Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Patt Morrison for Wednesday, 12/1/2010

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

1-3 p.m.

 

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

 

 

1:00 – 1:30

OPEN

 

1:30 – 2:00

Reading the economic tea leaves of 2011

The Economist editor Daniel Franklin joins Patt with his predictions for the biggest global economic stories of 2011.  Just in time for the magazine’s yearly publication of its “World in…” feature, which predicts the trends, issues and people who will shape the year ahead, Franklin fields your questions and Patt’s about everything from currency wars stoked by the G-20 and historic bailouts in Europe to the vulnerability of micro-lending and a new majority in Congress.  Plus, a look back at the past 25 years, what predictions the publication got right and wrong, and how that bodes for the global economic recovery outlook.

 

Guest:

Daniel Franklin, Editor of The Economist’s “World in…,” an annual feature focusing on the trends, issues and ideas that will shape the year ahead.

CALL HIM

 


2:00– 2:30

World AIDS Day 2010 – we’re ahead in research, but how does the U.S. measure up in prevention and treatment? 

From preventive education to preemptive medication the world has come a long way since the first recorded AIDS cases in the early 1980s. According to the CIA World Factbook there are more than 1.2 million HIV positive people living in the United States and more than 33 million people with the disease worldwide. Today is World AIDS day and we are taking a look at what the Obama administration is doing to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS as well as getting the inside scoop on the science of treatment from the medical director of the Los Angeles based AIDS Research Alliance.

 

Guests:

Cornelius Baker, an AIDS expert at the Academy for Educational Development and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.  He is also Project Director, NIAID HIV Vaccine Research Education Initiative at the AED Center on AIDS and Community Health

IN STUDIO

 

The AED Center on AIDS & Community Health helps communities develop and implement programs to address and mitigate critical health problems—with a major focus on domestic and international HIV/AIDS and sexually-transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.

 

Dr. Stephen Brown, Medical Director of the AIDS Research Alliance in Los Angeles

CALL HIM

 

2:30 – 3:00

The Secret Lives of Boys: Inside the Raw, Emotional World of Male Teens

It seems that teenagers in general have it rough these days, but recently, many books and articles have surfaced referencing a “Boy Crisis” – reports of boys failing academically, socially, and emotionally are abundant. Researchers have found that grades and test scores are dropping, while the rates of drug use, depression, and ADD diagnoses are rapidly rising. Journalist Martha Saval explored the lives of ten male teens, all from different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, and discovered through her extensive interviews with them that all is not lost. In The Secret Lives of Boys, Saval shares their stories and reveals their thoughts and feelings on a plethora of topics, from family to their own identities. It seems the boys are far from being in crisis or unemotional – they simply want to be heard and understood in a rapidly adapting era.

 

Guests:

Malina Saval, writer who has worked as a journalist and teacher; she’s mentored teens, led study tours for teens, and written stories about teens.

IN STUDIO

 

Media Invite: Natural History Museum "Science Desk Breakfast"

logo_bw_665px.gif

SCIENCE ISN’T STANDING STILL AND NEITHER ARE WE…

Please Join the Scientists & Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for an inaugural

 

Science Desk Breakfast:

a new resource for Science & Environmental Media

 

Hosted by Dr. John Long, NHM’s new VP of Research & Collections,

Science Desk Breakfast will be held on a semi-annual basis—

providing a format for resource-driven communication between

science and environmental media: editors, bloggers, writers, photographers and producers and the Museum’s research and discovery arm.

 

Tuesday, December 7

9am

NHM Executive Board Room

 

Get to know NHM’s world-renowned team of scientists from a wide range of expertise from the world of fossils and minerals to deep ocean biology. Hear details about the Museum’s extensive range of scientific expertise, research and discovery programs. Learn more about the role NHM scientists play in translating and communicating their findings to corporations and government agencies as well as to the visiting public in the form of exhibitions and programs. Behind-the-scenes lab tours will follow the breakfast meet-and-greet.

