http://scpr.org/programs/airtalkJoin KPCC's <em>AirTalk</em> with host Larry Mantle weekdays for lively and in-depth discussions of city news, politics, science, the arts, entertainment, and more.en-usFri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/Vc47XRkGznw/the-life-of-grace-kelly<p>Grace Kelly had a fairy-tale life, leaving a childhood in Philadelphia to become an iconic Hollywood actress and later the Princess of Monaco. In film, Kelly is remembered for her appearances in Rear Window, Dial M for Murder, and her Academy Award-winning role in The Country Girl. In the biography &quot;High Society&quot;, Grace Kelly&#39;s close friend Donald Spoto draws from his personal interviews with the star to share details about Kelly&#39;s life, her impact on Hollywood, and her years as a princess.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/Vc47XRkGznw" height="1" width="1"/>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/the-life-of-grace-kellyhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/the-life-of-grace-kellyhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/kUjGxVYRszo/filmweek<p>Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Jean Oppenheimer, Claudia Puig, Wade Major, and Charles Solomon discuss the week’s new releases, including New Moon, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, The Blind Side, Planet 51, Defamation, That Evening Sun, and La Danse, among others.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/kUjGxVYRszo" height="1" width="1"/>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/filmweekhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/filmweekhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/qPGHP9xArIk/world-domination-china-style<p>We&#39;ve heard it before, &quot;power corrupts…absolute power corrupts, absolutely.&quot; So too does global dominance, British author Martin Jacques writes. Not only will China rise and eclipse the United States, the transition will be a traumatic one for Western powers. With a spotlight on President Obama&#39;s trip to Asia, we talk with Jacques about his book, &quot;When China Rules the World.&quot;</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/qPGHP9xArIk" height="1" width="1"/>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/world-domination-china-stylehttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/world-domination-china-stylehttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/nRV8MQhmL18/ca-unemployment-up<p>California&#39;s unemployment rate rose to 12.5% in October, the fourth-highest in the country and the highest in the state since World War II. Across the nation, the jobless rate increased in 29 states. But there were positive trends as well- California gained 25,700 jobs last month. It&#39;s the first time the state has added jobs since April 2008, and suggests that the rate of job loss is slowing. What do the numbers mean for an economic recovery?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/nRV8MQhmL18" height="1" width="1"/>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/ca-unemployment-uphttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/20/ca-unemployment-uphttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/fpB1CsVa0TU/phil-jackson-baller-in-chief<p>The coach of NBA champion LA Lakers previews the 2009-2010 season with Larry Mantle. Before you start staking out your spot on the parade route, Phil Jackson tells us what the Lakers are up against this season. </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/fpB1CsVa0TU" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/phil-jackson-baller-in-chiefhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/phil-jackson-baller-in-chiefhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/_IpfSnXwPQE/tackling-philosophy-with-math-economics-and-physic<p>How can we tell good from evil? Is there a way that we should lead our lives? Such inquiries are typically the realm of philosophers, but Steven Landsburg argues that math, economics, and physics can explain life&#39;s big questions. With logic and humor, he uses mathematical analysis to examine arguments for the existence of God, and employs economic methods to determine social responsibility. Steven Landsburg joins Larry Mantle to discuss &quot;The Big Questions.&quot;</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/_IpfSnXwPQE" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/tackling-philosophy-with-math-economics-and-physichttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/tackling-philosophy-with-math-economics-and-physichttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/oFoqR6AO5JY/glass-ceiling-still-intact-for-women<p>A new study by UC Davis and a women&#39;s advocacy organization found that women hold only 10.6% of top executive positions and board seats in California, based on a survey of the 400 largest public companies in the state. You would think by now things would have changed. Why haven&#39;t they?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/oFoqR6AO5JY" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/glass-ceiling-still-intact-for-womenhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/glass-ceiling-still-intact-for-womenhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/2VeotdarN4E/orange-county-journalists-roundtable<p>Larry talks with Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly staff writer and OC journalist William Lobdell about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/2VeotdarN4E" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/orange-county-journalists-roundtablehttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/orange-county-journalists-roundtablehttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/-gV6v6QvyZ0/oc-cracking-down-on-curfew-violators<p>Orange County conducted its first countywide curfew sweep last Friday. Hundreds of officers from about 20 agencies picked up 67 teens for breaking curfew. In most cities, unsupervised minors are banned from being out in public without a guardian between 10pm and 5am – even if they have parental permission. The OC sweeps were part of program to reduce truancy and keep kids out of gangs. And there are more coming. Are curfew laws fair? And is this “scared straight” approach working?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/-gV6v6QvyZ0" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/oc-cracking-down-on-curfew-violatorshttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/oc-cracking-down-on-curfew-violatorshttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/1IozCyC9G2o/senate-health-care-bill-revealed<p>Senate Dems unveiled their health care reform package late last night. The bill would insure 31 million people, or about 94% of Americans, excluding undocumented immigrants. The cost? $848 billion over 10 years. And projected savings? $130 billion over the same period, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. How does the Senate bill stack up against the House proposal? What adjustments will be made to win the approval of conservative Democrats? And when will a joint bill reach Obama&#39;s desk?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/1IozCyC9G2o" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/senate-health-care-bill-revealedhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/19/senate-health-care-bill-revealedhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/jWx_K8jYE8A/ruth-seymour-retiring-from-kcrw<p>Ruth Seymour, the general manager at public radio station KCRW in Santa Monica, has announced that she will retire in February after 32 years at the NPR affiliate. KCRW is known for its mix of public affairs shows and cutting edge music. Under her tenure, Seymour increased KCRW&#39;s global influence through its website and online presence.