Pamela McColl's updated version of "Twas The Night"

A self-published Vancouver author has come out with a “p.c.” version of a Christmastime favorite, the classic children’s poem “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” published in 1823 and generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Pamela McColl, removed lines referring to Santa’s pipe from the holiday tale and included a letter from Santa saying that he’d kicked the habit.

McColl’s edition’s cover proudly claims that it has been edited “by Santa Claus for the benefit of children of the 21st century.” McColl’s edit is already getting some backlash from the American Library Association.  Deputy director for intellectual freedom Deborah Caldwell-Stone likened the rewrite to the much maligned censorship of “Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain scholar Alan Gribben.

Is McColl’s version of “T'was The Night” in line with 21st century ideals? Does it matter whether or not Santa smokes a pipe? Is there a way to teach children about the dangers of smoking without altering a classic? 

Pamela McColl, publisher “Twas the Night Before Christmas, edited by Santa Claus”

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director, American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom

A general view of atmosphere at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Nominations at the Pacific Design Center on December 12, 2012 in West Hollywood, California. Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Awards season officially kicked off this morning with the release of the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations.

SEE FULL LIST OF NOMINEES BELOW

We have the scoop on who got the nods and who got snubbed. “Lincoln,” “Les Mis,” and “Silver Linings Playbook” topped the motion picture categories with four nominations apiece.

Maggie Smith and Bryan Cranston both scored multiple nominations as well, Smith for her performances in “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Downton Abbey” and Cranston for his roles in “Argo” and “Breaking Bad.” On Thursday, the awards announcements will keep coming, with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Golden Globe nominations.

What best movies and performances of the year are topping the lists? Who deserves a win this year? What do we know now about who’s most likely to take home Oscar gold when the red carpet is rolled out this coming February?  

Glenn Whipp, entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times, writes the Times’ Gold Standard, on everything award season

The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Nominations via SAGAFTRA.org:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
BRADLEY COOPER / Pat - “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK” (The Weinstein Company)
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS / Abraham Lincoln - "LINCOLN” (Touchstone Pictures)
JOHN HAWKES / Mark - "THE SESSIONS" (Fox Searchlight)
HUGH JACKMAN / Jean Valjean - "LES MISÉRABLES" (Universal Pictures)
DENZEL WASHINGTON / Whip Whitaker - "FLIGHT" (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
JESSICA CHASTAIN / Maya - "ZERO DARK THIRTY” (Columbia Pictures)
MARION COTILLARD / Stephanie - “RUST AND BONE” (Sony Pictures Classics)
JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Tiffany - “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK” (The Weinstein Company)
HELEN MIRREN / Alma Reville - “HITCHCOCK” (Fox Searchlight)
NAOMI WATTS / Maria - “THE IMPOSSIBLE” (Summit Entertainment)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
ALAN ARKIN / Lester Siegel - “ARGO” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
JAVIER BARDEM / Silva - "SKYFALL" (Columbia Pictures)
ROBERT DE NIRO / Pat, Sr. - "SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK" (The Weinstein Company)
PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN / Lancaster Dodd - “THE MASTER” (The Weinstein Company)
TOMMY LEE JONES / Thaddeus Stevens - “LINCOLN” (Touchstone Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
SALLY FIELD / Mary Todd Lincoln - "LINCOLN" (Touchstone Pictures)
ANNE HATHAWAY / Fantine - “LES MISÉRABLES” (Universal Pictures)
HELEN HUNT / Cheryl - “THE SESSIONS” (Fox Searchlight)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Charlotte Bless - "THE PAPERBOY” (Millennium Entertainment)
MAGGIE SMITH / Muriel Donnelly - “THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL” (Fox Searchlight)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
ARGO (Warner Bros. Pictures)
BEN AFFLECK / Tony Mendez
ALAN ARKIN / Lester Siegel
KERRY BISHÉ / Kathy Stafford
KYLE CHANDLER / Hamilton Jordan
RORY COCHRANE / Lee Schatz
BRYAN CRANSTON / Jack O’Donnell
CHRISTOPHER DENHAM / Mark Lijek
TATE DONOVAN / Bob Anders
CLEA DUVALL / Cora Lijek
VICTOR GARBER / Ken Taylor
JOHN GOODMAN / John Chambers
SCOOT McNAIRY / Joe Stafford
CHRIS MESSINA / Malinov

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (Fox Searchlight)
JUDI DENCH / Evelyn Greenslade
CELIA IMRIE / Madge Hardcastle
BILL NIGHY / Douglas Ainslie
DEV PATEL / Sonny Kapoor
RONALD PICKUP / Norman Cousins
MAGGIE SMITH / Muriel Donnelly
TOM WILKINSON / Graham Dashwood
PENELOPE WILTON / Jean Ainslie

