Newsweek announces its shuttering its print publication and going all digital. Plus, we take a look at a controversial French study on GMO corn and its effect on lab rats, a study shows that 'positive stress' is beneficial and crucial to infant development, we look at what's next for the Livestrong Foundation after Lance Armstrong's resignation and much more.
Newsweek shutters print publication
Newsweek is ending its 80-year run as a weekly print magazine.
This morning the company announced it will become an online-only publication called Newsweek Global at the start of next year.
If you've already heard the news, chances are you read about it not in print, but online. Therein lies the problem. The magazine has struggled to maintain its relevance in this digital age.
Here with analysis is Jim Romenesko.
George Zimmerman's trial for Trayvon Martin shooting set for June 2013
Wednesday a judge set a tentative trial date for June 10 for George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer charged with fatally shooting Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman’s attorneys will be back in court Friday to argue several motions.
We check in on the case and look at how Sanford, Florida has fared since the shooting. Rene Stutzman, an Orlando Sentinel reporter who’s been covering the story since the shooting occurred, joins the show with an update.
Central coast Republican hopes to attract fellow Latinos
For the past two decades California has been tough political terrain for Republicans. That's partly because the state's growing Latino population overwhelmingly supports Democrats.
But one congressional race on the Central Coast offers the right a glimmer of hope. Former Leuitenant Governor Abel Maldonando is challenging Democrat incumbent Lois Capps.
Polls show the race is tight, and Republicans say Maldonado's Mexican heritage can help him appeal to Latinos and tip the race in his favor.
The California Report's Scott Shafer has more.
What's next for the Livestrong Foundation in wake of Lance Armstrong's doping scandal?
Nike, Anheuser Busch, Trek Bicycles. Those are just three of the companies that severed their ties with Lance Armstrong in the last 24 hours
Their decisions came on the heels of a damming report issued last week by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which released a report claiming that Armstrong was at the center of a massive, sophisticated doping ring.
Yesterday, the cyclist stepped down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer fighting charity
In a statement Armstrong said he wanted to, quote, "spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of the controversy surrounding my cycling career"
For more on this, we're joined by Howard Bragman, a crisis communication specialist and Vice President of Reputation.com.
Part II: Controversial French study on Monsanto corn a flashpoint in Proposition 37 debate
This is part II in a three-part series on Prop. 37. Click here for part I and here for part III.
Earlier we explored the debate over Prop. 37, the November ballot initiative that would require labeling for some genetically modified foods. Backers of Prop. 37 have pointed to a new weapon in their arsenal: a study published last month that claims to prove that genetically modified corn causes tumors in rats.
At first, the paper published in the journal Food & Chemical Toxicology shocked plant scientists and genetic researchers. A team in France fed groups of male and female rats genetically modified corn produced by Monsanto. The company added a toxic protein to the corn to make it resistant to its herbicide, Roundup.
The study’s results were disturbing, as described and depicted in this online video.
“GMOs: the moment of truth?” from OGM alerta mundial on Vimeo.
French molecular biologist Gilles-Eric Seralini says rats of both genders developed liver and kidney problems. Many died. Seralini, who led the study, speaks through an interpreter in part of the video. Here he describes tumors on the rats the size of tennis balls. Again, it's translated. But at least one word in French catches the ear: "enorme." Nearly eighty percent of the female rats in the study that ate Roundup-ready corn developed tumors.
Seralini is an unapologetic activist, the founder of his own research institution on GMOs.
In this video, found on the website of his research group, CRIIGEN, Seralini says the way European governments permit GMOs is scandalous, because approval is based on 90-day tests.
That's why Seralini says he designed his study to last two years.
“We tried to evaluate a maximum of biological and biochemical parameters,” the voice over translation says, in English, “with repeated blood tests, weighing of the specimens, and urine tests.”
But Alan McHughen, a geneticist at UC Riverside, is not impressed. “Most of the scientific communities are saying that this study is meaningless,” he says. “But the damage is done because it already got the big media push.”