 

RSVP by December 3, 2010 to Rachel Bauch at 310-882-4013 or bauchr@ruderfinn.com

 

 

The Museum is located at 900 Exposition Blvd in Los Angeles. Reserved parking is available at the outdoor lot on Bill Robertson Lane, located off of Exposition Boulevard. Please enter via the South Entrance of the Museum.

 

 

 





 

Kristin Friedrich

Director of Communications

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90007

(213) 763-3532

www.nhm.org

 

 

Results: NOVEMBER 30 2010 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS -- Board is taking public comment

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                                                       

 

   Nov. 30, 2010

               

Results: Nov. 30 Agenda Highlights

(Unless otherwise indicated, vote was 5-0.) 

 

Report scheduled on the financial status and planning activities for the Department of Health Services (Item S-1, 11:30 a.m., cont. from 11/16) RECEIVED AND FILED

 

Acceptance of $250,000 grant would fund installation of video surveillance equipment at several housing developments in South Los Angeles and East Los Angeles, in effort to deter criminal activity. (Item 1-H) APPROVED

 

$750,000 proposal would partially fund project to purchase/preserve open space areas bordering San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys, as part of Elsmere Canyon acquisition project.  (Item 1-P, 7, 28) APPROVED

 

Approval sought to sell $33 million in bonds to finance the construction of a conference center at  Pomona Fairplex.  (Item 1-R, 1-F, 67) TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR CONT. TO 12/7

 

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas requests $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest and/or conviction of person(s) responsible for the murder of Linda Newson on May 19 in Los Angeles.  (Item 2) APPROVED

 

Acceptance of $180,000 from LAUSD would fund technical assistance as part of the Steps to Excellence Project (STEP), and the issuance of STEP child care rating results for up to 67 LAUSD child care centers.  (Item 6) APPROVED

 

$46 million proposal would fund transit-oriented development in Compton, which would include construction of a senior activity center, community center, and parking structure.  (Item 10) APPROVED

 

Motion calls for reviewing current policy on using a County contractor’s prior performance information in evaluating proposals, and development within 120 days of a fair and consistent scoring methodology that can be used Countywide.    (Item 14) APPROVED

 

Proposal would declare official the results of statewide General Election held Nov. 2.  (Item 15) APPROVED

 

Recommendation would allow hiring of 21 employees to provide mental health services in Health Services facilities in effort to eliminate stigma in accessing care and integrate mental health services with health care.  (Item 24) APPROVED

 

$564,270 proposal would fund boating education program designed to reduce the amount of sewage/waste that enters the County’s coastal waters.  (Item 36) APPROVED

 

$160,000 settlement, plus assumption of a $153,387 Medi-Cal lien and $7,740 Medicare lien, proposed for Juan Aguirre for medical negligence lawsuit arising from treatment received while hospitalized at the Olive View Medical Center.  (Item 51) APPROVED

 

Action would approve $500,000 settlement in lawsuit filed by Ara and Georgette Boyajian for damage caused by a sewer back-up.  (Item 52) APPROVED

 

$499,000 settlement proposed for Francisco Duarte for medical negligence lawsuit arising from treatment received while hospitalized at LAC+USC Medical Center.  (Item 53) APPROVED

 

Board asked to approve $245,000 settlement in lawsuit filed by woman who said she was sexually assaulted by an on-duty sheriff’s sergeant.  (Item 54) APPROVED

 

$275,000 settlement proposed for Jennifer Johnson for medical negligence lawsuit arising from treatment received while hospitalized at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.  (Item 55) APPROVED

 

$950,000 settlement proposed for Felipe Medina in lawsuit arising from injuries sustained in a car accident involving Department of Mental Health employee.  (Item 56) APPROVED

$3.3 million settlement proposed for Antonia Roman in lawsuit arising from injuries sustained in a car accident involving a County fire truck.  (Item 57) APPROVED

 