LES MISÉRABLES (Universal Pictures)
ISABELLE ALLEN / Young Cosette
SAMANTHA BARKS / Eponine
SACHA BARON COHEN / Thénardier
HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Madame Thénardier
RUSSELL CROWE / Javert
ANNE HATHAWAY / Fantine
DANIEL HUTTLESTONE / Gavroche
HUGH JACKMAN / Jean Valjean
EDDIE REDMAYNE / Marius
AMANDA SEYFRIED / Cosette
AARON TVEIT / Enjolras
COLM WILKINSON / Bishop

LINCOLN (Touchstone Pictures)
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS / Abraham Lincoln
SALLY FIELD / Mary Todd Lincoln
JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT / Robert Todd Lincoln
HAL HOLBROOK / Preston Blair
TOMMY LEE JONES / Thaddeus Stevens
JAMES SPADER / W.N. Bilbo
DAVID STRATHAIRN / William Seward

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (The Weinstein Company)
BRADLEY COOPER / Pat
ROBERT DE NIRO / Pat, Sr.
ANUPAM KHER / Dr. Cliff Patel
JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Tiffany
CHRIS TUCKER / Danny
JACKI WEAVER / Dolores

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
KEVIN COSTNER / “Devil Anse” Hatfield - “HATFIELDS & McCOYS” (History)
WOODY HARRELSON / Steve Schmidt - “GAME CHANGE” (HBO)
ED HARRIS / John McCain - “GAME CHANGE” (HBO)
CLIVE OWEN / Ernest Hemingway - “HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN“ (HBO)
BILL PAXTON / Randall McCoy - “HATFIELDS & McCOYS” (History)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
NICOLE KIDMAN / Martha Gellhorn - “HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN” (HBO)
JULIANNE MOORE / Sarah Palin - “GAME CHANGE” (HBO)
CHARLOTTE RAMPLING / Eva Delectorskaya - “RESTLESS” (Sundance Channel)
SIGOURNEY WEAVER / Elaine Barrish Hammond - “POLITICAL ANIMALS” (USA)
ALFRE WOODARD / Ouiser - “STEEL MAGNOLIAS” (Lifetime)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STEVE BUSCEMI / Enoch “Nucky” Thompson - “BOARDWALK EMPIRE” (HBO)
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White - “BREAKING BAD” (AMC)
JEFF DANIELS / Will McAvoy - “THE NEWSROOM” (HBO)
JON HAMM / Don Draper - “MAD MEN” (AMC)
DAMIAN LEWIS / Nicholas Brody - “HOMELAND” (Showtime)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
CLAIRE DANES / Carrie Mathison - “HOMELAND” (Showtime)
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley - “DOWNTON ABBEY” (PBS)
JESSICA LANGE / Sister Jude - “AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM” (FX)
JULIANNA MARGULIES / Alicia Florrick - “THE GOOD WIFE” (CBS)
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham - “DOWNTON ABBEY” (PBS)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy - “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
LOUIS C.K. / Louie - “LOUIE” (FX)
JIM PARSONS / Sheldon Cooper - “THE BIG BANG THEORY” (CBS)
ERIC STONESTREET / Cameron Tucker - “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton - “NURSE JACKIE” (Showtime)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon - “30 ROCK” (NBC)
AMY POEHLER / Leslie Knope - “PARKS AND RECREATION” (NBC)
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett - “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
BETTY WHITE / Elka Ostrovsky - “HOT IN CLEVELAND” (TV Land)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
STEVE BUSCEMI / Enoch “Nucky” Thompson
CHRIS CALDOVINO / Tonino Sandrelli
BOBBY CANNAVALE / Gyp Rosetti
MEG CHAMBERS STEEDLE / Billie Kent
CHARLIE COX / Owen Sleater
JACK HUSTON / Richard Harrow
PATRICK KENNEDY / Dr. Douglas Mason
ANTHONY LACIURA / Eddie Kessler
KELLY MACDONALD / Margaret Thompson
GRETCHEN MOL / Gillian Darmody
VINCENT PIAZZA / Lucky Luciano
PAUL SPARKS / Mickey Doyle
MICHAEL STUHLBARG / Arnold Rothstein
SHEA WHIGHAM / Elias “Eli” Thompson
ANATOL YUSEF / Meyer Lansky