McHughen objects to the fact that Seralini’s team hasn’t released all of its data. And he says it’s really inappropriate that Seralini asked reporters seeing the paper in advance to sign confidentiality agreements. “Unprecedented,” he says.
NYU food policy professor Marion Nestle, a supporter of the GMO labeling movement, takes issue with how the study presented its results. She says Seralini’s team didn’t do a statistical analysis common to this type of study, an analysis needed to back up the conclusion that the tumors were caused by GMOs.
"Until they do, the question remains open about whether the results that they got are just a statistical fluke or something that occurred by chance,” Nestle says. “I don’t think that’s excluded by the data, and I wish they had done that.”
Alan McHughen of UC Riverside says Seralini’s study has another big methodological weakness: its subjects are a breed of rats called Sprague-Dawley.
“It’s suspicious that they chose this particular strain of rats and without disclosing in the manuscript that it was a strain that was known to be prone to produce tumors spontaneously,” he says. “That’s a big issue.”
McHughen points out that twenty to 30 percent of the control group rats, the ones that did not eat GMO corn, developed tumors, too.
Seralini’s supporters counter that Monsanto studies that found genetically modified corn to be safe used the same rats. Michael Antoniou is a geneticist at Kings College in London and a member of Seralini’s research organization.
“This Seralini project was a direct follow up using exactly the same experimental design as what industry did before,” Antoniou said on a recent visit to Los Angeles. “So either both are correct, or both are wrong.”
The most radical claim Seralini has made in releasing his study is that the mere act of changing the genetic makeup of corn makes it harmful to eat.
Again, from the first video embedded above, a translation: “The biggest surprise came when we realized that GMOs without any Roundup residue were responsible for deaths in the increase in the death rates of females and some males.”
That’s the kind of allegation that angers plant biologists like Ottoline Leyser, who works at the University of Cambridge.
“There is nowhere in the paper where it says that the reason for the problem is that the thing was genetically modified generically,” she says. “It says it’s to do with the protein introduced by the GM, not to do with the process by which it was introduced.”
Opponents of Prop. 37 say that, with all of its flaws, the Seralini study cannot be used as an argument in favor of Prop 37. The scientists who find fault with the study say there is little high quality research on the long-term benefits and possible risks of GMOs. Most of them want to see more.
Exactly how much money has gone to California Prop. campaigns?
We just heard about the effort to label genetically modified foods. Opponents of that proposition have poured more than $35-million dollars into their campaign. Money has been pouring into the other initiatives as well.
Much of it comes from individual donors. Here with some analysis is Joe Matthews, the California editor of Zocalo Public Sqaure, a local non-profit group that promotes civic participation.
Are deep-pocketed donors crucial to get a proposition passed?
So we know lots and lots of money is poured into the California initiative process, and it's a fact that deep-pocketed donors can help get the word out.
But how much difference does money make when it comes to actually passing a proposition?
For more on this we turn to Jamie Court. He's the President of Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group.
Afghan army struggling with low enlistment, high desertion from soldiers
With 195,000 soldiers, the Afghan army is bigger than ever. But it's also unstable.
Enlistment is low and desertion is high, so much so that the army has to replace a third of its force each year.
For more on the challenges the army is now facing, we're joined by New York Times reporter Rod Nordland.
Entrepreneurs hope technology will help bring peace to Afghanistan
A small circle of Afghan entrepreneurs are determined to use technology to change their war-torn country. They see their business as a foundation for stability and modernity.
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, deputy director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program with the Council on Foreign Relations, profiled some of the men and women involved in starting up tech companies in Afghanistan for Fast Company.
Californians 'drop, cover and hold on' for the Shakeout earthquake drill
More than nine million Californians will participate Thursday in what is likely the largest earthquake drill in the world. The Great Shakeout begins at 10:18 a.m. That's when people all over the state will duck beneath some type of cover to practice for the next major earthquake.
