Patt Morrison Fri, 1/2

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Friday, January 2, 2009

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:30

OPEN

 

 

 

1:30 – 2:00

A Look Back at the 2008 TV Season and What's on the Tube for '09

TV is changing so fast it's hard to keep track. The major networks, both broadcast and cable, continue working hard to capture the vibe of the next Sopranos, or Seinfeld, with mixed success. NBC is moving Jay Leno to prime time....what impact will that have on expensive sitcoms and hour-long dramas? Meanwhile, new distribution methods such as YouTube and Hulu are changing the very way people watch TV. Conventional cable and airwave broadcasts are almost quaint now, with computer streaming rapidly replacing them. What can we expect to see moving forwards on our televisions and laptops?  And how will that influence content, when anybody can distribute a show to everybody via the Internet?

 

Guests:

Cynthia Littleton, deputy editor of news at Variety

Call her @

• Highlights of the year: Final episode of The Wire, The Shield, Big Bang Theory, How I met your Mother, the Mentalist, True Blood, Dexter, Friday Night Lights
• Quality wise: it's impossible to compare to previous years, but we had some stand out shows. Many shows have made a big splash.
• But commercially a tough year for everybody, but the sky is falling is overheated...new tech and hangover from writers strike hurts. Narrow slice of a younger audience for everyone. It's micro-slice of the audience. It's a real challenge.

 

Virginia Heffernan, writes "The Medium" Column for the New York Times Sunday Magazine

She'll call on line #9                 

• People are just finding solutions to how they want to watch TV.
• Networks are engaging the Internet, although there's some resistance to giving up the whole big production, LA-show runner model of TV production.
• Conflict between producers who are ad driven in their thinking and those who are user driven.

 

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

 

2:00 – 2:20

OPEN

 

 

 

 

2:20 – 2:30

Rovers Celebrate Five Years on Mars

January 3^rd marks the five-year anniversary of Spirit’s arrival on the red planet; Opportunity knocked at Mars’ door a few weeks later.  The rovers were only expected to operate for about three months, but both have continued to function, even through frigid cold and dust storms.  Their explorations have gleaned, among other things, evidence that liquid water once existed on Mars.  JPL has further plans for the rovers in 2009; we’ll find out where they’re headed from Project Manager John Callas.

 

Guests:

John Callas, Mars Exploration Rovers Project Manager

Call him @

 

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

We Need to Talk

Catherine Blyth says, "Conversation is the most fun you can have for free, without catching a disease."  And fun she has with her delightful tips on listening, talking shop and even surviving conversational bores, all contained in her new book, "The Art of Conversation."  In one ploy to redirect a bullying brother-in-law, she recommends interrupting him with flattery - ""I so agree. That's why I do X…"  Seek advice, offer praise. If the ranting continues, smile and, as China’s hallowed Thirty-Six Stratagems advises: "Relax while the enemy exhausts himself.""  Blyth shares her conversation arsenal and tells us how we can best "deal with bores, chores, and other conversational beasts."

Guests:

Catherine Blyth, writer and editor.  Her new book is "The Art of Conversation:  A Guided Tour of a Neglected Pleasure."

CALL HER @

 

 

 

Patt Morrison Thurs, 1/1

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 1, 2009

1-3 p.m.

 

**HOLIDAY SHOW ON TAPE

1:00 – 1:20

It's Arts Month!

Mark your calendars: January 2009 is LA Arts Month. Through community outreach, ticket giveaways, and a viral word-of-mouth, print, and radio campaign, the arts community is urging Angelenos to enjoy the best the art world has to offer without leaving LA. Whether visiting a local gallery or museum, catching a show at a small theater, or getting a taste of a multi-cultural festival, the point is to seek out new cultural experiences.

 

Guests:

Olga Garay (Gaa-RYE), Executive Director, Department of Cultural Affairs

 

Diane Rodriguez, Associate Producer, Director of New Play Production, Center Theatre Group

 

 

 

 

1:20 – 1:40

Charles Phoenix - Mr. Doo Dah!