Discussion scheduled on actions taken in past year to improve risk management and reduce lawsuits.  (Items 68, 69 and 70) APPROVED MOLINA MOTION TO ADOPT LITIGATION COST MANAGER’S  RECOMMENDATIONS,  AND TO PREPARE FUTURE ANNUAL REPORTS NO LATER THAN SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER

 

Report set on current funding structure for County Library system and ways to address chronic shortfalls.  (Item 71) RECEIVED AND FILED

 

Public hearing to be held on proposed amendments to County Fire Code, including film permit fees.  (Item 72) APPROVED, WITH  ANTONOVICH AND KNABE OPPOSING SECTION INCREASING FILM FEES.  APPROVED ANTONOVICH MOTION TO HAVE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PREPARE REPORT ON ALL FILMING FEES NOW CHARGED BY COUNTY AGENCIES.

 

Supervisor Don Knabe recommends $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of person(s) who killed 14-year-old Eduardo Rodriguez in his Long Beach home on Nov. 17.   (Item 74-CAPPROVED

 

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich asks that community standards district be created to regulate land use and zoning issues in Stonyvale.  (Item 74-D)  APPROVED

 

 

 

 

--lacounty.gov--

 

Foster Youth Education Program Receives Award

 

Supervisor Gloria Molina

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT:  Angie Castro, (213) 703-2823

 

 

MOLINA FOSTER YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

 

POMONA (November 29, 2010) – Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina’s life work has been committed to the well-being of children and families.  Her tenure in county government has been devoted to improving the care of children in the county’s system through policies and programs such as the Foster Youth Education Program which has received the National Association of Counties (NACO) Award. 

“Caring for the children in our system as our own -- is the key ingredient to their success.  When children and youth have school stability, they are more secure and have hope for successful futures,” said Molina.

Molina’s Youth Education Program increases graduation rates by identifying an educational advocate for each foster youth, improving academic performance through the use of student work and data and encouraging student retention in the K-12 school system. In collaboration with the Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS), Pomona and Montebello Unified School Districts, Casey Family Programs and Los Angeles County Education Coordinating Council, Molina spearheaded and funded the Foster Youth Education Program as a pilot in 2008 to improve educational outcomes for foster and probation youth and to address the needs of youth receiving county child welfare services.

In its first year and as a result of the program, more than 900 credits were recovered for youths who participated; 67 percent graduated from high school; 83 percent of the graduates planned to enroll in a two or four year college and 53 percent of these students are currently in college.  

The Youth Education Program requires an Operational Agreement between DCFS and

participating school districts for sharing of student education records and data; Educational Assessment and Advocacy/Action Plan tools with clear goals and action items to assist students with school achievement; educating students/parents/caregivers how to access available academic and extracurricular resources to support the youth; establishing an out-stationed DCFS Children’s Social Worker (CSW) at school district office sites or at high school sites to work with participating youths; teams consisting of school staff, DCFS staff, the youth, and parent/caregiver to discuss and establish educational case plan and address barriers.

Youth who have participated in the program say, “We are actually smart and can succeed if

we do our best.”

 

Statistics

·         Nationally, between 35-50 percent of foster youth perform below grade level

·         Nearly 50 percent of all foster youth fail to complete high school

·         Once youth leave the foster care system at age 18, studies indicate:

- 50 percent are unemployed

- 30 percent are dependent on public assistance

- 25 percent are incarcerated

- 20 percent plus are homeless

-end-

Music Center Extends Deadline for Spotlight Awards Visual Arts Applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                     Contact:   Bonnie Goodman

                                                                                                                                                                           Office:  213-972-3335

                                                                                                                                                                           Cell:  213-308-9539          

                                                                                                                                                                           bgoodman@musiccenter.org

 

 

 

MUSIC CENTER EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

VISUAL ARTS APPLICATIONS

 

Extended Deadline is December 8, 2010

 

            LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2010) -- The Music Center has extended the deadline for applications in the Visual Arts categories for the 23rd Annual Music Center Spotlight Awards.    Visual Arts applications must be received online or postmarked by no later than Wednesday, December 8, 2010.