BREAKING BAD (AMC)
JONATHAN BANKS / Mike Ehrmantraut
BETSY BRANDT / Marie Schrader
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White
LAURA FRASER / Lydia Rodart-Quayle
ANNA GUNN / Skyler White
RJ MITTE / Walter White, Jr.
DEAN NORRIS / Hank Schrader
BOB ODENKIRK / Saul Goodman
AARON PAUL / Jesse Pinkman
JESSE PLEMONS / Todd
STEVEN MICHAEL QUEZADA / Gomez

DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
HUGH BONNEVILLE / Robert, Earl of Grantham
ZOE BOYLE / Lavinia Swire
LAURA CARMICHAEL / Lady Edith Crawley
JIM CARTER / Mr. Carson
BRENDAN COYLE / John Bates
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley
JESSICA BROWN FINDLAY / Lady Sybil Crawley
SIOBHAN FINNERAN / O’Brien
JOANNE FROGGATT / Anna
IAIN GLEN / Sir Richard Carlisle
THOMAS HOWES / William
ROB JAMES-COLLIER / Thomas
ALLEN LEECH / Tom Branson
PHYLLIS LOGAN / Mrs. Hughes
ELIZABETH McGOVERN / Cora, Countess of Grantham
SOPHIE McSHERA / Daisy
LESLEY NICOL / Mrs. Patmore
AMY NUTTALL / Ethel
DAVID ROBB / Dr. Clarkson
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
DAN STEVENS / Matthew Crawley
PENELOPE WILTON / Isobel Crawley

HOMELAND (Showtime)
MORENA BACCARIN / Jessica Brody
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET / Finn Walden
CLAIRE DANES / Carrie Mathison
RUPERT FRIEND / Peter Quinn
DAVID HAREWOOD / David Estes
DIEGO KLATTENHOFF / Mike Faber
DAMIAN LEWIS / Nicholas Brody
DAVID MARCIANO / Virgil
NAVID NEGAHBAN / Abu Nazir
JACKSON PACE / Chris Brody
MANDY PATINKIN / Saul Berenson
ZULEIKHA ROBINSON / Roya Hammad
MORGAN SAYLOR / Dana Brody
JAMEY SHERIDAN / Vice President Walden

MAD MEN (AMC)
BEN FELDMAN / Michael Ginsberg
JAY R. FERGUSON / Stan Rizzo
JON HAMM / Don Draper
JARED HARRIS / Lane Pryce
CHRISTINA HENDRICKS / Joan Harris
VINCENT KARTHEISER / Pete Campbell
ROBERT MORSE / Bertram Cooper
ELISABETH MOSS / Peggy Olson
JESSICA PARÉ / Megan Calvet Draper
TEYONAH PARRIS / Dawn Chambers
KIERNAN SHIPKA / Sally Draper
JOHN SLATTERY / Roger Sterling
RICH SOMMER / Harry Crane
AARON STATON / Kenneth Cosgrove

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 ROCK (NBC)
SCOTT ADSIT / Pete Hornberger
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon
JUDAH FRIEDLANDER / Frank Rossitano
JANE KRAKOWSKI / Jenna Maroney
JACK McBRAYER / Kenneth Parcell
TRACY MORGAN / Tracy Jordan

THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)
MAYIM BIALIK / Amy Farrah Fowler
KALEY CUOCO / Penny
JOHNNY GALECKI / Leonard Hofstadter
SIMON HELBERG / Howard Wolowitz
KUNAL NAYYAR / Rajesh Koothrappali
JIM PARSONS / Sheldon Cooper
MELISSA RAUCH / Bernadette Rostenkowski

GLEE (FOX)
DIANNA AGRON / Quinn Fabray
CHRIS COLFER / Kurt Hummel
DARREN CRISS / Blaine Anderson
SAMUEL LARSEN / Joe Hart
VANESSA LENGIES / Sugar Motta
JANE LYNCH / Sue Sylvester
JAYMA MAYS / Emma Pillsbury
KEVIN McHALE / Artie Abrams
LEA MICHELE / Rachel Berry
CORY MONTEITH / Finn Hudson
HEATHER MORRIS / Brittany Pierce
MATTHEW MORRISON / Will Schuester
ALEX NEWELL / Wade Adams/Unique
CHORD OVERSTREET / Sam Evans
AMBER RILEY / Mercedes Jones
NAYA RIVERA / Santana Lopez
MARK SALLING / Noah “Puck” Puckerman
HARRY SHUM, JR. / Mike Chang
JENNA USHKOWITZ / Tina Cohen-Chang

MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
AUBREY ANDERSON-EMMONS / Lily Tucker-Pritchett
JULIE BOWEN / Claire Dunphy
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy
JESSE TYLER FERGUSON / Mitchell Pritchett
NOLAN GOULD / Luke Dunphy
SARAH HYLAND / Haley Dunphy
ED O’NEILL / Jay Pritchett
RICO RODRIGUEZ / Manny Delgado
ERIC STONESTREET / Cameron Tucker
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
ARIEL WINTER / Alex Dunphy

NURSE JACKIE (Showtime)
MACKENZIE ALADJEM / Fiona Peyton
EVE BEST / Dr. Ellie O’Hara
BOBBY CANNAVALE / Dr. Mike Cruz
JAKE CANNAVALE / Charlie Cruz
PETER FACINELLI / Dr. Fitch Cooper
EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton
DOMINIC FUMUSA / Kevin Peyton
ARJUN GUPTA / Sam
LENNY JACOBSON / Lenny
RUBY JERINS / Grace Peyton
PAUL SCHULZE / Eddie Walzer
ANNA DEAVERE SMITH / Gloria Akalitus
STEPHEN WALLEM / Thor Lundgren
MERRITT WEVER / Zoey Barkow

THE OFFICE (NBC)
LESLIE DAVID BAKER / Stanley Hudson
BRIAN BAUMGARTNER / Kevin Malone
CREED BRATTON / Creed Bratton
CLARKE DUKE / Clark
JENNA FISCHER / Pam Halpert
KATE FLANNERY / Meredith Palmer
ED HELMS / Andy Bernard
MINDY KALING / Kelly Kapoor
ELLIE KEMPER / Erin Hannon
ANGELA KINSEY / Angela Martin
JOHN KRASINSKI / Jim Halpert
JAKE LACEY / Peter
PAUL LIEBERSTEIN / Toby Flenderson
B.J. NOVAK / Ryan Howard
OSCAR NUÑEZ / Oscar Martinez
CRAIG ROBINSON / Darryl Philbin
PHYLLIS SMITH / Phyllis Vance
CATHERINE TATE / Nellie Bertram
RAINN WILSON / Dwight Schrute

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (Columbia Pictures)
THE BOURNE LEGACY (Universal Pictures)
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Warner Bros. Pictures)
LES MISÉRABLES (Universal Pictures)
SKYFALL (Columbia Pictures)

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
BREAKING BAD (AMC)
GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
SONS OF ANARCHY (FX)
THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)

Screen Actors Guild 49th Annual Life Achievement Award

DICK VAN DYKE

Randy Newman talks about his career and Rock Hall of Fame induction.

Piano man Randy Newman is being inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame, it was announced yesterday, along with the likes of Quincy Jones, Lou Adler and Donna Summer. The induction ceremony will be on April 18 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be open to the public and will air as an HBO special on May 18. We’ll talk with the famously funny and multi-talented singer, songwriter about this latest accolade and whatever else the man wants to talk about, because that’s just the way he rolls.

Randy Newman, songwriter, singer, pianist, and composer. His solo albums span six decades and include 12 Songs, Sail Away, Good Old Boys, Harps & Angels, and the current Randy Newman Songbook series. Newman began scoring films in the 1980s, with movies such as The Natural, Awakenings, Ragtime, Toy Story 1, 2 & 3, Seabiscuit, James and the Giant Peach, and A Bug’s Life. He has been recognized with six Grammys, three Emmys, and two Academy Awards. Newman is on the Board of Councilors for the USC Thornton School of Music.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck in the KPCC Studios. Credit: Lily Mihalik/KPCC

It’s time for Ask the Chief, your opportunity to put your law and order questions to top cop Chief Charlie Beck. Patt gets the latest on how the department is dealing with accusations of racial profiling, the challenge of expanding the department to 10,000 officers amid budget cuts, and how Mayor Villaraigosa’s new city ID card law will impact crime among illegal immigrants. Chief Beck will also discuss the murder cases at an Echo Park Church in November, and the quadruple homicide in Northridge just a week and a half ago.Looking to the future, Chief Beck will analyze evolving policing policies in Skid Row, as well as the impact of Prop 36 on prison populations and crime rates. And as always, you can ask the Chief your questions as well.

Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief

Passat CC R-Line Steering Wheel Retrofit Credit: jaronbrass/Flickr (Creative Commons-licensed)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended Tuesday that all people convicted of drunk driving should have ignition interlock devices installed in their cars to prevent them from operating their vehicle while intoxicated.

The NTSB said that legislation requiring ignition interlock even after the first DUI, even for drivers who are “only a sip” over the legal limit, could be a major factor in preventing collisions and especially accidents involving a wrong-way driver. Those opposed to unilateral treatment of intoxicated drivers argue that punishment for drunk driving should not be “one size fits all” – someone with a blood alcohol content of .09 should not be charged as harshly as someone with a BA content of .19, for example.

