Michael Vick; Griffin Gay?; How Castro Came to Power in Cuba; Why We Live in Houses Anyway
Michael Vick
Although he initially denied any wrong doing, NFL superstar Michael Vick said yesterday that he will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. His admission will likely mean prison time. All three of Vick's co-defendants have pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate in the government's case against him. Guest host Frank Stoltze discusses the case with Los Angeles Times sports writer Bill Dwyre and Dr. Randall Lockwood of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Griffin Gay?
It was essentially an open secret that media mogul and entertainer Merv Griffin was gay. However, Griffin kept his personal life private and was often seen in the company of his pal Eva Gabor. Why in this age of openness did Griffin feel he couldn't be seen in public with a male companion? Journalist Ray Richmond asked that question in an article he wrote for The Hollywood Reporter. However, the piece was pulled from the paper's web page, albeit temporarily, by the editor. Frank Stoltze looks at the issue of why Hollywood and the press are still reluctant to label entertainers gay with Richmond and Anne Stockwell of The Advocate.
How Castro Came to Power in Cuba
Frank Stoltze talks with Patrick Symmes about his new book, The Boys From Dolores: Fidel Castro's Classmates From Revolution to Exile (Pantheon). In the book, Symmes chronicles Castro's rise to power from the accounts of the men who came of age with him in Cuba.
Why We Live in Houses Anyway
In his new book, Last Harvest (Scribner), Witold Rybczynski chronicles the birth of a new residential subdivision in rural Pennsylvania. Over a five year period Rybczynski met everyone involved in every phase of the project. His book provides a cultural perspective on the American obsession with homeownership and suburban living. Frank Stoltze talks with Rybczynski about where we live today and why.