            There are two Visual Arts categories in the Spotlight Awards:  1) Photography (black/white, color and digital), and 2) Two-dimensional art (works of art with height and width but no depth, using drawing, painting, computer generated or mixed media). 

            All Spotlight Awards Visual Arts participants will be invited to attend master classes and museum tours.  Work by semi-finalists will be showcased in a Southern California gallery in the spring of 2011.  Spotlight Awards Visual Arts category entrants compete for a first grand prize scholarship of $5,000 and a second grand prize scholarship of $4,000.  Honorable mentions receive $250 scholarships, and semi-finalists receive $100 scholarships. 

            The Music Center Spotlight Awards program is one of the nation’s most acclaimed performing and visual arts education programs for teens, offering training in the arts and awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships annually to finalists, semi-finalists and participants who receive honorable mentions.  The program is free and open to all students who attend high school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties at time of deadline. 

            The program has launched numerous professional careers; fifteen finalists are Presidential Scholars, and many have joined or performed with professional companies, such as the Metropolitan Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.  Many alumni return to the program and participate as judges and master class instructors.

            Fredric M. Roberts is founding chairman of the Music Center Spotlight Awards and Walter Grauman is creator/executive producer.

About the Music Center

            As one of the top performing arts centers in the world, the Music Center is committed to strengthening community through the arts.  Set in the heart of Los Angeles’ downtown cultural district and home to four internationally renowned resident companies – LA Phil, Center Theatre Group, LA Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale – and the celebrated Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center, the Music Center offers the most compelling, highest quality engagements.  In its effort to extend the reach and accessibility of the performing arts, the Music Center is a national model for experiences in which people participate directly through its Active Arts® at the Music Center.  As well, the Music Center presents special productions, event and festivals for children and families, including World City at the Music Center, and plays a leadership role in advocating for and directly providing arts education in schools throughout Los Angeles County.  The Music Center boasts four venues – the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall – as well as a vibrant collection of outdoor theatres, plazas and gardens.  For more information about the Music Center, visit musiccenter.org.  Specific inquiries about the Music Center Spotlight Awards can be directed to spotlight@musiccenter.org.                                      

           

#  #  #

 


This email is solely for the intended addressee, and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not use or distribute this material. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately, return this transmission, and delete or destroy any copies.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Patt Morrison for Tuesday, November 30, 2010

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1-3 p.m.

 

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

 

 

HR 1 BILLBOARD

 

 

1:00 – 1:30

OPEN

 

1:30 – 2:00

The Right to Be Out

Gay rights have come a long way in the United States, but despite some very important improvements in treatment and equality, public schools can be a terrible place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and teachers. Recent reports of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and even suicides are evidence that something needs to be done. Even so, efforts to protect the rights of the LGBT students and teachers seem to be slapped down in the courtroom, at the polls, and especially at the schools themselves. The Right to Be Out discusses the issues faced by LGBT people as they fight to gain equal footing in society and the educational world, tracing the history and legal battles fought since 1968.

 

Guests:

Stuart Biegel, author, The Right to Be Out. He is a member of the faculty in the School of Law and the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA.

IN STUDIO

]

 

2:00 – 2:30

The unintended consequences of Obamacare: Will it create an innovative health care system or monopolies?

One of the cornerstones of Obama’s health care plan is lowering sky rocketing health care costs.  That mandate is creating something new—the formation of a medical merger frenzy.  Hospitals are attempting to merge with doctors and clinics to share costs and take advantage of cost cutting incentives provided by Uncle Sam.  The only problem is that joining forces to create an efficient cost effective machine violates antitrust laws.  The laws are in place to protect against the creation of monopolies and price fixing, but the American Medical Association and others say the exemptions are vital.  Is all this consolidation good for patients and the health care industry or will it end up making the health care crisis worse?