Although all 50 states have the ability to apply ignition interlock penalties, only 17 use the devices for first-time offenders. In California, four counties, including Los Angeles and Sacramento, have pilot programs for first time DUIs – in the rest of the state, only repeat offenders are required to install ignition interlock.

Reports show a steady decline in the number of traffic accidents and death in the past year, what effect could a nationwide ignition interlock program have on future statistics? Is ignition interlock an appropriate punishment for DUI offenders? Is it effective?

Silas Miers,  Law Enforcement Program Specialist, California office of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Ignacio Hernandez, head of Hernandez Strategy Group, LLC, a lobbying firm that worked with the California DUI Lawyers Association to oppose the 2010 ignition interlock pilot program, active in 4 counties in California

US President Barack Obama speaks during Veterans' Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery November 11, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Just one day after the U.S. added a Syrian rebel group to its list of terrorist organizations, President Obama officially recognized the newly-formed Syrian Opposition Coalition as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

The President’s Tuesday announcement mirrors similar vocalizations of support from other members of the Friends of Syria group, including France and Britain, who backed the SOC weeks ago. President Obama specified that his formal recognition of the SOC did not include across the board support for all group opposition to the Assad regime, singling out the militant group Jabhat al-Nusra as a terrorist group.

Unlike Britain, which has suggested military intervention, the U.S. has not taken an active role in arming the Syrian opposition. What’s next for Syria? What should the U.S.’s role be in assisting the Syrian Opposition Coalition? Is there a way to distinguish between the various rebel coalitions on the ground? 

Elizabeth O’Bagy, research analyst at the Institute for the Study of War

Michael Rubin, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research

Laird Monahan stands on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial next to a giant banner printed with the Preamble to the United States Constitution during a demonstration against the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling on the National Mall October 20, 2010 in Washington, DC. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Plenty of people were unhappy with the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizen’s United, which resulted in a constitutional amendment that allows corporations and unions the ability unlimited spending on political campaigns.  Even staunch Republican supporters had second thoughts after heavily funded super-PACS dominated campaign dollars in the last election.

But according to Los Angeles Assemblyman Michael Gatto, there is a way to reverse the decision, hidden in the constitution itself.  Article 5 directs Congress to call a convention for proposing Amendments to the constitution, if two-thirds of the states agree.  Any proposed amendment would then need to be ratified by three-quarters of the legislature. Gatto hopes this little-known corner the constitution could undo Citizens United. He’s introduced a resolution that he hopes will get the ball rolling in California, with other states to follow.  

Article 5 has never been used successfully, and constitutional law experts aren’t sure it’s a good idea.  The problem?  Once the constitutional convention has been called, it’s not clear that the proposals will be limited to just one - any number of amendments could be thrown in the mix. This process, they warn, could lead to open season on the Constitution, putting the First Amendment and other beloved protections up for grabs.

Is the use of Article 5 to stop Citizens United appropriate - or even feasible? Should California lead the way in this effort?  Or are we opening up a can of constitutional worms?

Michael Gatto, California Assemblyman for 43rd District,  representing the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.

Justin Levitt, associate professor of law at Loyola Law School

Aerial views of the Colorado River, Imperial Valley. Credit: Brent Stirton/Getty Images

In what he said was “a call to action,” the US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar yesterday issued the unhappy results of a study looking at water sustainability in the Western United States. The study, which took three years to complete, looked at the Colorado River’s ability to meet the future water needs of city-dwellers, Native Americans, businesses, ranchers and farmers in seven Western states.

What it found was a water flow reduced by 12 years of drought, from 15 million acre-feet per year, to just 12. The study also projects that by 2060 the river flow could fall by 3.2 million, to 8 million acre-feet short of regional needs, which would affect an estimated 40 million people. Some advocacy groups, however, are criticizing the report, saying the government inflated projections of the amount of water in the river and the number of people in the region.

Water administrators and state officials have proposed some creative solutions, from piping water from the nation's heartland to towing Arctic icebergs south to water Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix, but Secretary Salazar has dismissed most of these as either politically or technically impractical. Larry hears from all sides and takes your suggestions on Southern California’s water policy.

Anne Castle, Assistant Interior Secretary for the Department of the Interior, water and science

Molly Peterson, KPCC Environmental Reporter

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

In no uncertain terms, House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) voiced her opposition this morning to her Republican counterparts’ proposal for avoiding the fiscal cliff by raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67.

