Patt Morrison for Wednesday, November 23, 2011

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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 – 1:40: OPEN

 

1:41:30 – 1:58:30

Jack Abramoff on corruption in Washington

Jack Abramoff ended up in prison as the poster child for the bad lobbyist. He’s out of prison and out with a book that blasts corruption and politicians who enable it. Before being convicted of committing fraud in 2006, Abramoff was widely considered to be the most powerful lobbyists in Washington D.C. Referred to as the 'the man who bought' Washington, Abramoff bribed a number of high-ranking elected government officials in order to gain their political support for his clients. Many of the politicians connected to the scandal resigned from office and some, such as former Republican Congressman Bob Ney, were convicted of conspiracy and making false statements. Recently released from serving his sentence in prison, Abramoff reveals his insider knowledge of corrupt federal political practices in a new autobiography. Has corruption in Washington declined since the 2006 Abramoff scandal? Do you think Abramoff's six-year prison sentence was harsh enough to deter others from committing similar crimes? How can we eradicate corrupt practices in U.S. politics?

 

Guest: 

Jack Abramoff, former lobbyist and businessman convicted in 2006 of mail fraud and conspiracy; his new book is Capitol Punishment: The Hard Truth about Washington Corruption from America's Most Notorious Lobbyist

 

 

2:06 – 2:39
Embracing your inner jerk during the holidays
As the traditional holiday season arrives in force this week, people’s stress levels begin to climb. Some of the rising holiday blood pressure can likely be attributed to family squabbles. You may begin to ask yourself, “How can I be related to these people?” From your uncle’s political diatribes to your mother-in-law’s incessant meddling in the kitchen, family can really get under your skin. And there is nothing like squeezing all of you around a cramped table to amplify the conflict. Perhaps another glass of wine? But maybe there is another way. Author Valerie Frankel’s comedic new memoir, It’s Hard Not to Hate You, is an ode to the airing of grievances. Frankel posits that the best way to deal with these toxic emotions is by taking them out on the toxic people in your life. Is it possible to feel better by reveling in negative emotions? What kinds of battles do you expect at your Thanksgiving table this year? And how will you deal with them?

Guest:
Valerie Frankel, author of It’s Hard Not to Hate You; she’s also the former articles editor at Mademoiselle and contributor to the New York Times, O, Glamour and others

 

 

2:41:30 – 2:58:30

Helping your pets cope with the holidays
The table is set, the candles are lit and your loved ones are sitting down to a perfectly adorned table. What to your wondering eyes should appear, but Molly, the ill-behaved and beloved family dog licking the turkey at the edge of the table. The holidays bring out a lot of peculiar behavior in people, and pets aren’t immune to the fracas. Have you ever wondered what is appropriate for your four-legged family members during the holidays? Professional dog trainer and behaviorist Michael Chill is here to help clear things up. Have you ever wondered if it’s OK to feed your dog table scraps or leftovers? How can you help your cat deal with the influx of boisterous guests? What pet questions do you have for our animal expert? 

 

Guest:
Michael Chill, animal trainer and behaviorist; author of Puppybook and columnist for the Animal Press

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren Osen

Southern California Public Radio - 89.3 KPCC

626-583-5173 / 626-483-5278

losen@scpr.org @Patt_Morrison