Larry Mantle

Every day, Larry Mantle posts his thoughts on the day's broadcast of AirTalk. You can post questions or comments about any of the day's topics. We may quote selected comments on the air.

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Latest Entries
Joe Biden Goes to Israel

March 9, 2010|Larry Mantle|1 comment

The Vice-President's visit to Israel has produced plenty of interesting side stories, including Mr. Biden's criticism of Israel's plans to build 1,600 new apartment units in east Jerusalem. He said that Israel's move "undermines trust," just ahead of mediated peace talks.

Wednesday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk about how the VP was received, and what the overt and underlying messages he delivered were designed to do. A recent poll of Israelis showed a majority thought President Obama was less supportive of Israel than the previous administration. Do you share that perception? If so, is that a good thing or cause for concern?

California's greenhouse gas law targeted by proposed ballot initiative

March 8, 2010|Larry Mantle|2 comments

Monday morning's "AirTalk" featured a debate on the greenhouse gas emissions rollback (AB 32) signed into law four years ago. AB 32's supporters claim it will not only set an example for the rest of country, but spur the in-state development of green technologies that could create jobs and expand our local economic base.

However, opponents of the measure are gathering signatures for a November initiative that would shelve AB 32 until unemployment drops below 5.5-percent for four consecutive quarters. Supporters of AB 32 say that would essentially do away with the greenhouse gas limits, given the state's historic unemployment levels. Opponents of AB 32 say unemployment is way too high to add the law's burden on California businesses.

Several newspapers in the state report the Valero and Tesoro oil companies are the funders of the signature-gathering effort. The two companies are based in Texas, but have significant presences in California. Oil companies are also undoubtedly concerned about the prospect that more states could adopt such restrictions on emissions.

What do you think? Will implementation of AB 32 lead to job losses or more jobs? Monday's guests cited dueling studies on AB 32's costs to businesses. Which argument was more compelling to you?

8th annual "Film Week" Academy Awards preview airs Friday

March 4, 2010|Larry Mantle|0 comments

Last Sunday, February 28th, about 400 “Film Week” listeners attended our yearly Academy Award preview. Not only was the turnout a thrill, but the back-and-forth between our critics was particularly spirited. The show airs Friday at 10:30 a.m. on KPCC.

Though I have a great time hosting our in-studio “Film Week,” it’s even more fun to see our critics and audience members respond to each other at the Oscar show.

This year was particularly lively, as James Cameron’s “Avatar” polarized. Critic Henry Sheehan was a strong defender of the movie, and he had plenty of support in the audience. Sharply disagreeing was critic Charles Solomon. His blistering ridicule of “Avatar” also hit home, triggering guffaws.

Katherine Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” was universally acclaimed by our critics, all of whom are members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA). LAFCA was the first critics’ organization to choose “The Hurt Locker” as Best Film.

Probably my favorite part of each year’s show comes from our critics championing the movies and performances that they thought were overlooked. This year was no exception, even with the Academy expanding the number of Best Picture nominees to ten.

We look forward to next year’s “Film Week” On the Road at the Egyptian, and hope to see you there. Our critics put great care and passion into “Film Week,” and I know that your support of their work means a lot to them. As always, it’s a real treat to see listeners like you at our programs throughout the Southland.

Statewide Day of Action protestors expected to call for higher taxes

March 3, 2010|Larry Mantle|0 comments

Students, teachers, and professors are planning protests at numerous schools throughout the state, arguing that planned cuts to public education will decimate instruction. Some of the flyers I've seen have specifically called for increasing taxes on California corporations and higher-level earners.

Thursday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk with KPCC reporters at various campuses to hear from protestors. Do you think the protests will have any impact on what happens with the budget in Sacramento? Do you think supporters of tax increases should seek to qualify initiatives that would enact such hikes? Do you think such measures would stand a chance of passsage?

Roland Lazenby's new book, "Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon," is essential for Laker fans. I've always heard about West's intensity and eccentricities, but this book really explains how he got to be that way. I read the book straight-through Tuesday night and have been thinking about it since. I'm also looking forward to West's autobiography that's coming out later this year.

Is "hyper-sexuality" hype?

March 2, 2010|Larry Mantle|1 comment

Tuesday morning we heard contrasting opinions from a pair of eminent psychiatrists over whether sexual addiction should be considered a psychiatric classification, or a misguided effort at pathologizing relationally-damaging behavior. I was impressed with both of our guests, but am still unclear on how you classify something that's such a part of human nature as a psychiatric condition. Isn't part of our nature to do battle between our short term impulses and longer term benefit? If we consistently fall short of our longer term interests by indulging a particular pleasure, is that really evidence of an addiction?

I'm particularly skeptical of labeling as a sex addict a high profile athlete who travels the world taking advantage of sexual opportunities along the way. It's clearly a violation of the pact he has with his wife and, once public, a tremendously unfair burden on his kids. However, it's hard for me to see that as an addiction. The athlete engaged in short term gratification, ultimately at the expense of those he loves. There are, however, many examples of such behavior from non-sexual areas of life, and they wouldn't be looked at as stemming from an addiction.

What do you think? Perhaps you've struggled with sexual obsessions or addiction and would like to share your experience and what it's led you to conclude.

Wednesday on "AirTalk," we'll talk with members of the UC community about race relations on Southern California campuses. You've probably heard about the incidents at UC San Diego. If you're part of a UC community, what have you observed?