Depressing reports from the polar ice caps have now become standard monthly affairs: ice shelves and glaciers are melting at increasingly rapid rates, and summers are now virtually ice-free in the Arctic Sea. While stories are ubiquitous they still seem far away—which is a dangerous outlook, argues geophysicist Henry Pollack. Pollack is at the Copenhagen COP15 reminding the attendants that the disappearance of ice portends serious consequences for the global environmental balance, from the regulation of temperature to the extinction of animal species. Patt talks with Al Gore’s partner in crime from Copenhagen on what a world without ice might look like.
When extra money for investment in public works projects, especially those of a recreational nature, is in short supply it might be surprising that a new skate plaza is opening up in Boyle Heights. The Safe Spot Skate Spot at Hollenbeck Park officially opens tomorrow, thanks to a partnership between the City of L.A. and the foundation of pro-skater Rob Dyrdek—the result is a sparkling new facility that gives a place for the kids of Boyle Heights to skate and play, and parents some piece of mind.
Today TIME magazine tapped Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as Person of the Year for 2009, but the Senate might not have the same opinion, as they vote tomorrow on his nomination for another four-year term as head of the nation's central bank. What's behind TIME's decision and why might some disagree with the choice?
For a Congress that was already overwhelmed and overloaded with critically important policy issues, what’s the harm of throwing one more divisive and complex problem into the mix. The “Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security & Prosperity Act of 2009” was introduced yesterday as another stab at settling the question of some 10 million illegal immigrants currently living and working in the U.S. Among other features, the bill would strengthen border security, created a streamlined employment verification system and the always controversial “earned legalization program.” Does the bill have a chance, and can Congress give its proper attention to immigration reform?
Rude people are everywhere, as they always have been. But what’s the best way to stop them? Advice Goddess columnist Amy Alkon is a little more forthright than Emily Post might be; from noisy cell phone chatters to crying babies in restaurants, she takes no prisoners. Is it the only way to fight back or does fighting rudeness with rudeness only double it?
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
