at noon. I appreciate you so much.

"AirTalk" Guest Bares Foot as Proof

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:35:31 -0800

In "AirTalk's" 25th year we've reached another first -- a guest putting his foot onto the studio console as evidence of a claim.

It happened this morning with Christopher McDougall, author of "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen." McDougall champions barefoot running, claiming it forces the runner into a more natural and less stressful running position. He further argues that it doesn't hurt the soles of the runner's feet.

McDougall said he always ran barefoot, including last night through Culver City. He said he'd never suffered a foot injury and that he hadn't built up calluses on his soles as protection. To prove his point, McDougall put his bare foot on the console in front of me and asked how it looked. I had to admit that it looked typical to me, without any noticeable calluses.

How could this be? McDougall explained that it's friction on the foot that causes callusing, not running on it. I have to admit that I was very skeptical, until he offered proof.

We're off to a good start with our Fall Member Drive, thanks to the generous support of many "AirTalk" listeners this morning. We closed out at noon by barely making our $5,000 challenge. If you didn't get in this morning, please contribute now or tomorrow morning during "AirTalk." Thanks so much.