Writers' Strike Looms; Historical Los Angeles Houses; LAPD Release Report on MacArthur Park Melee; Chinese Rose Float Raises Ire; Sputnik Anniversary
Writers' Strike Looms
If you hate re-runs or reality shows, your television-watching days may be numbered. That's because the threat of a Hollywood writers' strike is looming ever larger as a dispute over residuals threatens to halt contract negotiations. The current Writers Guild contract expires at the end of the month. The main point of contention focuses on payments for new media programming, such as TV shows bound for Internet and cell phone distribution. The last WGA strike in 1988 lasted 22 weeks and resulted in industry losses estimated at $500 million. Larry talks with Alex Ben Block, Sr. of Hollywood Today, and opens the phones to listeners to talk about the possibility for resolving these issues before the TV season turns to deja vu.
Historical Los Angeles Houses
Larry talks with Sam Watters, author of Houses of Los Angeles 1920-1935 (Acanthus Press). His new, two-volume set of books highlights 75 of the city's most original houses, designed by the best architects and landscape designers for city founders, top entertainers, and other wealthy residents. The books feature over 800 archival photos included never published city panoramas.
LAPD Release Report on MacArthur Park Melee
KPCC reporter Frank Stoltze joins Larry to talk about a new report from the LAPD that outlines numerous errors made by police during the May Day MacArthur Park melee.
Chinese Rose Float Raises Ire
The Tournament of Roses Parade is a local institution and an event watched around the world. This year's parade includes a float celebrating the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It's financed by wealthy Chinese Americans and the Pasadena-based company Avery Dennison. The float is sanctioned by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee. But China's human rights record has stirred a controversy here. Amnesty International, supporters of Tibet, and the Caltech Falun Gong Club, all want the float taken out of the parade. Others are calling for the U.S. to boycott the Beijing Olympics. Should Pasadena permit a Chinese float in the parade? Larry discusses the issue with Shizhong Chen of the Conscience Foundation, Mayor of Pasadena Bill Bogaard, and Tseten Phanucharas of Los Angeles Friends of Tibet.
Sputnik Anniversary
Larry talks with author Matthew Brzezinski about his new book, Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries That Ignited the Space Age (Henry Holt and Company), about the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the rivalry between the U.S and the Soviet Union in the space race.