Charles Phoenix - pop-culture expert with a passion for mid-century American culture, impresario of slide shows, and tour guide - is adding another feather to his cap. He will stand on the tail-gate of a red 1964 Ford station wagon venture as Grand Marshall of the 2009 Doo Dah Parade, the irreverent twisted sister alternative to the more civilized Rose Parade.  Stepping out at 11:30 on Sunday, January 18, "paraders" strut their stuff while parade-goers line up for the fun.  

 

Guests:

Charles Phoenix, pop-culture expert with a passion for mid-century American culture, impresario of slide shows, and tour guide.  He's the Grand Marshall of the 2009 Doo Dah Parade

 

Tom Coston, President of the Light Bringer Project, a non-profit arts organization that coordinates the Doo Dah Parade

 

 

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

The Widow Clicquot and her Champagne Empire

In her latest book, “The Widow Clicquot,” author Tilar Mazzeo tells the intriguing story of a young French widow who became one of the richest women of her lifetime. She was the world’s first great businesswomen, taking over her late husband’s wine business in the wake of the Napoleonic wars.  Still a legend in France, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin built the Veuve Clicquot champagne empire at a time when women simply didn’t control their financial fates.  Patt talks with Mazzeo about this captivating historical figure and the legacy she’s left behind.

 

Guest:

Tilar Mazzeo, author and cultural historian; in addition to “The Widow Clicquot,” she is also the author of “Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma.”

 

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

 

 

2:00 –3:00

American RadioWorks Presents: Campaign ‘68

Shaped by Vietnam, racial unrest, and the power of television, the 1968 presidential election was a watershed in American politics. Democratic candidates Eugene McCarthy and Robert Kennedy inspired young voters, but their heated contest ended in unexpected violence. In its wake, Richard Nixon was elected president, signaling a new era of Republican conservatism. We look back on the dramatic events of Campaign '68 with a special documentary produced by American RadioWorks.

 

 

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

                           Board of Supervisors, County of Los Angeles  

                                                           

Contact:  Judy Hammond, Director of Public Affairs, (213) 974-1363

                 Brian Lew, Assistant Director, (213) 974-1652

 

Live videofeed, English and Spanish, Telco #948075      Audio–(213) 974-4700 or

                                                                                                   (877) 873-8017 ext. 111111# English

                                                                                                                           ext. 222222# Spanish

Agenda and supporting documents:  http://bos.co.la.ca.us/Categories/Agenda/AgendaHome.asp

Agenda Highlights: http://ceo.lacounty.gov/press.htm

 

                          Dec.  31, 2008           

 

Jan. 6, 2009 Agenda Highlights

(Meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.)

 

Status report to be given on transition to new LAC+USC Medical Center.  (Item S-1, 11 a.m.)

 

Consideration given to proposed gangs and violence reduction plan, with demonstration sites in Florence/Firestone and Pacoima areas.  (Item S-2, 11:30 a.m.)

 

Recommendation calls for approving contract and $160,000 annual salary for Corde Carrillo to serve as acting executive director of the Community Development Commission and Housing Authority. (Item 1-D)

 

$84,575 contract would hire architectural firm for refurbishment of  Lennox Library. (Item 2-D)

 

Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky requests that Board offices be allowed to review case records of children who die and have either been in protective custody of the Department of Children and Family Services or have come to the attention of the department.  (Item 2)

 

Supervisor Don Knabe calls for adoption of plan to improve child care and development services, saying present policies and programs at federal, state and local levels are balkanized, inefficient and inconsistent.  (Item 5)

 

$10,000 reward proposed for information leading to arrest and conviction of person(s) who shot and killed 20-year-old Gabriel Steven Salazar as he was driving in Artesia on Sept. 29.  (Item 6)

 

Supervisor Gloria Molina recommends extension of $150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for 2002 death of 15-year-old Brenda Sierra, who was last seen on way to friend’s house in East Los Angeles and whose body was found the next day in San Bernardino County.   (Item 9)

 

Proposal would transfer $17.9 million to departments hit by state cuts, and redirect $135.4 million budgeted for new or expanded programs to a reserve established to help the County through the economic uncertainties.  (Item 11)