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/jWx_K8jYE8A" height="1" width="1"/>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/ruth-seymour-retiring-from-kcrwhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/ruth-seymour-retiring-from-kcrwhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/dQGOVHrkVX4/virtual-composer<p>Who—or what—is Emily Howell? The composer has a new CD coming out, but &quot;her&quot; work has stirred up confusion. That&#39;s because Emily Howell is a computer program, quite literally the brain child of UC Santa Cruz professor emeritus, David Cope. Himself a musician and composer, Cope is also a computer programmer. Larry talks with Cope about the genesis and genius of Emily Howell.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/dQGOVHrkVX4" height="1" width="1"/>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/virtual-composerhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/virtual-composerhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/bsnLSSPzuI8/da-to-la-sell-medical-pot-get-busted<p>District Attorney Steve Cooley says he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if Los Angeles passes an ordinance allowing for some cash transactions. Cooley’s announcement came one day after two LA City Council committees rejected the City Attorney’s proposed plan, which called for an outright ban of medical pot sales. What impact will Cooley’s warning have on Council deliberations? How many pot shops will Cooley go after? And when?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/bsnLSSPzuI8" height="1" width="1"/>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/da-to-la-sell-medical-pot-get-bustedhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/da-to-la-sell-medical-pot-get-bustedhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/baITdravma4/agassi-opens-up<p>He used to destroy the competition with explosive power followed by a quick flick of his flowing mane. Now Andre Agassi is surprising fans and former opponents alike with his candid autobiography &quot;Open,&quot; in which he admits that he hates tennis, the hair was fake, and, yes, he used crystal meth. Tennis star Andre Agassi joins Larry in studio to talk about the charmed life he never wanted.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/baITdravma4" height="1" width="1"/>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/agassi-opens-uphttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/agassi-opens-uphttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/cnRp7aDNoCY/californias-gaping-budget-gap<p>Sacramento is facing a projected $21-billion deficit, according to a report released today by the chief budget analyst. California lawmakers, who barely managed to patch together a budget a few months ago, seem to be at a loss in terms of solutions. But stakeholders are already preparing for battle. Is it possible to cut any closer to the financial bone? </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/cnRp7aDNoCY" height="1" width="1"/>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/californias-gaping-budget-gaphttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/18/californias-gaping-budget-gaphttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/x5-xKksQXY8/the-speech-that-ended-the-cold-war<p>Mr. Gorbachev—! Well, you know the rest. As historians and artists around Los Angeles and the world reconstruct bits of the Berlin Wall, Time&#39;s Romesh Ratnesar commemorates and cobbles together the speech that is credited with bringing it down. At the very least, President Ronald Reagan&#39;s exhortation to the Soviet premier thawed some of the Cold War&#39;s ice floes. Ratnesar does Reagan one better in his book, &quot;Tear Down This Wall: A City, a President, and the Speech that Ended the Cold War.&quot;</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/x5-xKksQXY8" height="1" width="1"/>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/the-speech-that-ended-the-cold-warhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/the-speech-that-ended-the-cold-warhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/KEEr9p71Se0/what-is-sarah-palins-political-future<p>Sarah Palin burst onto the national scene in 2008. But after some embarrassing interviews, publicized conflicts with the McCain campaign, and her resignation as Governor of Alaska, it&#39;s been unclear where her political future will take her. Republicans seem to love her or hate her, depending where they fall on the conservative spectrum. Now she’s hitting the airwaves promoting her book &quot;Going Rogue: An American Life.&quot; But how much power can she have to sway the future of the Republican Party? And is she a viable candidate for 2012?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/KEEr9p71Se0" height="1" width="1"/>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/what-is-sarah-palins-political-futurehttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/what-is-sarah-palins-political-futurehttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/ah56mi5FI3o/new-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines-spark-debat<p>A federal panel says that most women in their 40&#39;s no longer need to be screened for breast cancer, and that women over 50 should get mammograms less frequently, now every other year. Previously, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended regular screening starting at age 40. In reversing those guidelines, the panel said that the risk of screening women aged 40 to 49 outweighed the benefit. But the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology are criticizing the change. Will the new guidelines hinder early detection of breast cancer? What do you think of the recommendations, and do you plan to follow them?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/ah56mi5FI3o" height="1" width="1"/>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/new-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines-spark-debathttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/new-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines-spark-debathttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/VGzAwQCmRos/ban-on-medical-marijuana-sales-rejected<p>Two LA City Council committees rejected a proposal Monday by the City Attorney to outright ban the sale of medical marijuana in Los Angeles. Councilmen Ed Reyes and Dennis Zine said medical marijuana patients ought to be able to reimburse dispensaries for the cost of cultivation and distribution provided it’s in compliance with state law. The full City Council may vote on an amended ordinance tomorrow. Is a provision that allows for some sales workable? Or would it simply perpetuate pot profiteering?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/VGzAwQCmRos" height="1" width="1"/>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/ban-on-medical-marijuana-sales-rejectedhttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/17/ban-on-medical-marijuana-sales-rejectedhttp://feeds.scpr.org/~r/kpccAirTalk/~3/6yUl5V06yT8/danger-of-positive-thinking<p>Is America plagued by optimism? In &quot;Bright-sided,&quot; Barbara Ehrenreich argues that the prevalence of positive thinking has made society blind to reality. She takes on motivational speakers who preach that you can get what you want by wishing for it and blames the economic crisis on investors and consumers who failed to see the negative consequences of their behavior. Ehrenreich also criticizes the belief that setbacks should be met with a cheerful attitude. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, she writes about her indignation for those who told her to see her condition as a gift. Ehrenreich joins Larry in studio to talk about the downside of positive thinking.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/kpccAirTalk/~4/6yUl5V06yT8" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800http://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/16/danger-of-positive-thinkinghttp://scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2009/11/16/danger-of-positive-thinking