Pelosi’s point of contention is the GOP’s unwillingness to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans while making older Medicare beneficiaries pay higher premiums. In a recent op-ed for USA Today, Pelosi argues that Democrats are willing to discuss reducing health expenditures in the Affordable Care Act while not undermining Medicare as a whole.

Republicans reason that because older beneficiaries consume six times more health care than 18-year-olds, it’s a good place to look for savings. But what does the actual math say? That too, is murky. Larry debates the numbers with two economists who see different results from raising the Medicare eligibility age. 

Jonathan Gruber, professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and director of the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Program on Health Care; he was a paid consultant to both the Romney and Obama Administrations on health care reform, he helped craft Massachusetts’s universal health care law

Rhonda Lee was fired by ABC affiliate KTBS after responding to Facebook comments about her natural hair. Credit: Facebook page of meteorologist Rhonda Lee

Louisiana meteorologist Rhonda Lee, formerly of KTBS news, was fired after responding to viewer comments on the network’s Facebook page. Lee’s social media response was a reply to comments from a viewer who took issue with her short hair. Lee interpreted the comments as being racially motivated, and responded saying that she is “proud of her African-American ancestry which includes [her] hair.”

KTBS News Director Randy Bain said that Lee was let go for “repeatedly violating” a policy that prohibits staff from interacting with the network’s social media accounts. Lee argues that she felt the need to respond to the online comments because “the station didn’t do anything.” In her opinion, allowing the criticisms of her hair to stay up unanswered would be equivalent to condoning those harsh words.

Lee is the latest in a long line of African-American women who have faced commentary about their natural hairstyles. Notably, MSNBC’s Melissa Harris Perry and Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas addressed their hairstyles. Should a public figure’s hair ever be a topic of conversation or criticism? How does race figure into this? What is the best way to respond to this kind of commentary? When is social media the right platform for these discussions?

Rhonda Lee, former meteorologist with ABC affiliate KTBS news in Shreveport, Louisiana

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

In an interview last night with ABC’s Barbara Walters, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie answered questions about his weight, specifically as it may apply to a future presidential run. Walters interviewed Christie after naming him one of the 10 most fascinating people of 2012.

The Republican governor gained more national notoriety than ever this year after his involvement in Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and his handling of Hurricane Sandy. Christie’s response to Walter’s question about whether his weight would damage future presidential prospects was succinct – “that’s ridiculous.” Walters pressed on, saying that voters could be concerned about Christie’s health, but he deflected, pointing to the long hours and intensity of his current position as proof that he could handle the commander-in-chief role.

How fit does the president need to be? Could Christie’s weight limit his ability to effectively do the job? Even if his health wasn’t an issue, could Christie’s weight affect his electability? In 2008, there was some speculation about whether Barack Obama was too thin to be relatable – could a Christie campaign inspire similar sentiment? Should a candidate’s weight be a topic of discussion, or is it irrelevant?

David Chmiel, Senior Political Reporter, NJ.com

Police plan their strategy to search Mihaylo Hall at Cal State Fullerton in Fullerton, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. One of five robbery suspects, believed to be armed, has barracaded himself inside the building. Credit: Anibal Ortiz/KPCC

Classes at California State University, Fullerton resumed today after police locked down the school for eight hours as they searched the campus for an armed-robbery suspect thought to have hidden there.

The suspect, who remains at large, evaded police last night after allegedly robbing a Moreno Valley jewelry store with four accomplices. After they purportedly shot a jewelry store employee, the five suspects led police on a car chase that spanned four counties before stopping at Cal State Fullerton. After four suspects jumped out of the car, one continued driving, but eventually surrendered when he inadvertently ran into dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers, including Chief Charlie Beck, at a charity function in Watts.

Cal State sent text messages to students notifying them of the school lockdown while emergency alarms also sounded on campus. A contingent of Fullerton police remain at the Cal State campus as a safety precaution, but authorities do not believe the suspect is still on the premises. Two of the five suspects are still on the run.

How effective and realistic is the objective of locking down a public college campus? How helpful is text messaging for communicating with students in an emergency situation?

Commander Andrew Smith, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

David Hood, news editor for the Daily Titan, print journalism major at California State University, Fullerton

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers hits a double that scored Ian Kinsler #5 in the third inning of their game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on October 2, 2012 in Oakland, California. Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Baseball star Josh Hamilton has reportedly reached a deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to become their new outfielder.

The deal, reported at 5 years, $125 million, comes one day after Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto’s claims of no serious personnel moves were to be made. 

