USC banned from Bowl games for 2 years. Apocalypse never? The path to a nuclear weapon-free world. Oceanographers see a silver lining in oil slicks in the Gulf. Hitler's obsession with holy relics. Kamala Harris on her run for state attorney general. Later, jazz vocal group the Manhattan Transfer.
NCAA tackles USC with two-year bowl ban
The NCAA is expected to ban the University of Southern California football team from two years of post-season play and strip its program of more than 20 scholarships, in an announcement scheduled for today. USC also could be stripped of its victories from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including its BCS title. The decision comes after a four-year investigation over allegations that former USC football player and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush received improper benefits during his time at the school. Earlier this year, USC self-sanctioned its basketball program over the questionable recruitment of player O.J. Mayo. Are the penalties for USC football fair, or too harsh?
Guests:
Shelly Smith, Reporter for ESPN Sports Center, based in Los Angeles
Gary Klein, sports writer and USC beat reporter for the LA Times
An overdue promise for a nuclear-free world
The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty was signed in 1968 with the agreement that non-nuclear nations would forego the pursuit of weapons, while nuclear states would get rid of theirs. Forty years later, the armed nations have yet to make good on their promise, says Tad Daley. In Apocalypse Never, he argues that the abolishment of nuclear weapons is both essential and achievable, and explains how it can be achieved with an agenda that integrates both nonproliferation and disarmament. He talks with Larry Mantle about how a nuclear weapon-free world can become a reality.
Guest:
Tad Daley, author of Apocalypse Never: Forging the Path to a Nuclear Weapon-Free World (Rutgers University Press)
BP oil leak spells research opportunity for oceanographers
Along with a seemingly endless amount of oil, the Deepwater Horizon leak also presents a gusher of scientific, environmental and economic questions to be answered. How much oil is down there? Where is it going? What will be the long-term effects on the Gulf Coast and its wildlife, communities, economy? Researchers are being presented with both a scientific challenge and a research opportunity that are unprecedented. Both the federal government and BP have pledged to provide funding, but will there be enough to go around?
Guests:
Bob Gagosian, President and CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership
Ian MacDonald, Ph.D. Professor in the Department of Oceanography at Florida State University and member of the Oil Spill Academic Task Force
Abby Sunderland feared in danger in Southern Indian Ocean
Thousand Oaks resident Abby Sunderland set out earlier this year on a solo circumnavigation by sea. Today she is feared missing in the Southern Indian Ocean. An emergency beacon has indicated she may be in trouble. Stayed tuned to KPCC throughout the day as we receive updates on her location.
Nazi plunder and the race to recover treasures of the Holy Roman Empire
At the end of World War II, it was discovered that the Crown Jewels of the Holy Roman Empire had vanished from their secret vault in Nuremberg. The mystery of who stole the jewels was left unsolved until General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered a search to uncover the precious relics and answer the questions: how did they disappear? And why? In Hitler’s Holy Relics, Sidney Kirkpatrick chronicles the hunt for the ancient artifacts and reveals how the Nazis nearly succeeded in becoming the most infamous art thieves of all time. Was Hitler obsessed with Christian mysticism? How was his hijacked treasure finally tracked down?
Sidney Kirkpatrick discusses and signs Hitler’s Holy Relics at Vromans, Sat. 6/12, at 5pm.
Guest:
Sidney Kirkpatrick, author of Hitler’s Holy Relics: The True Story of Nazi Plunder and the Race to Recover the Crown Jewels of the Holy Roman Empire (Simon and Schuster)
Kamala Harris- Democratic candidate for Attorney General
After her primary election victory on Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris talks about her campaign and how she’ll be gearing up to go against Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley.
Guest:
Kamala Harris, San Francisco District Attorney and Democratic Candidate for State Attorney General
Manhattan Transfer returns to Playboy Jazz Fest
In its 40-year career, jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer has earned 10 Grammys for a unique sound spanning boogie-woogie to vocalese. On their latest album "The Chick Corea Songbook," the quartet puts their take on compositions by the influential jazz keyboardist. And on June 13, the Manhattan Transfer will co-headline the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. Larry Mantle talks with Janis Siegel and founding member Tim Hauser about their music and the group's first return to the Playboy Jazz Fest in 18 years.
Guests:
Tim Hauser, member of The Manhattan Transfer
Janis Siegel, member of The Manhattan Transfer