The drill's supposed to drive home this message: “drop, cover and hold on.” Emergency experts say it is a myth to look for a doorway to stand under. Balling up under a table or desk can make you less of a target for sliding furniture, flying glass and falling items like books and wall hangings.
The first Shakeout drill began Wednesday evening in Guam because of the time zone differences. Then it traveled through Central Asia to Italy to Puerto Rico and then to the southeastern U.S. This year is the first time Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia will participate: They experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake a year ago in August.
“The idea is that you get everybody to do something that everyone can see,” said Mark Benthien with the Southern California Earthquake Center. “You’re not just getting information but you"re doing something. You’re seeing other people take actions. That has been shown by research to actually make people want to be more prepared.”
There’s a ton of things you can do to get prepared. And, as Benthien said, “You can always do more to be prepared.”
Here’s a checklist to get you started on building an earthquake emergency survival kit:
A 2008 study by a working group of California earthquake scientists and engineers forecast that the Golden State has a 99.7-percent likelihood of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or stronger earthquake in the next 25 years or so.
Also new this year, earthquake preparedness experts are trying to reach commuters. At Union Station, the 60-second earthquake drill announcement will play over the loudspeakers. Unlike storms, earthquakes can happen with very little notice. People may not be at home where they've assembled emergency kits or rehearsed escape plans with family members.
“Many people are prepared and of course many people are not,” said Benthien.
At 10:18 a.m., wherever you may be, emergency officials want people to think about where you would “drop, cover and hold on” if an earthquake shook at that moment.
Below are some tips from Shakeout.org about what to do and where to duck for cover in the various places you may be:
In bed: If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has injured people who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways.
In a high-rise: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler or alarm systems activate.
In a store: When Shaking starts, Drop Cover and Hold On. A shopping cart or clothing racks can provide some protection. If you must move to get away from heavy items on high shelves, drop to the ground first and crawl only the shortest distance necessary. Whenever you enter any
retail store, take a moment to look around: What is above and around you that could move or fall during an earthquake? Then use your best judgment to stay safe.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs,
buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses,
bridges, power lines, signs and other potential hazards. Stay inside
the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on
the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat or drop to the floor between rows and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.
Near the shore: Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. If severe shaking lasts twenty seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a Tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake. Move inland two miles or to land that is at least 100 feet above sea level immediately. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other
hazards.
Below a dam: Dams can fail during a major earthquake.
Catastrophic failure is unlikely, but if you live downstream from a dam, you should know flood- zone
information and have an evacuation plan.
For people with disabilities who are unable to drop to the floor, experts advise getting away from windows or large items that can fall on you, and protect your head and neck as much as possible. If you’re in a wheelchair, lock the wheels. Grab a pillow, book or anything available to protect your head and neck.
If you have pets, animal services remind you to keep an emergency pack for each of your pets, too. Get the animal microchipped and find someone who could take care of the pet while you recover from any damage or injuries.
Iraqi artist Khalid Alaani's memories of home on display in Los Angeles
"I still dream of Iraq. Dreaming and imagining a beautiful life, full of colors, happiness and spontaneity." — Khalid Alaani
Artist Khalid Alaani fled Iraq at the height of the war in 2006, spending six years as a refugee in Syria before coming to the United States this past June.
His paintings are on display in a new exhibition called "Iraqi Artists in Exile" at the New Theme Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition features artwork by Alaani and other Iraqi artists who fled the war.
Alex Cohen spoke with Alaani about his paintings and his decision to leave Iraq and start a new life.
When did you being painting?
"Actually when I was [a] kid. I grew up in a family that really appreciated art and culture. My parents, especially my father, encouraged me to improve myself in this field. I have maybe two or three cousins who are artists also so I think it is kind of genetic."
You left Iraq in 2006. Why did you decide to leave?
"This is a big question. We all [heard] about what is happening in Iraq at that time. It was a very bad situation there, so many killing, so many explosions. I lost so many friends so me and my family we decided to leave Iraq at that time."