"The Angels had been preaching all winter about pitching even as late as the winter meetings last week, the General manager Jerry Dipoto said his focus was 100% on pitching," said L.A. Times sports writer Mike DiGiovanna. "They were trying to re-sign Zack Greinke, who as you probably know just singed with the Dodgers the other day…sometimes this happens in the game, the owners allocated a certain amount of money toward a guy and all of a sudden mentally they feel like they've freed up money to go to somebody else."

Yahoo Sports writer Jeff Passan puts it in a slightly different way:

"[Arte] Moreno, the Angels' owner, is fiercely protective of his place in the Southern California market. To see the Los Angeles Dodgers dropping $147 million on Zack Greinke like it's nothing and following the next day with a $61 million investment in Ryu Hyun-jin as if it's but a sawbuck to their bottom line not only changed the landscape of the sport, it transformed Moreno"

Hamilton does not come without his liabilities, however. The star left-hander has been open about his drug and alcohol addiction from earlier in his career. Still, he has remained a perpetual all-star since 2008.

"Surely the Angels are fully aware of his background," said DiGiovanna. "There are standard clauses in the major league contract where if he does have some kind of problem with drugs or alcohol that that contract can be voided."

Hamilton was also named the AL MVP in 2010 and one of only 16 players in Major League Baseball history to record four home runs in a single game. Last year, the outfielder recorded 43 home runs and 128 runs batted in for the Texas Rangers. 

Mike DiGiovanna, Baseball Writer, Los Angeles Times

A pedestrian uses a phone by a crosswalk in New York City. Credit: Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo

We all know we’re not supposed to text and drive.  But being on foot may not be any safer.  If you’re immersed in your iPhone, Android, iPod or other mobile device, you may not be looking both ways. 

A new study just came out  that found that over 25 percent of Seattle pedestrians were absorbed and distracted by their devices as they walked that city’s streets, leading to unsafe behavior: not obeying signals, wandering out of crosswalks and ignoring passing traffic.  Listening to music on headphones can be dangerous too. 

Have you found yourself narrowly avoiding an accident because of your device?  Should there be a law against texting and walking?

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice speaks to the media after a U.N. Security Council meeting on Syria on May 30, 2012 in New York City. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice has officially withdrawn her name from consideration for Secretary of State. Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to depart at the end of this term; Rice was one of the most talked about contenders for her position.

Rice has relevant experience with international affairs and is known to have a close relationship with President Obama. Still, her prospects stood on shaky ground after Republicans in Congress began to question her leadership skills in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in Libya. John McCain led a GOP crusade against Rice, saying he would do anything it took to prevent her nomination to the Secretary of State position. Rice acknowledged the opposition to her nomination in her withdrawal letter, saying that she had become “convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly.”

So who is still being considered to fill Clinton’s shoes? Massachusetts Senator and former Presidential candidate John Kerry has long been considered the best choice to succeed Clinton as Secretary of State. The position of Secretary of State requires expertise in international affairs, experience with diplomacy, and an effective working relationship with the Commander-in-Chief. Who should be nominated for President Obama’s next term? What kinds of qualifications should the ideal candidates have? 

Edward-Isaac Dovere, deputy White House editor, Politico

Edward Mihalkanin, Associate Professor of Political Science, Texas State University, author of “American Statesmen: Secretaries of State from John Jay to Colin Powell” (Greenwood, 2004)

Law enforcement canvass the area following a shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of New York City, Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. An official with knowledge of Friday's shooting said 27 people were dead, including 18 children. Credit: Jessica Hill/AP

A previous draft of this segment page idenitified the suspected shooter as 24-year-old Ryan Lanza. Police have now confirmed that the shooter was actually his 20-year-old brother, Adam Lanza. Earlier, a law enforcement official mistakenly transposed the brothers' first names.

CBS News reports that a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School this morning resulted in at least 27 deaths, including 20 children, six staff, and the shooter. The shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza was the son of the school's kindergarten teacher. An official also said Lanza's girlfriend and another friend are missing in New Jersey.

Larry Mantle talked with second-grade teacher Abbey Clements, who was evacuated from the Sandy Hook Elementary School after a shooter opened fire, killing multiple children and adults:

The school principal and school psychologist are among the fatalities. Students said that they heard shots over the loudspeaker during the morning announcements, and some saw a masked gunman in the school. A school employee reported hearing at least 50-60 shots fired.

According to reports from CBS, the shooting began just after 9 a.m. in the principal’s office and was partially broadcast on the school intercom. The shooter then moved on to classrooms, specifically targeting the kindergarten classroom where his mother worked, where he killed her and many of her students. An evacuation was already underway, orchestrated by school employees and police. Parents are now allowed to pick up their children from the evacuation site, a nearby firehouse.