 

Two-year $775,000 agreement would hire consultant to assist six County departments integrate  land development and permitting systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. (Item 12)

 

Recommendation calls for approving new three-year contract with Merrick Bobb to review and make recommendations regarding Sheriff’s Department, at maximum $223,000 yearly. (Item 15)

 

$434,363 maximum contract proposed for consultant to develop a countywide bikeway master plan.  (Item 25)

 

Proposal calls for spending up to $8.2 million to enhance ability to replenish the groundwater in  San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds, reducing dependence on imported water and providing a more economical and dependable source of water.  (Item 28)

 

$2.3-$2.6 million project would synchronize signals in Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Downey and South Whittier along the I-5/Telegraph Corridor.  (Item 35)

 

Report scheduled on major projects most likely to qualify for federal funding under the economic recovery legislation.  (Item 55)

 

 

 

-- lacounty.gov --

 

Dredging to begin in Marina del Rey

Media Contact:  Debbie Talbot

            Beaches and Harbors

                          (310) 305-9548             

                       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                   

 

MARINA DEL REY SOUTH ENTRANCE CHANNEL

DREDGING SET TO BEGIN JANUARY 2

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. – December 31, 2008 - The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced today that the United States Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging the south entrance channel to Marina del Rey on  January 2, 2009 until the approximate completion date of March 15, 2009. 

The $3 million dredging project will remove 50,000 cubic meters of contaminated sediment using a hydraulic dredge to remove a tip shoal area at the south entrance of the Marina harbor.  Upon completion of the project, the dredged portion of the south entrance will return to the design depth of -20 feet mean lower low water.  The sediment will be pumped to a temporary sand separation plant situated on parking lot # 3 located at 8600 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey.  Utilizing a new application, the treatment facility will separate sand from other materials and contaminants, resulting in sand suitable for nourishment at Dockweiler State Beach.  The material unsuitable for beach placement will be trucked to an inland landfill. 

Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Office at (213) 452-3925 or visit their website at http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cms/index.php   

 

REVISED: Patt Morrison Weds, 12/31

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:40

OPEN

 

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

The USS Pasadena Celebrates the Rose Bowl

The crew of the fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena are here to visit their namesake city to celebrate the 120th Tournament of Roses. Commanding Officer Doug Perry and Chief of the Boat Bobby Keyes join Patt to explain the history of this vessel and how it got its unique name.

 

Guests:

Captain Doug Perry, Commanding Officer, USS Pasadena

IN STUDIO

 

Senior Chief Bobby Keyes, Chief of the Boat, USS Pasadena

IN STUDIO

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

2:00 – 2:30

The End of Public-Access Television?

Due to changes in state law, as of January 1^st, Time Warner Cable will no longer be required to provide public access programming on cable television as mandated by the FCC.  As a result, Time Warner will be closing its public access television studios, which provide training and production assistance along with an outlet for community activists, go-go-dancing grandmas and government watchdogs .  Is it the end of ‘Wayne’s World’ as we know it?  The City Council has been mulling over options, which include millions of dollars in city funds that could possibly keep public access television alive.

 

Guests:

Tracy Westen (male), CEO of Center for Governmental Studies, adjunct professor of Communications Law at Annenberg School of Communication, USC

Call him @

 

• He is Chairman of LA City's Municipal Access Policy Board, which oversees funding for Channel 35, and participated in the joint report to the city concerning public access.  He can explain the ins and outs of the issue.

 

Bill Rosendahl, City Councilman for District 11

Call him @

 

Leslie Dutton, Host/Executive Producer of ‘Full Disclosure Network’ which airs locally on LA 36

Call her @

• "Full Disclosure Network" is a Public affairs show that has been airing on numerous public access cable stations since 1994.  It won an Emmy in 2002 for a series on L.A.’s war against terrorism, the only public access show ever to do so. 
• She sees public access as a free speech issue, serving a necessary function to public. She is spearheading a letter-writing campaign asking Attorney General Brown to compel Time Warner to continue supporting public access television. 

