The politics of nuclear power. Is the FBI using your cell phone to track you? Has the Senate become too toxic? An update from the Olympics in Vancouver. Later, can't we all just get along? The key to mother-daughter communication.
Is nuclear the new green?
President Obama announced yesterday that the federal government will guarantee $8 billion in loans to build nuclear power plants in Georgia—the first new nuclear construction in the U.S. in 30 years. Environmentalists are split on the issue—while nuclear power can help reduce carbon emissions, nuclear waste is extremely difficult to process and discard. Meanwhile, the GOP has long pushed for additional nuclear plants. Will Obama’s support for nuclear power win Republican votes on climate change legislation? Will liberal Dems object? Larry Mantle delves into the politics of nuclear power.
Guest:
Jim Tankersley, Reporter, Los Angeles Times
Cell phone tracking on trial
When the FBI wanted to track down a posse of armed robbers in Texas a few years ago, it used records obtained from mobile phone companies to identify a flurry of calls made between two suspects. That enabled them to pinpoint and locate the thieves. But is that method constitutional? The Obama administration argues that we don’t enjoy a reasonable expectation of privacy when we use our cell phones. The ACLU feels differently, saying warrantless cell tracking violates our civil rights. A showdown on the issue unfolded Friday in a federal appeals court in Philadelphia. Should Big Brother be allowed to use your Blackberry to track your movements?
Guest:
Catherine Crump, staff attorney, ACLU
Senate too toxic?
Has the Senate become so toxic that no one wants to work there? The retirement of centrist Indiana Democrat Evan Bayh has Congress watchers speculating about skeletons in his closet, or lack of political traction. Has Senator now replaced Governor of California as the least popular job in the nation? Larry Mantle talks with Gail Chaddock of the Christian Science Monitor.
Guest:
Gail Chaddock, Congressional correspondent, Christian Science Monitor
Olympic update: Vancouver Day 6
On Day 6 of the Winter Olympics, Germany leads the standings with nine medals, while the United States is close behind with eight. Today, Lindsey Vonn will test her injured shin in the women's downhill skiing event, and American athletes Shaun White, Shani Davis, and Apolo Ohno will chase Olympic gold. Larry discusses the latest developments and upcoming events in Vancouver.
Guest:
Helene Elliot, Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Mothers & daughters, conflict to communication
The mother-daughter bond is one often fraught with conflict. In many families, this precarious, emotionally charged relationship see-saws between loving closeness and jealous rage. Why all the drama? In his new book Side By Side, clinical psychiatrist Charles Sophy identifies the roots of this conflict, which often begins in infancy, and outlines a communication strategy to develop a strong, rewarding relationship for moms and daughters.
Guest:
Dr. Charles Sophy, author of Side by Side: The Revolutionary Mother-Daughter Program for Conflict Communication (Harper Collins)