RE: Patt Morrison for Tuesday, November 29, 2011

 

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 29, 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 –1:39 OPEN

 

1:41:30 – 1:58:30

Obama’s proposal to ban lobbyist gift-giving faces fierce opposition from business Due to the Obama administration’s recent proposal to strictly prohibit gifts and perks given to any executive branch employee by special interest groups, businesses and trade associations are unhappily faced with potentially losing their most powerful lobbying method while coping with one of the most adverse economic climates in U.S. history. “It’s a slap in the face of business from an administration that says it wants to work with industry to create more jobs,” said John Graham, president and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives, which represents about 23,000 trade-group executives. Graham, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and more than 450 additional groups are fiercely campaigning against the proposed restrictions. The White House’s proposed ban on gift-giving comes at the same time the administration is cutting back on federal employee business travel expenses, which would hinder government officials’ attendance of conferences and trade shows even more. Where should the government draw the line on private influence of public servants? How important is federal employee attendance at trade shows and private business conferences? Is the Obama administration sending mixed messages by restricting trade lobbyists while trying to strengthen the economy?

Guest:

IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL

Blair Bowie, democracy advocate, USPIRG; She sent a letter, along with four other watchdog groups, to the Office of Government Ethics in support of the proposed gift rules as well as suggestions for how to make them stronger.

 

AGAINST THE PROPOSAL

John Graham, president and CEO, American Society of Association Executives, which represents about 23,000 trade-group executives

 

UNCONFIRMED

Joe McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association

 

 

2:06 – 2:30

Anxiety: Friend or Foe?

We often hear about the anxiety-riddled type-A personality, but is there a good side of anxiety? Can it make us more creative, more accomplished? New research looking at people who routinely experience anxiety—like firefighters, performers, surgeons, and elite athletes—shows anxiety may serve as a productive motivator. Maybe Bobby McFerrin was wrong when he sang those famous words: “don’t worry, be happy.” It seems that the secret to beating anxiety is by learning how to stay calm—a feat that’s easier said than done. How has anxiety affected your life? Do you have stories about how anxiety has had a positive impact on you or helped you in a situation?

 

Guest:

Alice Park, staff writer, TIME and author of the cover story “The Two Faces of Anxiety”

 

2:30 – 2:39

Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined. Do we have your attention?
Did you know that November is Lung Cancer Awareness month? If not, it may have been overshadowed in your mind by the Movember movement for prostate cancer awareness, which also falls in the month of November. According to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined. And yet lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and under-researched of all the cancers. Those who have or treat lung cancer also attest to a stigma that’s unique to the disease, a stigma that blames the victims.  Contrary to popular belief, statistics from the LCFA estimate that 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses will be in non-smokers. So what’s causing the disease and why is it so misunderstood?

 

Guests:

Dr. Michael Weitz, ER physician at St. John’s Hospital, a husband, father of three sons, who was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in his mid 40’s, and never smoked a day in his life

 

Kim Norris, entered the world of lung cancer when Roy, her 45 year old husband, was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 1997

IN-STUDIO

 

2:41:30 – 2:58:30

“V is for Vengeance” - a dish best served in Sue Grafton’s new novel

After a convicted shoplifter takes a fatal plunge from a bridge in 1988, private investigator Kinsey Millhone is hired to look into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragedy. This is the premise of award-winning author Sue Grafton’s new murder mystery novel “V is for Vengeance.” The recently published book is the twenty-second installment in Grafton’s popular ‘alphabet series’ that follows the investigations conducted by fictional female private detective Millhone. In “V is for Vengeance,” Grafton explores the seedy realms of shoplifting, police corruption, organized crime, and, of course, vengeance. Grafton has said she is not bothered by the idea of holding onto a grudge, but when is true vengeance morally justifiable?  What do you think of Grafton’s protagonist, Millhone, who states, “For the record I’d like to say I’m a big fan of forgiveness as long as I’m given the opportunity to get even first”?

 

Guests:

Sue Grafton, author of the “alphabet series” mysteries, featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone

IN STUDIO