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

(Sesame) Street Gang

Michael Davis, author of Street Gang: the Complete History of Sesame Street, is here to talk about the creation and history of this pop culture landmark. From its inspiration in the civil rights movement, to Nixon’s attempts to cut off its public funding, Davis explores how Sesame Street taught millions of children not just their letters and numbers, but also cooperation and fair play, tolerance and self-respect, and the importance of listening.

 

Guests:

Michael Davis, Author of Street Gang: the Complete History of Sesame Street; Michael has written for the New York Times and O: The Oprah Winfrey Magazine

Call him @

 

 

Patt Morrison Weds, 12/31

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:40

OPEN

 

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

The USS Pasadena Celebrates the Rose Bowl

The fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena is here from its home in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to visit its namesake city to celebrate the 120th Tournament of Roses. Commanding Officer Doug Perry and Chief of the Boat Bobby Keyes join Patt to explain the history of this vessel and how it got its unique name.

 

Guests:

Captain Doug Perry, Commanding Officer, USS Pasadena

IN STUDIO

 

Senior Chief Bobby Keyes, Chief of the Boat, USS Pasadena

IN STUDIO

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

2:00 – 2:30

The End of Public-Access Television?

Due to changes in state law, as of January 1^st, Time Warner Cable will no longer be required to provide public access programming on cable television as mandated by the FCC.  As a result, Time Warner will be closing its public access television studios, which provide training and production assistance along with an outlet for community activists, go-go-dancing grandmas and government watchdogs .  Is it the end of ‘Wayne’s World’ as we know it?  The City Council has been mulling over options, which include millions of dollars in city funds that could possibly keep public access television alive.

 

Guests:

Tracy Westen (male), CEO of Center for Governmental Studies, adjunct professor of Communications Law at Annenberg School of Communication, USC

Call him @

 

• He is Chairman of LA City's Municipal Access Policy Board, which oversees funding for Channel 35, and participated in the joint report to the city concerning public access.  He can explain the ins and outs of the issue.

 

Bill Rosendahl, City Councilman for District 11

Call him @

 

Leslie Dutton, Host/Executive Producer of ‘Full Disclosure Network’ which airs locally on LA 36

Call her @

• "Full Disclosure Network" is a Public affairs show that has been airing on numerous public access cable stations since 1994.  It won an Emmy in 2002 for a series on L.A.’s war against terrorism, the only public access show ever to do so. 
• She sees public access as a free speech issue, serving a necessary function to public. She is spearheading a letter-writing campaign asking Attorney General Brown to compel Time Warner to continue supporting public access television. 

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

(Sesame) Street Gang

Michael Davis, author of Street Gang: the Complete History of Sesame Street, is here to talk about the creation and history of this pop culture landmark. From its inspiration in the civil rights movement, to Nixon’s attempts to cut off its public funding, Davis explores how Sesame Street taught millions of children not just their letters and numbers, but also cooperation and fair play, tolerance and self-respect, and the importance of listening.

 

Guests:

Michael Davis, Author of Street Gang: the Complete History of Sesame Street; Michael has written for the New York Times and O: The Oprah Winfrey Magazine

Call him @

 

 

Temporary Closure of County's Florence/Firestone Service Center for Renovation

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              CONTACT:   Patricia Senette-Holt

December 30, 2008                                                                                                                 (213) 738-2065

COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES FLORENCE/FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER CLOSED FOR RENOVATION

LOS ANGELES –Community and Senior Services (CSS) Director, Cynthia Banks, announced today that effective January 30, 2009, the CSS Florence/Firestone Community Service Center, located at 7807 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, 90001, will be temporarily closed for badly needed renovation.  The date to re-open the center is targeted for early November 2009.  There will be upgrading and remodeling throughout the center.  Renovations will also include adding a recreation room to provide additional recreational activity access for senior citizens.

The Service Center will be entirely vacated, requiring CSS staff and tenant departments to vacate the facility.  To continue meeting the needs of the community, County departments and agencies housed within the center have designated the following temporary relocation sites:

Bethune Park

1244 East 61^st Street, Los Angeles, 90001

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 Senior Activity:  (323) 846-1895

-       Old Timers Foundation Senior Food Program:  Breakfast served at 7:30 a.m., Lunch served at 11:30 a.m.

