Today, we'll discuss the implementation of human growth hormone testing in Major League Baseball. We'll also consider the mysteries and psychology behind juvenile murder cases. On FilmWeek, Larry and the critics review this week's new releases. Later, we'll talk about how Kickstarter is changing the entertainment business. All that and more, on AirTalk.
Baseball in the blood: MLB testing for human growth hormones
Two days ago, baseball fans got the shocking word that there would be no inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. The long shadow of performance enhancing drugs has darkened the bright lights of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and other stars who might otherwise have qualified for Cooperstown.
In a serendipitous, if almost certainly unrelated, followup, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced yesterday that the MLB would be expanding its testing program for human growth hormone. Going forward, players will be subject to random, year-round blood tests as well as baseline testosterone readings to help measure for use of synthetic testosterone. The World Anti-Doping Agency laboratory will be authorized to keep records of the players’ blood levels and other stats.
The Major League Players’ Association, which has staunchly opposed increased testing in the past, has issued a statement in support of the change. Prior to the ‘90s, the heyday of the steroid scandals, such scrutiny of pumped-up players could not have been imagined. But recently, high-profile cases of athletic doping in nearly every major sport have put the issue on the big screen TVs of America’s sports fans.
Will the new rules restore trust in our super-hero athletes? How will the fans react to “cleaned up” baseball – will the games still hold the same excitement without the bigger-stronger- faster factor? Is this the end of major league baseball as we’ve come to know it?
Guests:
Elliott Almond, Olympics, soccer and college sports reporter for the San Jose Mercury News
Lincoln Kennedy, former NFL offensive tackle; played 11 seasons for the Falcons and Raiders. Currently, a broadcaster on Fox Sports Radio
Tomm Looney, broadcaster with Fox Sports Radio
Age, upbringing and neurobiology in juvenile murder cases
In May of 2011, a ten-year-old boy in Riverside shot and killed his father, Jeff Hall. This Wednesday, the trial for the now twelve-year-old ended after closing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution.
The issue here isn’t really whether or not the boy is guilty, as he has admitted to committing the act and said that it was premeditated. The defense also retracted its original defense of not guilty by reason of insanity. Now, the fate of the boy rests in the hands of Judge Jean P. Leonard, who has said she is open to arguments less serious than murder for the juvenile. The law in California is set up so that, if convicted of murder, the boy could be in prison until the age of 23. The prosecution feels this would be a just punishment for the crime of murder, but the defense is pointing to several aspects of the boy’s upbringing as mitigating factors for his decision to kill his father.
For instance, he was raised in a world and home of extreme violence, which lawyers argue played a role in his inability to realize the decision he made was wrong. Furthermore, the act could be seen as a form of self-preservation and defense. Also, the boy’s mother is described as being a drug addict, and it is likely that he was exposed to drugs during her pregnancy, which could have drastic consequences on the boy’s moral and cognitive abilities.
What exactly is the law in California for these types of situations? What makes this one so unique? What are the pros and cons of each side of this case? If you were the judge, how would you rule?
Guests:
Cyn Yamashiro, Clinical Professor of Law, Loyola Law School; Director, The Center for Juvenile Law and Policy
Deborah S. Miora, clinical psychologist with a specialization in neurodevelopmental issues affecting youth and adults; Associate Professor, California School of Forensic Studies; she is on a juvenile justice panel as an expert witness for the L.A. County Superior Court
FilmWeek: Gangster Squad, Uprising and more
Larry is joined by KPCC film critics Andy Klein from the L.A. Times Community Papers chain and Claudia Puig from USA Today to review the week's new film releases including Gangster Squad, Uprising and more. TGI-FilmWeek!
Gangster Squad
Quartet
Uprising
In Another Country
Sellebrity
Struck by Lightning
Max and the Junkmen
The Tower
Guests:
Andy Klein, film critic for KPCC and the L.A. Times Community Papers chain
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today
FilmWeek Oscar Preview at the Egyptian Theatre
Can Kickstarter replace old money models in entertainment?
It's been just three years since Kickstarter was created, and already it's being called one of the most notable Internet ventures ever. Almost anyone with a Facebook page has friends hitting them up for money for their Kickstarter projects.
The idea is simple. If you have an original idea, but don't have the cash, the website offers an easy way to raise funds. Last year, more than 2 million people kicked in more than $300 million to fund 18,000 projects, according to the company. From the quaint -- a beautiful bus stop shelter in Georgia designed by a local artist -- to the renowned -- a documentary nominated for an Oscar. Projects are pitched by writers, musicians, gamers, designers, filmmakers and engineers.
What's the best way to use Kickstarter for a project? What happens to the projects that get funded but go nowhere? What's the future for the company?
Guest:
Yancey Strickler, Kickstarter co-founder and Head of Community