 

Guests:

Kavita K. Patel, adjunct assistant clinical professor at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine
CALL HER

Dr. Patel is a board-certified internal medicine physician who was also a clinical instructor at UCLA’s medical school.  Before coming to the New America Foundation, Dr. Patel was director of policy for the White House Office of Public Engagement & Intergovernmental Affairs, where she played a key role in designing the health care reform legislation.

 

Thomas L. Greaney, professor of law and Director of the Center for Health Law Studies at Saint Louis University

CALL HIM: 

He is an expert on anti trust laws.

 

Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, President of the American Medical Association

He calls us.

He met with the Federal Trade Commission to get an exemption from antitrust laws that seek to limit monopolies that can lead to price fixing.

 

 

 

2:30 – 2:40

OPEN

 

2:40 - 3:00

Food borne illness: $152 billion; a bill to fix it all: $300 billion; petty bickering in the senate to pass the bill: priceless

It passed through the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support, but the FDA Food Safety Modernization bill has been stuck in the Senate for over a year. The bill would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to conduct wide tests for contamination and recall food that does turn out to be contaminated. It would also require more frequent inspections of large, food production plants, which are usually at higher risk of spreading illnesses. Imported foods would also be held to the same standards as those produced in the United States. Clean and safe sounds good, so what’s the hold up? Well, small farmers and producers feared that new regulations would be too expensive, while consumer groups feared that allowing any exemptions for smaller-scale producers might still threaten public health. An amendment was added to quell those fears, but now the likes of Glenn Beck and the Tea Party are attacking the bill. So can the Senate get it together to pass a bill that could greatly improve public health?

 

Guests:

TBD

 

 

Cold Weather Advisory: Low Temperatures Expected in Parts of Los Angeles County

-----------------------

For Immediate Release:
November 29, 2010

Cold Weather Advisory:
Low Temperatures Expected in Parts of Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - The County Health Officer is issuing a Cold Weather
Advisory for the desert, valley and mountain areas due to the National
Weather Service's forecast for low temperatures in the 20s and low 30s
lasting through Wednesday. Temperatures for the greater Los Angeles
area, including the coastal areas, are expected to be in the 40s through
the 60s.

"Because children and the elderly are especially vulnerable during
such cold snaps, care should be taken to ensure they don't get too
cold when they are outside," said Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H.,
Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "There are places where
people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities.
We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbeques or ovens to
heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning."

A Winter Shelter Program is available for seniors and those looking for
a place to stay warm. Locations and transportation information can be
found on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's website at:
http://www.lahsa.org/year_round_shelter.asp, or by calling the LA
County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone. For
the deaf and hearing disabled, please call the TDD line at
1-800-660-4026.

Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:
● Dress in layers of warm clothing if you plan to be outdoors.
● Protect extremities from the cold by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves,
and socks.
● Offer to help those in your neighborhood with limited access to
heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
● During peak cold times, if you don't have a heater in your home,
visit indoor public facilities such as shopping malls, libraries or
senior centers.
● If you use an outdoor generator, place it as far away from the home
as possible.
● Stoves, barbeques and ovens can produce a deadly gas known as
carbon monoxide when used to heat a home. Never use these appliances in
place of approved heaters such as electric, natural gas, or fireplaces.

● Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to reduce the risk
of poisoning.
● If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside
overnight.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath,
headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of
carbon monoxide could lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from
carbon monoxide poisoning should be taken outside, into fresh air,
immediately, and should be taken to an emergency room for immediate
medical treatment.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and
improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles
County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and
services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control,
and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000
employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do, please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at
http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter:
LAPublicHealth.

