The U.S. continues to try to negotiate with Iran over their nuclear enrichment program. Is Iran using their nuclear stockpile for energy or for weapons? Then, President Obama apologized to the public for the glitches in the Affordable Care Act. Do you think an apology was necessary? Next, this weekend Angelenos can visit Sylmar cascades up close.Will you be going? Then, we talk about the first ten years of StoryCorps, an organization that shares the stories of everyday Americans. Then TGIF it's Filmweek with our critics reviewing the latest movies, and discussing early Oscar predictions.
Is an Iran nuclear deal within reach?
Secretary of State John Kerry is in Geneva today to hammer out an interim nuclear agreement with Iran. Kerry’s presence is spurring speculation that a deal was imminent, but he told reporters that there are still many obstacles that need to be resolved before an agreement could be reached.
Although no details have been released, the Los Angeles Times reports that Iran could possibly agree to curtail its nuclear program amid increased international inspections in exchange for relaxed economic sanctions.
"I understand the Iranians are walking around very satisfied in Geneva, as well they should because they got everything and paid nothing," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters in Jerusalem. "They wanted relief of sanctions; after years of grueling sanctions, they got that. They paid nothing because they are not reducing in any way their nuclear enrichment capability. So Iran got the deal of the century and the international community got a bad deal."
What does Los Angeles’ large Iranian American community think of a possible deal? How would a nuclear deal with Iran complicates U.S. and Israeli relations?
Guests:
Patrick McDonnell, Beirut bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times who’s been covering the story
Siamak Kalhor, host of a radio call-in show in Farsi on KIRN Radio Iran in Los Angeles
Obama’s Apology to American’s losing their health insurance plan
President Obama apologized yesterday to Americans who are being dropped from their current insurance plans because the plans don’t meet the standard for the new health care law. Obama has been harshly criticized for repeatedly assuring Americans that anyone who wanted to keep their plans and doctors would be able to do so following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
“I am sorry that they are finding themselves in this situation based on assurances they got from me,” he said in an interview with NBC News. Obama said his team is trying to find ways to “close some of the gaps in the law” and assist those who have lost their insurance plans and don’t qualify for subsidies.
Was an apology from the president necessary? What, if anything, can be done to help those who have been dropped from their policies?
Guest:
Edward- Isaac Dovere, Senior White House Reporter for Politico
The First 10 years of Story Corps
In 2003, radio producer Dave Isay founded StoryCorps to capture the American voice. He wanted to give all Americans the chance to preserve and share their stories with others. Since its inceptions, two trailers have traveled all across the country listening, and gathering stories from people. So far the team has collected over 45,000 stories. Dave Isay shares some of these stories in his new book, "The Ties that Bind: Stories of Love, and Gratitude from the First Ten Years." Our Airtalk host, Larry Mantle shared in a conversation with David about the power of the human bond and the connection in these stories.
Filmweek: Thor: The Dark World, The Book Thief, The Wind Rises and more
Larry is joined by KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Claudia Puig and Charles Solomon to review this week’s releases, including Thor: The Dark World, The Book Thief, The Wind Rises and more! TGI-FilmWeek!
Thor: The Dark World
The Book Thief
The Wind Rises
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today
Charles Solomon, animation film critic for KPCC and author and historian for amazon.com
Required viewing: holiday films preview
It’s two months away from the new year, but Hollywood is already gearing up for what’s going to happen in 2014. The Golden Globes is taking place in January and the Oscars follows a couple months later. In the next couple of months, movie studios big and small will roll out with their award hopefuls.
Which films have garnered the most Oscar buzz so far? Which films should audiences keep an eye out for? KPCC’s film critics and Pamela McClintock from the Hollywood Report weigh in with their predictions.
Guests:
Glenn Whipp, LA Times entertainment writer
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today