Larry Mantle discusses David Letterman's confession and the extortion attempt against him. He then talks with evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. And it's FilmWeek on AirTalk. Larry and the critics discuss the week's new movie releases. Later, a talk with Peter Jones, director of a new documentary about L.A.'s Chandler family.
Letterman: sex, lies and blackmail
It’s the water cooler conversation of the day – last night, CBS’s Late Show host David Letterman confessed to having sex with female employees, thwarting an extortionist in the process. Did Dave’s confession show character? Or flaws? Was it sexual harassment or consensual sex?
Guest:
Michele Goldsmith, partner at Bergman & Dacey, labor and employment law specialist
Richard Dawkins on evolution
Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" was published in 1859. Its basic idea--that life evolved by survival of the fittest through natural selection--has long been accepted as scientific fact. And yet, a 2008 Gallup poll showed that 44 percent of Americans believe God created man in his present form within the last 10,000 years. In his new book, "The Greatest Show on Earth: the Evidence for Evolution" ethologist, evolutionary biologist and writer Richard Dawkins sets out to debunk "intelligent design" and other versions of creationism, by sifting through the layers upon layers of scientific evidence for national selection.
Guest:
Richard Dawkins, scientist, evolutionary biologist, author of "The Selfish Gene" and "The God Delusion"
FilmWeek
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Henry Sheehan of henrysheehan.com and Wade Major of boxoffice.com discuss the week’s new film releases including The Invention of Lying, Zombieland, Whip It!, A Serious Man, Brief Interviews With Hideous Men, A Beautiful Life, My Fuhrer: The Truly Truest Truth About Adolf Hitler, More Than A Game, In Search of Beethoven, and The Providence Effect. The critics will also weigh in on the arrest of filmmaker Roman Polanski.
Guests:
Henry Sheehan, henrysheehan.com
Wade Major, boxoffice.com
Inventing LA: The Chandlers and their times
Larry Mantle talks with Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Peter Jones about his new documentary, “Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times” that takes a look at the influential family behind the L.A. Times and the birth of Los Angeles.
Guest:
Peter Jones, writer, director and producer of “Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times,” and Emmy award-winning filmmaker
WEB BONUS: Oxy student redefines campus cuisine
For most of us, dorm food conjures up bland memories of mystery meat and mushy pasta. That’s exactly why Saul Sutcher, a junior at Occidental College, starting whipping up dishes like duck confit, pancetta-wrapped quail and butter-poached lobster tails for fellow students. Café Norris, a student run café in Oxy’s Norris Hall, was born. What’s on the menu this semester?
Guest:
Saul Sutcher is a junior at Occidental College in Eagle Rock, majoring in economics and physics