# # #

Today Event: LOS ANGELES COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AT 5 PM

 

 

 

       


MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy

Office:     (213) 974-5555  Cell: (213) 215-5176

E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

         November 24, 2010                                                                                    For Immediate Release

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING MONDAY NIGHT AT 5 PM

 

 

WHO:                 Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

                           Providence High School Choir in Burbank

 

WHAT:               Los Angeles County Christmas Tree Lighting

WHEN:              Monday, November 29, 2010 at 5:00 pm

WHERE:           Los Angeles County Music Center

                                    135 N. Grand Avenue

                                    Los Angeles, CA 90012

(Thomas Guide p. 634, F3)

 

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY-- The public is invited to join Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to officially kick off the holiday season in Los Angeles County with the annual lighting of the County Christmas Tree at 5 p.m.  – continuing a special tradition begun by late Supervisor Kenneth Hahn in honor of the County’s children. 

 

Supervisor Antonovich will be joined by talented young performers from the Providence High School Choir in Burbank, to help flip the switch to light the 50-foot tree.  

 

“As we light the County Christmas tree, we invite all of our County’s citizens to join us and reflect on the glory of the season and share in the celebration,” said Antonovich.   

 

The tradition of lighting a Christmas tree in the United States began over a hundred years ago.  In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony, every year on the White House lawn.

 

###

 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Patt Morrison for Monday, November 29, 2010

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Monday, November 29, 2010

1-3 p.m.

 

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

 

 

1:06 – 1:39

Should undocumented students dare to DREAM? Controversial act gets a vote in lame-duck Congress

For a lame-duck session members of the outgoing 111th Congress have a full and controversial plate:  tax cuts, debt ceilings and unemployment benefits are just some of the items on the agenda of Congress in the last few lame-duck weeks.  But perhaps the most politically charged issue is immigration, in the form of the DREAM Act that was first proposed in 2001 and has been hotly debated ever since.  The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act creates a path to citizenship for children who were under the age of 16 when they were illegally brought into the U.S. and who attend college or have joined the military.  Passing the act as been a promised priority of the Obama Administration and countless Democratic Congress members while Republicans have almost universally opposed the bill, characterizing it as a backdoor way to amnesty.  On their way out the door the Democratic majority is pushing for a decisive vote on the DREAM Act perhaps as soon as this week, which could set a nasty tone for the broader work on immigration reform that remains to be done.  Should undocumented students have a path to citizenship and is this move by the Democrats better politics than policy?

 

Guests:

UNCONFIRMED

Congressman Luis Gutierrez, D-4th district, Illinois; Chair of the Democratic Caucus Immigration Task Force

 

Congressman Steve King, R-Iowa’s 5th Congressional district

 

 

CONFIRMED:

Congressman Xavier Becerra, D-31st District, which includes the Los Angeles area.  He is Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.

WILL CALL IN:

 

NOT CONFIRMED:

Pedro Ramirez, Student Body President at Cal State Fresno

WILL CALL IN

 

 

1:41 – 1:58:30

Cho Dependent

Margaret Cho is an actress, comedian, and… singer? That’s right! The hilarious Margaret decided to collaborate with some of music’s best like Andrew Bird, Jon Brion, Ani DiFranco, and Fiona Apple to bring you her new comedy music album, Cho Dependent. With tracks like “Intervention,” “Hey Big Dog,” and “Gimme Your Seed” (a song about searching for the perfect sperm donor), Cho Dependent is sure to give you at least a few laughs – and you might even be pleasantly surprised at Cho’s singing abilities. Margaret Cho stops by to talk about the making of the album.

 

Guests:

Margaret Cho, comedian

IN STUDIO

 

 

2:06 – 2:30

Does this make sense: unemployment stays high, corporations enjoy record profits

America is in the midst of a major recession, unemployment remains high, consumer spending is low, and the foreclosure crisis shows no sign of slowing down.  The average American worker is working more for less and having to take on more, or in some cases all, of their medical costs.  At a time when most Americans are tightening their belts, corporate profits are sky rocking.  They just had their best quarter in recorded history.  Since a low in 2008, corporate profits have increased at some of the fastest rates in history for seven consecutive quarters.  This is success story for American business, rebounding after the economic meltdown, but is this just another illustration of the growing gap between the rich and the poor?  Much of their success is due to increased productivity.  Should the American worker reap some of the reward?

