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.

<<March 2010 
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
Latest Entries
An excellent weekend for new movies

Feb. 19, 2010|Larry Mantle|0 comments

If you're like me, you might still be catching up on the Oscar nominated films. However, it's great to have several options for brand new releases.

Leading the pack is Roman Polanski's, "Ghost Writer." Both our critics, Wade Major and Claudia Puig, were very impressed with the film. That was in contrast to Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," which was only intermittently involving. Parts of "Shutter Island" were quite creepy and effective.

Our critics were also high on the French movie, "The Girl on the Train," directed by Andre Techine, and the Israeli film, "Ajami."

Monday, we'll update the surge in Afghanistan. Have a great weekend!

Can't UCI students just get along?

Feb. 18, 2010|Larry Mantle|4 comments

Undoubtedly, most of them can. However, members of the Muslim and Jewish groups on campus have found it much tougher to do. The latest skirmish was early last week when eleven students of UCI and UCR were arrested after repeatedly trying to shout down a speech by Israel's ambassador to the United States.

Friday on "AirTalk," we'll talk about the ongoing complaints of UCI's Muslim student group about how the university treats them. We'll also hear what Jewish students think about the most recent incident.

On "Film Week on AirTalk," our critics will review the creepy new Martin Scorsese film, "Shutter Island," and we'll hear what they think about Roman Polanski's new movie, as well.

Lefty auto critic Dan Neil takes right turn to WSJ

Feb. 17, 2010|Larry Mantle|3 comments

It's safe to say that Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dan Neil won't be asked to join the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal. However, Dan is making the move from the Los Angeles Times to become the Journal's automotive columnist. Dan's not only an amazing expert on cars, he's a truly gifted writer on any topic, whether you agree with his politics or not. Thursday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk with Dan about his move and about Toyota's enormous challenges.

Also, outgoing Assembly speaker Karen Bass will joins us to talk about her run for the Congressional seat that Diane Watson is leaving for retirement. As you might have heard on "AirTalk," or read elsewhere, the Assembymember contributed campaign funds to the initiative effort to do away with California's new independent redistricting panel. We'll ask her about why she thinks the legislature is better suited for the job.

Do you care if "they" know where you are?

Feb. 16, 2010|Larry Mantle|0 comments

Wednesday morning on "AirTalk," we'll talk about whether the federal government should have the right, without probable cause, to use cellphone information to track the location of a person. This has become a big issue for civil libertarians, who see it as a potentially serious invasion of privacy. I welcome your reaction.

Also, we'll kickoff our member drive, so that we can raise money to continue providing you with the service of KPCC. I know that member drives can be an endurance contest for all involved, including listeners. Thanks for your support and understanding. On air drives are the only way for us to identify new listeners and to give them a chance to contribute. For those like me, it also gives an extra nudge to renew. This time I'm going to sign up for the automatic sustaining membership so that I don't have to think about renewing.

KCRW's retiring GM, Ruth Seymour, joins us Tuesday

Feb. 15, 2010|Larry Mantle|3 comments

KCRW's Ruth Seymour is in her final days as General Manager. Tuesday we'll talk with her about how public radio has evolved during her years bringing KCRW from a small, college laboratory station, to prominence across the country. Ruth has also been a controversial figure within public radio, given her decision to operate KCRW as a split-format station that pairs music with long-form news.

Have you been watching any of the Winter Olympics over the weekend? I particularly enjoyed K. D. Lang's performance at the opening ceremonies. It made me think of the nice conversation we had with her just a few months ago at our studios. She's an incredible talent.

Saturday was a beautiful day, but I ended up spending several hours of it sorting through all the books I've collected over the years that we've been broadcasting from Pasadena City College. At our new facility, I don't have an office to display all the great signed books I've collected over the years. I've brought those books home and have had to creatively find a place to store them, as our house isn't big enough to have them out. Though lifting all the boxes has left me a bit sore, it's been nice to have my memories of each book stirred by picking it up and organizing it. The nearly 25 years of hosting "AirTalk" have elapsed so quickly.