Today on AirTalk we'll discuss President Obama lands in L.A. for fundraising trip despite recent criticism. Also, while Israel launches a ground offensive in Palestine against Hamas, a different war is being waged online. Then, author Wallace J. NIchols joins us to talk about 'Blue Mind,' his new book that explores the science between water and relaxation.
Amid criticism, President Obama lands in LA for fundraising trip
President Obama will arrive in Los Angeles Wednesday as part of his West Coast fundraising tour. Along with raising money for the Dems for November's midterm elections, the President will also be giving a talk at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
For Angelenos, who are no strangers to the President's frequent Southland visits, that means road closures and nightmarish traffic jams. But the President's trip this time around is also drawing criticism of a different sort. Republican National Committee spokesperson Kirsten Kukowski is one among many saying that he should devote his time to more urgent matters instead.
"With all that's happening in our country and around the world — wildfires, droughts and international crises, I think everyone can agree the last thing the president should be doing is fundraising," Kukowski said in a statement Tuesday.
The White House has defended the fundraising trips, but did cancel the President's appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" that had been scheduled for Wednesday night.
Guest:
Tony Quinn, Sacramento-based political analyst and co-editor of the California Target Book, which provides analysis of State Assembly, State Senate and Congressional races in California.
Ken Goldstein, professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco. He also teaches in the school’s Masters’ Program in Public Affairs, focusing on the skills needed to run a modern political campaign
Inside the social media propaganda battle between Israel and Hamas
While Israel launches a ground offensive in Palestine against Hamas, a different war is being waged online. Both sides are battling via social media to disseminate propaganda messages and help shape public opinion on the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israel Defense Force employs a 40-person team in its interactive unit — including videographers, computer programmers, etc. — to help produce and spread messages sympathetic to Israel's plight. Hamas has tried to leverage social media degree, but their label as a terrorist organization in the U.S. and other Western countries has lead to the deactivation of some official accounts by Facebook and Twitter.
Both sides are using competing hashtags, such as
— which has been used in millions of Twitter posts — and
, which has been used considerably less.
How are both sides using social media and propaganda to shape the conversation? What impact do these messages have on international public opinion of the conflict? How are Facebook and Twitter reacting?
Guest:
Prof. William Youmans, Assistant Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University in DC, specializing in transnationalism and news media in conflict with emphasis on the Middle East
When civilian flight paths collide with hostile territory
American and European flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended after a rocket struck near Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport yesterday. Commercial airliners took the lead when Delta first rerouted a jet in mid flight.
The Federal Aviation Authority followed with a 24-hour ban on flights to Israel, which could be extended. The aviation community is trying to avoid a repeat of last week's tragedy that saw a Malaysia Airlines civilian jet downed by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly has asked Secretary John Kerry for help in reversing the FAA flight ban. Should commercial airliners take the risk?
What about consumers — what will assure people it's safe to fly into the Middle East conflict? Going forward, will consumers want to know more about flight paths? Should they? Are travelers willing to fly with Malaysia Airlines after double disasters?
Guests:
John McGraw, Former FAA Flight Standards Services Deputy Director; founder and principal of John McGraw Aerospace Consulting based in Virginia
Patrick Smith, commercial airline pilot; Author "Cockpit Confidential and columnist found at AskThePilot.com
Airbnb squatter highlights renters' rights issue in California
A recent case in Palm Springs is proving to be a learning opportunity for people renting out rooms or vacation homes on Airbnb.
Cory Tschogl rented out her home to a man for 44 days, but he stopped paying after 30 days and refused to leave the 39-year-old's rental unit. Under California renter's rights laws, the man is legally allowed to live there until the issue is resolved in court.
In response to this case, Airbnb is currently reviewing its policies. Airbnb spokesman Nick Pappas provided AirTalk with the following statement:
“Officials from our team have contacted this host and she has been paid the full cost of the reservation and we're working with her to provide additional legal support as we move forward. We're also reviewing our procedures and making changes to our platform to give hosts more information about long-term reservations.”
How can Airbnb rental unit owners avoid falling into this trap? What does California law actually state about squatters? Should Airbnb have to do more to assist their users with these issues?
Guest:
Ken Carlson, an Idyllwild-based attorney who has specialized in landlord tenant law for 34 years.
#PriceCheck: How much do costs for routine MRIs for back pain vary?
Have you ever gone to the doctor or hospital for a routine test or procedure, and later received a shockingly high bill?
Price Check, KPCC’s collaboration with KQED and Clearhealthcosts.com, a health costs transparency company, wants to help consumers avoid healthcare sticker shock. And to that end, they are crowdsourcing billing information from willing healthcare consumers online to create a comprehensive database of healthcare prices.
KPCC Healthcare Reporter Rebecca Plevin will join AirTalk to discuss the project. How much do MRI prices vary? What are the factors that influence the cost of an MRI?
How do costs for back MRIs compare to other common procedures? How can a patient determine what the cost of an MRI will be before opting to receive one?
Guest:
Rebecca Plevin, KPCC Health Reporter
‘Blue Mind’ examines how water influences our senses and well-being
Marine biologist and researcher Wallace J. Nichols has devoted a large portion of his career in the water. In ‘Blue Mind,’ Nichols lays out the argument and science as to why others should follow in his footsteps.
‘Blue Mind’ presents Nichols’ research in neuroplasticity, neurochemistry, happiness, and creativity. According to his findings, water and its properties have profound affects on human senses.
Nichols found that the different properties of water, such as its blue color, smell and taste all reduce stress and make people happier overall. The research shows that simply being around water instantly triggers a sense of belonging and tranquility.
Do you find yourself happier around water? Are any of your stress relievers in or around bodies of water?
Guest:
Wallace J. Nichols, marine biologist and author of “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do”