AirTalk for January 12, 2010
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Is killing an abortion doctor manslaughter?
The judge overseeing the trial of a Kansas man charged with first degree murder for killing an abortion doctor has agreed to hear an unusual argument. Defense lawyers say the suspect's act constitutes voluntary manslaughter, not murder. Under state law, willful killings motivated by "an unreasonable but honest belief that circumstances existed that justified deadly force” carry sentences of fewer than five years in prison. If convicted of first degree murder, the suspect would likely be sentenced to life in prison. Does the defendant's intention—protecting the future life of the unborn—justify his decision to take another man's life?
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The psychology of pricing
Why does the 99¢ Only Store have a profit margin twice that of Wal-Mart? Why do people pay for text messages, when they can send email for free? In "Priceless," William Poundstone analyzes the psychology of pricing and its roots in behavioral decision theory. He details how many companies hire "price consultants" that employ clever pricing tactics to influence our perception of value. For example, retailers may give some items an extremely high price just to make moderately cheaper items seem more affordable. Poundstone talks with Larry Mantle about the power of price as a hidden persuader.
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Flummoxed by the filibuster
A simple majority can get a bill passed in the Senate--in theory. A two-thirds majority, however, is required to bring a vote to a close. And if the minority party wants to, it can continue debating a bill ad nauseam to prevent legislation from passing. This is called the filibuster, and back in 2005, when the Republicans had a majority in the Senate, Democrats could filibuster to gum up the agenda, especially in the case of judicial nominees. Now the tables are turned, and Democrats are still sore from the compromises they had to make in the healthcare bill to receive a filibuster-proof majority. Is the filibuster a necessary part of maintaining check and balances on partisan agendas? Or has it become a tool of obstructionists that should be nuked out of existence?
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Mark McGwire fesses up steroid use
Baseball slugger Mark McGwire confirmed long-held suspicions yesterday that he used steroids, including during the 1998 season when he hit a record-breaking 70 home runs. While tearful and apologetic in his admission, McGwire maintained that he used steroids to heal quicker from injuries, and that no pill or injection can give athletes the hand-eye coordination to hit a baseball. How should we look back on baseball's steroid era?
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MOCA names Jeffrey Deitch as new director
Picture this: LA’s Museum of Contemporary Art has named veteran art dealer Jeffrey Deitch as director, a position open for more than a year. The museum’s last leader, Jeremy Strick, resigned in 2008 in the midst of a financial meltdown. The highly respected, 30-year-old institution was on the verge of bankruptcy, until it took a $30 million bailout from its chairman, billionaire Eli Broad. Deitch is the first art dealer/gallery owner to assume leadership of a major U.S. museum. Will his commercial credentials be good for the non-profit?
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Events
Film Week Oscar Preview
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1 p.m.
- 3 p.m.
It’s a hit with boffo box office! The 10th annual “Film Week on AirTalk” Academy Awards preview is coming to the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunday, February 19th. The full cast of “Film Week” critics joins Larry Mantle to debate which nominees should take the top categories. Audience ... » More info
