SAG-AFTRA Strike Update: Actors' Union Is Reviewing 'Last, Best And Final Offer' From Studios
After spending much of last week hammering out a new contract, the actors' union SAG-AFTRA says it's now reviewing what the studios call their "last, best, and final offer." The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) presented the offer Saturday. The package from the studios reportedly includes the highest wage increase in 40 years and a 100% increase in performance compensation bonuses for high-budget streaming series and movies. And “full” AI protections too. Elaine Low, reporter at The Ankler covering the business of Hollywood and Meg James, entertainment industry reporter for the LA Times join us to discuss where SAG might come down on the new proposal. Have questions about the latest offer call us at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
New Options For Wildfire-Resilient Homes Are Rising, We Get Into Their Unique Architecture And Implications
Just a few weeks ago, LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis wrote about how an unstoppable fire could easily blow through Topanga Canyon, potentially in just a handful of hours, trapping motorists and residents, leading to a Paradise-like situation. In short, strong winds, steep hills, narrow roads, and huge amounts of long unburned vegetation, make building a home there quite dangerous. It’s for this reason that residents have looked to find ways to minimize risk, some through preventative measures with their lawns, and others by completely changing the architecture of their homes. To better understand the latter, Jacob spoke to a homeowner in Topanga to hear what they did to protect most of their homes from wildfires. Today on AirTalk, Larry talks to Jacob Margolis, science reporter for LAist and host of The Big Burn podcast, and Napa County fire administrator David Shew, to discuss what goes into building these dome homes and how it can assist folks whose houses are wildfire-prone areas.
With files from LAist, read Jacob’s new piece on these homes by clicking here.
Art And Science Collide In New Book “The Warped Side of Our Universe,” An Illustrated Exploration Of Theoretical Physics In An Epic Poem
What happens when you bring together a brilliant physicist whose discoveries in the field of theoretical physics have helped shape our modern understanding of the universe with an equally brilliant artist whose work has appeared in galleries from Los Angeles to New York to Paris? Enter “The Warped Side of Our Universe,” a new book from Nobel Prize-winning Caltech Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics Kip Thorne and Chapman University Professor and Art Department Chair Lia Halloran. The book is written as an epic poem, and through Thorne’s accessible free verse and Halloran’s captivating paintings and illustrations of black holes colliding and wormholes collapsing, the two visionaries explore through poetry, science, and art how Thorne and his colleagues’ research have helped us better understand the mysteries of our universe, and those we are still trying to solve.
Today on AirTalk, Professors Thorne and Halloran are with us to talk about their new book, and how they approached explaining the complexities of theoretical physics through the mediums of poetry and art.
Caltech will be hosting a live event with Kip Thorne and Lia Halloran on their new book on Monday, November 13th from 7-8:30 p.m. at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. The authors will be signing copies of their book after the event. The event is open to all but registration is required. You can register here.
Veterans Series: The Biggest Challenges Vets Face In Southern California
All this week, AirTalk is talking about the various challenges veterans are facing today. Southern California has one of the largest populations of veterans, and today we want to dive into the state of veterans locally. What are the unique challenges they face here, where does housing stand, and what’s the latest efforts and conditions at the VA. Joining to discuss is Jim Zenner, director of the LA County department of military and veterans affairs and U.S. Army veteran, Carl Castro, professor of social work at USC and retired army colonel who co-authored a recent study looking at the needs of veterans in SoCal, and John Kuhn, Deputy Medical Center Director for VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care.
Hotline for Veterans in LA County, temp housing services, and a lift there: 310-268-3350
We also want to hear from local veterans about their experiences. Call us at 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
From Donuts to Chili Bowls: SoCal’s Long History Of ‘Programmatic’ Architecture
In the 20th century, Southern California became a founding hub for the boom in ‘programmatic architecture’ – buildings shaped to advertise what they sell. From Tail O’ the Pup, LA’s hot dog-shaped hot dog stand, to North Hollywood’s barrel-themed ‘Idle Hour,’ these novel structures aren’t just good photo ops – they’re part of LA’s historical fabric. The massive, 32 ft. donut that draws lines to Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood each day is a celebrity itself, with appearances in Iron Man 2 and Arrested Development, among many others. Over the years, many of these programmatic structures have been demolished; but recent restoration efforts have reinforced them as a critical part of LA’s DNA. Joining us to dive into So Cal’s history of novelty architecture is Jim Heimann, executive editor for TASCHEN America, and Alan Hess, architect and historian.