-       Food Nutrition Management Services with registered dietician:  Mondays 10:00-11:30 a.m.

-       Food Distribution:  second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

-       Computer Classes:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

-       English as a Second Language (ESL) classes:  Monday through Thursday from 1:30-4:00 p.m.

-       Library Assistance, Book and Video rental:  Fridays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

-       Bingo:  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

-       Transportation:  Dial a Ride (323) 560-4646

-       For Title V (a training program for seniors) inquiries, please call (213) 738-2631

WorkSource / Florence/Firestone Youth Demonstration Project -Services will continue in a location in close proximity to the Florence/Firestone Service Center.  Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Please contact Michele Merchain at (323) 887-7122 for all inquiries.

-       More -

Services for the following County departments may be obtained at:

Consumer Affairs Florence/Firestone Branch Office-Washington Park

 8908 Maie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90001

Office hours:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m.

You may also contact the Department of Consumer Affairs (Website: dca.lacounty.gov) at (800) 593-8222 for additional information or (800) 973-3370 for real estate questions.

Building and Safety

1326 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, 90044-1300

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Their new office will be named the “South West District Office.”

The official date to begin services at the new location is to be determined.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Florence/Firestone Office has designated the following offices for services:

Norwalk Headquarters Building, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, 90650

(562) 462-2137. Office hours:  Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

East Los Angeles District Office, 4716 East Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, 90022

(323) 260-2991. Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

LAX Airport District Office, 11701 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045

(310) 727-6142. Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Document Recording hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Passport Services are available at the L.A. Main post office location at 7101 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, 90001.

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.; closed Sundays.

Parks and Recreation Administrative Office Washington Park, 8908 Maie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90002. For hours and days of operation call (323) 586-7205 or (323) 586-7205.

Department of Public Social Services 1740 E. Gage Avenue, Los Angeles, 90001

(323) 586-7191 Food Stamp Outreach Assistance.  This agency will return after the construction to continue serving the community.  Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adult Protective Services has temporarily moved its Florence/Firestone office to the new “Avalon” site.  You can look forward to referral information and continued services after the construction.  For inquiries, please call (213) 351-5401.   Call (877) 477-3646 24-hours.

Office of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Second Supervisorial District Field Office The Field Office deputies and staff may be reached during construction at (323) 586-6523.

Contact Greg Robinson, Florence/Firestone Center Director, at (323) 586-6502 or (323) 586-6516 for service re-location updates.                        

# # # #

<<florence Firestone closure Press Release on ltr head 12.30. 08 final.doc>>

Patricia Senette-Holt
Office of Communications

Community and Senior Services
3175 W. 6th Street, Suite 302
Los Angeles, CA.  90020
213.738.2065 Telephone
213.280.4144 Cell
213.427.6104 Fax
mailto:psenette@css.lacounty.gov
 
 

Misleading Mailers on Taxes

NEWS RICK AUERBACH

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR

CONTACT: ROBERT KNOWLES DECEMBER 30, 2008

(213) 974-3101 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MISLEADING MAILERS OFFER

LOWER PROPERTY TAXES FOR HOMEOWNERS

Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach and County Consumer Affairs Director Pastor Herrera, Jr. today warned homeowners to be wary of solicitations from private companies offering to file property assessment reduction forms for a hefty fee to pay for a review by the Assessor’s Department for free.

 

"We are again receiving calls from homeowners who have been sent these deceptive mailers, many of which could be mistaken for government notices and mislead property owners into thinking they must pay at least $100 to apply for a review of their assessed value,” Auerbach said. “Because of the real estate market downturn, however, my office will begin reviewing nearly 500,000 residential properties for their 2009 assessed values.

 

“We don’t charge a fee for this,” he said, “and anyone whose homes are reviewed will receive a letter in June notifying them of the results.” One firm, he noted, is charging $179 to file a decline-in-value application, as well as a so-called “late fee” of $30. This company is already the subject of investigation in several counties, he added.