 

Guests:

Sylvia A. Allegretto, PhD, Economist Institute for Research on Labor & Employment, University of California, Berkeley

CALL HER @

 

Mary Bottari, director of the Real Economy Project at the Center for Media and Democracy

CALL HER @

 

  • The Center for Media and Democracy is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, public interest organization that focuses on: Investigating and countering spin by corporations, industries, and government agencies; informing and assisting grassroots action that promotes public health, economic justice, ecological sustainability, human rights, and democratic principles; advancing transparency and media.

 

 

2:30 – 2:39

OPEN

 

 

2:41 – 2:58:30

Ah-choo

Americans come down with an estimated one billion colds each year - this means 40 million missed days of work and school, 100 million doctor visits, and who knows how many home and pharmaceutical remedies. In AH-CHOO, science journalist and author Jennifer Ackerman sifts through all the "miracle treatments" your mother and Big Pharma swear by, sorting myth from fact and following current scientific research and advances. So what helps? What doesn't? And which "cures" might even make your cold worse?

 

Guests:

Jennifer Ackerman, award-winning science writer & author of “Ah-choo!  The uncommon life of your common cold”

CALL HER:

 

 

Jonathan Serviss

Producer, Patt Morrison Program

Southern California Public Radio

NPR Affiliate for Los Angeles

89.3 KPCC-FM | 89.1 KUOR-FM | 90.3 KPCV-FM

626.583.5171, office

415.497.2131, mobile

jserviss@kpcc.org / jserviss@scpr.org

www.scpr.org

 

Just in time for black Friday: NHM's Gift Guide!

 

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE NATURALIST ON YOUR LIST

UNIQUE, ECO-FRIENDLY, EDUCATONAL, AND JUST PLAIN FABULOUS ITEMS AT THE NATURAL HISTORY FAMILY OF MUSEUMS

 

Purchases help support collections, research and family programs

Online shopping year-round at NHM.org/shop

 

LOS ANGELES – Does your holiday shopping list contain a naturalist or dinosaur lover? A fashionista or a nature-loving Angeleno? Inside the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, there is a trove of special gifts — elegant hand-crafted jewelry, education-focused books, games, toys, and a range of eco-friendly products. 

 

Every purchase helps support the Family of Museums’ research, education and public programs, and most of the products are linked directly to either the curators’ work or exhibits inside the NHM and the Page. There are family-friendly books by our curatorial staff on sale, for example, and plush toys that mirror the mammals in our dioramas.

 

You can also give the gift of membership, which means free admission, and express entry, into the three members of the Family of Museums all year long (including First Fridays, Sustainable Sundays, and B-Movies and Bad Science).  Museum members also enjoy the benefit of a 10% discount on all store purchases.

 

Bring your purchases to the NHM’s gift wrap station for complimentary gift wrapping on December 18 & 19.  Additional dates and times to be announced.

 

Below is a selection of store highlights in every price range. Online shopping available at www.nhm.org/shop.

 

 

Text Box: Junkyard Dinosaur
This creation is the product of an imaginative Vietnamese artisan who started a small, home-based business to help his family earn a living. He salvaged metal pieces of chains and machine parts and turned potential trash into treasures with whimsical designs. 

Fair trade. No two are alike. Prices range from $29.00 (for 5-inch dinosaur) to $119.99 (14-inch dinosaur). Buy it in-store or by calling (213)763-3336.

Dinosaur sculpture crafted by recycling metal parts.

 

 

Text Box: Giant Sequoia Seedling
The perfect stocking-stuffer for any budding arborist! Though it’s only a few inches now, this seedling invites you to plant the world’s largest living thing. Giant Sequoias grow well in virtually any climate and can live for thousands of years. 

$7.99. Buy it in-store or by calling (213)763-3336.

Text Box: Geode Ring
This fabulous adjustable cocktail ring holds three Tobasco geode halves, and is big on sparkle. Tobasco geodes are geological rock formations which occur in sedimentary and certain volcanic rocks and are known for internal crystal formations and concentric banding. 

