Larry Mantle

Every day, Larry Mantle posts his thoughts on 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
Listeners Disagree Over Curfew Sweeps and My Latest Visit to Our New Home

Nov. 19, 2009|Larry Mantle|1 comment

Thursday morning we talked about last week's Orange County curfew sweeps targeting minor teens who were out after 10:00 p.m. Some listeners supported the action, citing crime and public loitering as problems that the sweeps could address. Others took issue with police resources being allocated this way and thought it amounted to harassment. More such sweeps are planned in OC. What do you think?

Thursday afternoon I went over to our soon-to-open new broadcasting center on Raymond Avenue, just south of Old Pasadena. Our Director of Broadcasting, Doug Johnson, asked "AirTalk" Senior Producer Linda Othenin-Girard and me to come over to look at the planned placements of video monitors and microphones for our new studios. I'm very impressed with how the new facility is coming along. It's an extraordinary improvement on our current facilities in every way. Despite my sentimental appreciation of our decades-long home, and the pleasure of being on Pasadena City College's beautiful campus, I can't wait to get into the new building. The Forum that's under construction for live, in-person, audiences is wonderful. I'm particularly grateful to those of you who've financially supported this project. I have no doubt you'll be very pleased with your investment.

Sports Day on "AirTalk"

Nov. 18, 2009|Larry Mantle|0 comments

This morning we talked with Andre Agassi about his new autobiography, "Open." He was a big hit with KPCC staff members who came up to welcome him to our studios. I was impressed with his candor, both in writing and in person.

This afternoon, I talked with Laker coach Phil Jackson about the start to this season. We talked about the team's erratic play so far, and what the return of forward Pau Gasol will mean for the quality of Laker play. We'll air that conversation tomorrow at the close of the program.

I was shocked to hear the news that Ruth Seymour is retiring in February as General Manager of KCRW. I so associate her with KCRW that it's hard for me to imagine the station without her. Ruth is an extremely important person in the history of public radio and someone whose personality and programming philosophy has made her a controversial figure in our field. However, there's no denying her accomplishments. In her next few months she'll be solidifying a major legacy in public broadcasting.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Nov. 16, 2009|Larry Mantle|1 comment

This morning, bestselling writer Barbara Ehrenreich talked with us about her new book, "Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking is Undermining America." Ehrenreich argued that proponents of positive thinking have encouraged vulnerable Americans to spend beyond their means and deny the reality of their lives. She called it "magical thinking," and cited the book and movie "The Secret" as the ultimate expression of the movement. Do you agree, or do you see positive thinking as improving quality of life?

Tomorrow, we'll talk about Sarah Palin's media blitz for her new memoir, "Going Rogue." She's an explosive figure, even within her own party. We'll hear from Republicans with opposing views on what Palin's role should be in the GOP.

Can Medical Marijuana Legally Be Sold?

Nov. 13, 2009|Larry Mantle|11 comments

This morning's spirited debate on what the law says about medical marijuana got to the heart of this dispute between dispensaries and the L. A. City Attorney's office. It's clear that the courts will ultimately decide the limits on how medical marijuana can be sold to patients.

This is a very important public debate, and I'd appreciate your comments. Do you agree with the City going after dispensaries that sell pot over-the-counter, or do you think it will keep patients from getting what they need?

Monday morning, we'll remember comedian George Carlin with Carlin's daughter, Kelly Carlin-McCall. Also, bestselling writer Barbary Ehrenreich on her new book, "Brightsided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America."

Afghanistan's Future and Southland Medical Marijuana

Nov. 12, 2009|Larry Mantle|1 comment

Last night's "AirTalk" On the Road taping at the Autry was an eye-opener, as our outstanding guests looked at the tough prospects for American success in Afghanistan. I was very impressed by the analysis of our panelists, as well our live audience's questions.

Tomorrow, we talk with the point man for the Los Angeles City Council's proposed medical marijuana ordinance, Councilman Ed Reyes. We'll find out what's in the proposal and what it will mean for the dispensaries already opened but threatened with closure. What would you like to see in the Council's ordinance, if anything at all? The L. A. Times recently editorialized that it didn't think an ordinance was necessary. The Times' argument was that the LAPD has all it needs to go after dispensaries that are operating illegally as for-profit businesses. What do you think?