 

"What is particularly disturbing about the latest solicitation from this firm is that it misleads the homeowner by mixing up years. The mailer states that the firm will represent the homeowner in an assessment appeal, when in fact, the last date to appeal was November 30th. If the solicitation is for 2009, assessments have not yet been made. Therefore, this firm won’t know what the 2009 assessed value

is until after our review of the 500,000 homes is completed in June and the homeowner is notified."

 

“At best,” Auerbach added, “these are legal but sophisticated scams taking advantage of homeowners who don’t understand that my office will do a reassessment on its own. Or anyone can file a simple application form available on our website at www.assessor.lacounty.gov. This can be completed in a few minutes. The form suggests including comparable sales if known, but that section can be left blank and we will still do the review. A property owner can also call toll-free (888) 807-2111 for assistance.

 

“At worst, these private solicitations may even violate laws which require very specific language and disclaimers that they are not being sent by a government agency,” he said. “The 2008 decline-in-value review recently completed by my office,” he said, “resulted in lower assessments on nearly 130,000 homes and condos with an average property tax savings of $750. At least 1,600 of the

reviews we initiated involved unnecessary forms submitted by these private companies at great expense to the homeowner,” Auerbach said.

 

“Anyone,” Herrera stressed, “who wants a complaint history of these solicitation companies or wants to file a complaint may contact our department at (800) 973-3370. A complaint form is also available on our website at www.dca.lacounty.gov/contact.htm. If someone has already paid for this unnecessary service, they may be eligible for a refund, particularly those homeowners who thought they were dealing with a government agency.”

 

Auerbach added that for 2009 his staff will now look at all homes sold in 2003 or later and may even go back to 2002 in some areas of the county based on a review of market conditions.

 

While anyone has the right to file a decline-in-value application requesting a review of their property’s value, Auerbach urged

those who bought their home or condo in 2002 or later to wait until June when the results of the review will be mailed. If a letter is not received or the owner is not satisfied with the results of the review, a decline-in-value application can be submitted.

Patt Morrison Tues, 12/30

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:30

OPEN

 

 

1:30 – 1:40

The End of Public-Access Television

 

Guests:

TBD

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

Green Funerals

In addition to Do-It-Yourself solar paneling, "green burial" is the latest fad in fighting global warming on a micro-scale. Mark Harris, author of Grave Matters: A Journey Through the modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial joins us for a graphic look at the modern funeral industry, its impact on the environment, and how to arrange a green funeral.

 

Guests:

Mark Harris, former Los Angeles Times Syndicate international environment columnist

Call him @

 

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

 

 

2:00 – 2:20

Back Away from the Phone!

Last July, a California ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone went into effect. But the law had an obvious--and dangerous--loophole. It failed to ban texting-while-driving. Technically, laws against reckless driving would already cover someone who takes their hands off the steering wheel and their eyes off the road in order to text. But an update to the cell phone law will formally ban texting on January 1. Can you still dial a phone in the car? Can you text while at a red light? Answers coming.

 

Guest:

Officer Vince Ramirez, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol

Call him @

 

 

 

2:20 – 2:30

Other New laws for '09

Want to open a massage parlor? Want to take your wife's name instead of her taking yours? Afraid that expensive bottle of pure spring water may actually come from a hose off the Santa Monica pier? Laws will impact all of these things and more in 2009. Make sure you know what's still legal--and what's not--next year.

 

Guests:

Dan Weintraub, Editorial Columnist, Sacramento Bee

Call him @

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

Havana Before Castro

Since Fidel Castro’s resignation as Cuba’s leader in February, the world is turning its attention once again to the former “Paris of the Caribbean.” Architectural historian and author Peter Moruzzi is here with his homage to the tropical playground of yore.

 

Guests:

Peter Moruzzi, architectural historian and author of Havana Before Castro: When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground

IN STUDIO

 

 

Patt Morrison Mon, 12/29

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Monday, December 29, 2008

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:40

OPEN

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

Cloris Leachman: Don’t Rain on Her Parade

She's known to a whole new audience for her dance steps, rather than her Oscar and Emmy wins. But actress Cloris Leachman isn’t complaining; she’s soaking up her renewed fame by serving as this year’s Rose Parade grand marshal.  Her career spans half a century, but it took the hit show “Dancing with the Stars” to remind everyone just how charming and entertaining she can be. Leachman will lead the 120^th Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day with a parade theme of “Hats Off to Entertainment.” 