Each ring is one-of-a-kind.  $99.99. Buy it in-store, by calling (213)763-3336, or online: http://www.enssc.com/Category.aspx?category=11

 

 

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Dino Poop and other Remarkable Remains of the Ancient Past

If huge piles of million-year-old dinosaur dung seems like it would captivate a young explorer in your life, he or she will flip for this book which is not only informative, but comes with its very own piece of coprolite (a.k.a. dinosaur poop).

 

$9.99. Buy it in-store, by calling (213)763-3336, or online: http://www.enssc.com/Products.aspx?subcat=2

 

 
 


                            Dino Poop [Book]

                           

Text Box: Smilodon Cuddlekin
As the largest member of the Saber-toothed cat Family, this sweet Smilodon is a cute and cuddly version of the predator, beautifully made according to Natural History Museum standards. 

Prices range from $7.99 to $99.99.  
Buy in-store or by calling (213)763-3336. 
12-inch plush ($16.99) is online! http://www.enssc.com/Category.aspx?category=17

 

Wild Republic Plush Smilodon Cuddlekin 12

 

                           

 

Text Box: Trees: A Visual Guide
Beautifully illustrated and designed, this 300- page gorgeous reference book explores the world of trees from every perspective—from the world's great forests to the lifespan of a single leaf. 

$22.97. Buy it in-store, by calling (213)763-3336, or online: http://www.enssc.com/Products.aspx?subcat=528

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Text Box: Youth Mega Mouth Tee
“When I say Mega, you say Mouth!” High-quality kid’s shirt, with a fun design based on one of NHM’s most beloved specimens: the giant mega mouth shark!

$17.99. Buy it in-store, by calling (213)763-3336, or online: http://www.enssc.com/Products.aspx?subcat=13
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About our Stores:

Our Museum stores offer unique collections of jewelry, exclusive designs of note cards, postcards, and posters, a distinctive assortment of books, home decor and gifts including educational toys for children. The goal of the Museum Store is to inform, educate and extend our visitors' appreciation of their Museum experience with quality products, excellent customer service and creative programs. Store purchases help support the Museum's collections, research and educational programs. Stores are open seven days a week during regular business hours (9:30 am to 5 pm). Products are also available by phone order at (213) 763-3336. Select items are available in the web store: www.nhm.org/store.

 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90007. Open seven days a week 9:30 am-5 pm. Tickets $9 for adults, $6.50 for children. Admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, call (213) 763-DINO or visit www.nhm.org.

 

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is located at 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90036.  Open seven days a week 9:30 am to 5 pm. Tickets $7 for adults, $4.50 for students and seniors, and $2 for children ages 5-12. Admission is free for children under 5 and Museum members. Admission is also free for everyone on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, call (323) 934-PAGE or visit www.tarpits.org.

 

About the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County serves nearly one million families and visitors annually, and is a national leader in research, exhibitions and education. The Museum was the first dedicated museum building in Los Angeles, opening its doors in 1913. It has amassed one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history — with more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. The Natural History Family of Museums includes the NHM (Exposition Park), the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits (Hancock Park/Mid-Wilshire), and the William S. Hart Park and Museum (Newhall, California). For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.nhm.org or call (213) 763-DINO.

 

NHM Next

The completed renovation of the Natural History Museum’s Beaux-Arts 1913 Building sets the stage for the Museum’s rollout of new visitor experiences leading up to the Museum’s centennial in 2013. The milestone re-opening of the 1913 Building began in Summer 2010 with new exhibitions inside its iconic Rotunda and Age of Mammals. In Summer 2011, the Museum will open its new Dinosaur Hall. An exhibition focusing on the Southern California environmental history, as well as 3.5 acres of nature experiences and their indoor component, the Nature Lab, will open in 2012.

 

 

 

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Lauren Clark

Marketing & Communications

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90007

 

tel. 213.763.3580

fax. 213.743.4843

e. lclark@nhm.org