Tell us about some of your paintings. Let's look at one called "Sound of Children".
"This is one of my favorite paintings. It is my memories of when I was a kid. We usually go to the countryside in the summer where there is a river, the Euphrates river. Usually, we jump in this river with shouting and with laughing. This painting shows children jumping in a river in the abstract. There is a pink river. There is much more laughing and shouting in this painting."
Let's look at another, called "Smell of Wind".
"I tried to be a philospher here. When there is a wind you can smell the scent of trees. The scent of the water. The scent of flowers. And this scent usually gives me a good sensation because it is the scent of nature. I tried to play on the scense of smelling by showing it. I tried to be more philosopher here."
Your paintings are on display at the New Theme Gallery. What are you hoping that visitors who see your work take away from it?
"People hear so many (things) about Iraq and so many (things ) about the Iraq war and Iraqis but I don't think they saw much about Iraq art. This is a good opportunity for us, the Iraqi artists and also for the Americans to see the art of that country. I wish the audience enjoys the painting and sees what we tried to show them about Iraq life, Iraq love and the people there."
'Positive stress' is crucial for babies' emotional and intellectual development
Ever wondered what is going on in a baby's or toddler’s brain? It's a topic that's fascinated researchers and neuroscientists for years. In recent decades, sociologists, psychologists, and even economists have devoted time to this research. Along with findings that the brain is more plastic than previously believed — meaning it has the ability to change itself — researchers have been studying the impact of stress on the developing brain.
Some surprising new findings indicate that helping babies and toddlers develop emotional control can postition them better for healthier and more successful lives than emphasizing only academics.
USC neuroscientist Pat Levitt draws from a common preschool experience to explain what this means. “Maybe circle time is a little nerve-wracking for some kids who are a little bit shy," he says. "Their heart rate goes up, they sweat a little bit, and over time they learn how to control that and speak and tell their classmates about something they did over the weekend.”
Levitt calls this “positive stress” and says that parents and teachers need to help toddlers through moments like this, rather than try and protect children from these stresses. This is critical, he says, because the developing brain needs to learn from these early experiences how to self-soothe, so it can overcome, “When the challenges may be more significant.”
Dealing with stressful incidents begins at birth, and journalist Paul Tough, author of “How Children Succeed,” says that “attuned parenting” is the key to building the healthy brain architecture of a baby.
Levitt describes the “serve and return” actions of “attuned” caregivers as the most beneficial to the developing brain. He says this begins the process by which the brain learns how to deal with positive, tolerable or toxic stress levels. “So learning and cognition develops better when it’s connected to emotions and motivation, when the child is really motivated to pay attention to what is going on.” Motivation - one element of emotional control - has to be taught and learned, Paul Tough adds.
Tough’s interviews with experts in the field led him to the conclusion that “we have been emphasizing IQ too much” in early childhood development. He calls the sole focus on academics and cognitive skills for babies and toddlers “misguided,” offering that “we should be paying more attention to these other skills that are harder to measure, harder to teach, but clearly have a lot of correlation with success -- skills like grit, curiosity, conscientiousness, self control, optimism.”
One application of this fuzzy neuroscience in the real world happens every day at the South East Rio Vista YMCA preschool, where staff blend the teaching of emotional control with all-important academics.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified LA-UP as Los Angeles Unified Preschool. It is in fact Los Angeles Universal Preschool.
'Gross America' takes a coast-to-coast look at the ickiest parts of the US
Richard Faulk's new book is called "Gross America: Your Coast to Coast Guide To All Things Gross." He joins us now from New York.
PHOTOS: Idaho resident re-creates Downtown LA in his basement
Ten years. That's how long it took one man to recreate his youth.
70-year-old Larry Kmetz spent five decades living in Southern California, so when he and his wife retired to Idaho he found himself missing the streets of downtown LA.
So he turned, of all places, to his basement.We'll talk to him from his home in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho