Should Congressional Democrats boycott the Benghazi investigation committee? Shelly Sterling seeks to retain ownership of the Clippers. Does Shelly Sterling has the legal right to keep the Clippers? A new study indicates that first born children are more ambitious. How does birth order influence an individual's success?
Should Congressional Democrats boycott the Benghazi investigation committee?
Democrats are debating whether the party should participate in a special panel on Benghazi organized by Republicans in the House. After a vote yesterday established the panel, Democrats are at odds over whether to participate, citing the fact that the 7-5 panel isn’t evenly split along parties as a reason to potentially boycott.
Democrats argue that the multiple House committee investigations into the September 2012 attacks have put the issue in the past, and that this committee was established to keep the controversy in play during midterm elections.
All but seven Democrats voted not to establish the panel, but the majority vote ruled -- all 232 Republicans in the House voted aye. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has called the panel partisan, and several prominent Democrats have expressed concerns about the panel’s equity, since the party was offered only five of the 12 seats.
Those in favor of a boycott say that refusing to join the panel carries minimal risk, and may send a more powerful message. Others argue that full participation is necessary to speak out against Republicans, while some say sending a single representative may be the most effective way to monitor the panel while still making a symbolic gesture of nonparticipation.
What’s the best options for Democrats when it comes to the special panel on Benghazi? Is it possible for an unevenly split panel not to be partisan? How will Congress handle future dealings with Benghazi -- is the issue already resolved?
Guest:
Jim Manley, director of the communications practice at QGA Public Affairs, is a former aide to Sens. Harry Reid and Edward Kennedy
Matt Rodriguez, Democratic strategist; founder of Rodriguez Strategies; former senior Obama advisor in 2008
Shelly Sterling seeks to retain ownership of the Clippers
The Clippers are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals tonight at home. The series is tied 1-1, and is arguably the most-contested matchup in the playoffs. Off the court, another battle has been raging. Since the NBA issued a lifetime ban on Clippers co-owner Donald Sterling, everyone from Oprah to Floyd Mayweather Jr. have expressed interest in buying the club.
It remains to be seen, of course, whether Sterling would concede to a sale of the team, which the league is forcing him to do. Adding another wrinkle to the saga is Sterling's estranged wife, Shelly, who has hired a lawyer seeking to retain her 50 percent stake of the Clippers.
Does Shelly Sterling has the legal right to keep the Clippers? Regardless, a NBA source has told Forbes that it is not an outcome the league wants to entertain. Would you like to see Shelly Sterling retain ownership of the team?
Guest:
Howard Wasserman, writer for Sports Law Blog; Law Professor, Florida International University
Study: Firstborn children more ambitious; firstborn girls aim even higher
Can success in education be linked to your sibling order? A new study has found that firstborns are more ambitious than their fellow brothers and sisters.
Researchers at the University of Essex’s Institute for Social and Economic Research surveyed 3,553 individuals and 1,503 groups of siblings. They found that firstborns not only have higher aspirations, but also higher levels of education.
Gender also plays a crucial role in the study as they also suggested that firstborn girls are far more successful than their younger male counterparts. The New York Times reported that by kindergarten, girls score an average of 58 percent in behavioral and social skills, in comparison to an average of 42 percent scored by kindergarten boys.
How can birth order impact someone’s success? Do firstborns have higher aspirations that push them to become higher achievers?
Guest:
Frank Sulloway, Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley; Author, “Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives” (1997) - which was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year
Celebrating the 40th birthday of Mel Brook’s 'Blazing Saddles'
Considered one of the greatest American comedies, the film "Blazing Saddles," is having its 40th anniversary. Juxtaposing toilet humor and a genuine critique on racism and prejudice, the satire was a box office smash when it opened in 1974.
Directed and written by Mel Brooks, the story is about a corrupt politician, who appoints a black man as sheriff, thinking his presence will run people out of town. Instead, the sheriff becomes his greatest adversary.
An iconic fart scene, repeated use of the “n” word, and even breaking the “fourth wall” all contribute to making "Blazing Saddles" both a trailblazer, and as Mel Brooks put it, “...the most real belly laughs of any movie ever made."
The 40th anniversary Blu-Ray edition of Blazing Saddles is now available. The release includes new commentary and interviews from Mel Brooks as he reflects on his own film legacy.
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor; author of “Rainer on Film: Thirty Years of Film Writing in a Turbulent and Transformative Era”
Charles Solomon, animation film critic for KPCC and Indiewire animation scoop
Filmweek: Neighbors, Mom’s Night Out, Legends Of Oz: Dorothy’s Return and more
Larry and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Peter Rainer, and Charles Solomon review this week’s releases, including “Neighbors,” “Mom’s Night Out,” “Legends of Oz; Dorothy’s Return,” and more. TGI-Filmweek!
Neighbors
Mom's Night Out
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor; author of “Rainer on Film: Thirty Years of Film Writing in a Turbulent and Transformative Era”
Charles Solomon, animation film critic for KPCC and Indiewire animation scoop.