 

Guest:

Cloris Leachman, award-winning actor on stage, screen and television.  As Grand Marshal, Cloris Leachman will ride in the 120th Rose Parade in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 95th Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2009.

IN STUDIO

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

 

2:06 – 2:30

OPEN

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

Don’t Go There

Travel Detective Peter Greenburg joins us with his essential guide to the must-miss places of the world. Tune in to miss out on the tourist traps, endless lines, rundown hotels, and the worst airports on earth.

 

Guest:

Peter Greenburg, author of Don't Go There!: The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World

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Patt Morrison Fri, 12/26

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Friday, December 26, 2008

1-3 p.m.

 

 

*LA Times Columnist David Lazarus Guest hosts

1:00 – 1:30

Damage Assessment: Looking Back on Bleak Holiday Sales, Forward to Recession in ‘09

Even before the traditional shopping frenzy began after Thanksgiving the nation’s retailers had turned in the worst sales figures in at least a generation, the weakest retail sales in more than 35 years.  Declines were recorded in every retail segment, with the biggest coming from department stores—perhaps it’s not a coincidence that Macy’s stayed open 24-hours a day for the final week leading up to Christmas.  Now that we’re past the retail industry’s D-Day, how bad were the final holiday sales figures; and how will stores adapt and adjust to a recession in 2009?

 

Guests:

Malachy Kavanuagh, (mal-ah-key) staff vice president of the International Council of Shopping Centers

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• The ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry with 75,000 members in the U.S. and Canada.  Among other things, the ICSC provides economic analysis of the retail business and traffic patterns into shopping centers.

 

Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak

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• ShopperTrak is the leading provider of shopper traffic counting information, providing retail businesses with data on retail trends, labor efficiencies, advertising and marketing effectiveness, merchandise changes and the impact of store designs.
• On Tuesday, Dec. 23^rd, ShopperTrak reported that U.S. foot traffic for the last Saturday before Christmas (Super Saturday, as it’s known in the retail business) fell a sharp 17% as compared to the same Saturday in 2007.
• Although total U.S. foot traffic significantly declined, ShopperTrak's retail sales estimate reported Super Saturday retail sales rose a slight 0.5 percent ($8.75 billion) compared to last year as consumers continued the trend of efficient shopping during this rather challenging 2008 holiday season.

 

 

 

1:30 – 2:00

VHS R.I.P.? Another Format Bites the Dust

Remember eight tracks? How about Betamax? When was the last time you saw an audio cassette tape? Many a format has come and gone. Soon it'll be official: VHS is taking its place in the history books. But are consumers ready to give up their VCRs? And what's next after DVD? Blu-Ray is coming online, but most people still find them too expensive. Scan disk/USB sticks may be the new format of choice...and then there's the future of video streaming via the Internet. Will that eventually doom all recording device rentals?

 

Guests:

Ryan Kugler [KOOG-luhr], President of Distribution Video & Audio, one of the last distributors of VHS tape, currently winding down in favor of total DVD

IN STUDIO                                        

 

David Pogue, Technology Reporter and Columnist, The New York Times

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• He can broaden the discussion out to other technology besides recording devise – televisions, cell phones, etc.

 

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

 

2:00 – 2:30

Ethnic Scams: Madoff and Affinity Fraud

Bernard Madoff, a Jewish American business man, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly bilking billions from wealthy Jews. But what Madoff did is, unfortunately, not all that unusual. It's called affinity fraud: con artists target members of an ethnic community by exploiting people's natural trust of those with similar backgrounds. Previous con-artists have gone after church groups, African-Americans and Armenians, to name a few. What's the psychology that lets these people gain the trust of otherwise intelligent and wealthy individuals to perpetrate these scams?

 

Guests:

TBD

 

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

OPEN