The entire Newtown public school system was placed on lockdown after initial reports of the shooting surfaced, an order which has since been lifted. State and local police are on the scene to assist with the developing situation – the Newtown Bee reports that FBI agents were seen at the school around noon. In an afternoon news conference held at the school, police confirmed that the scene has been secured that both students and school staff are among the victims.  Initial reports already rank the shooting as the second deadliest on record in the U.S.

Heather Smith, Newtown resident who has a children in other Newtown schools

Beau Berman, Reporter, FoxCT, Hartford CT

Dr. Bill Pfohl, Professor of Psychology at Western Kentucky University
Member of the National Association of School Psychologists

Steve Layne, Layne Consultants - private security firm that has worked with multiple school districts

Lori Golias, a photojournalist for News 12 Connecticut Norwalk 

Victor Carrion MD, Director, Stanford Early Life Stress Research Program  

Craig LeMoult,  reporter, WSHU, Fairfield, Connecticut

Rebecca Coffey, author of the eBook “Murders Most Foul: And the School Shooters in Our Midst” (March, 2012)

Abbey Clements, second grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School; one of those who evacuated the school this morning

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice leaves following a General Assembly vote granting Palestinians non-member observer status on November 29, 2012 in New York City. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Last week, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice officially withdrew her name from consideration for Secretary of State. Once her name began to be floated, Republicans in Congress threw up strong opposition, questioning her leadership skills in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in Libya.  In her withdrawal letter to the President, Rice said she had become “convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly,” and an unwelcome national distraction.

Massachusetts Senator and former Presidential candidate John Kerry has long been considered a frontrunner to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, and would likely meet with GOP approval. He’d have big shoes to fill - the list of illustrious past holders of the title goes back to John Jay, and includes Henry Kissinger, William Jennings Bryan, Madeleine Albright and Thomas Jefferson.

The position of Secretary of State requires expertise in international affairs, experience with diplomacy and an effective working relationship with the Commander-in-Chief; many agree that Clinton has done an admirable job during challenging times.

Who should be nominated to the post for President Obama’s next term? How will he or she shape foreign policy going forward?  How will the U.S. navigate this period of Middle Eastern conflict, European economic woes and threats from North Korea? What qualities make a great Secretary of State?

"Beasts of the Southern Wild," directed by Benh Zeitlin.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild,” the first feature film from writer/director/composer Benh Zeitlin, was one of this year’s indie darlings. The film garnered praise from reviewers and audiences alike, inspiring speculation early on about its award-season prospects.

Quvenzhané Wallis stars as Hushpuppy, a young girl caught up in the turmoil of the big storm that hits her bayou community. As she and her friends struggle to hold onto their home even as the floodwaters rise, Hushpuppy goes on a search for her lost mother and copes with her father’s failing health. Despite being touted as a thrilling directorial debut featuring award-worthy performances from Wallace and the rest of the cast, “Beasts” hasn’t won any major nominations so far. It was ineligible for the Screen Actors Guild Awards because it was produced without an actor’s union contract; the nominations for the Golden Globes completely passed over the movie.

What’s ahead for “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and director Benh Zeitlin as Oscar nominations approach? Does the film deserve any Academy Awards? Zeitlin joins Larry to discuss his work.  

Benh Zeitlin, Director, co-writer and co-composer of “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

LAUSD to have increased police security following the massacre at a Newtown, CT elementary school. Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

In light of the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck is making security at LAUSD schools his top priority. Beck, while addressing the media on Sunday after an LAPD cadet graduation at USC’s Galen Center, announced an initiative that see10,000 LA police officers visit every kindergarten, elementary and middle school in the LAUSD at least once a day.

The concept is to make students and parents alike feel safe at their schools and also for officers, school administrators, and parents to develop strong relationships. The plan would be set in place by the end of winter break – coordination and training for the LAPD will take place over the next 22 days in order to be ready by January 7th. Chief Beck also stated that private schools would be extended this service if they so desire.

What do you think of this added security at elementary and middle schools? Will these changes make a difference?

Rina Palta, KPCC reporter

Dr. John Deasy, Superintendent of LAUSD

People walk to enter Honan Funeral Home before the funeral for 6-year-old Jack Pinto on December 17, 2012 in Newtown Connecticut. Pinto was one of the 20 students killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The mourning process has begun in Newtown, Connecticut following the mass murder of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday. After a weekend of vigils and community gathering, as well as a visit last night from President Obama, today the families of two of the young victims are holding funerals. Law enforcement officials say that a full investigation may take months, but already, a national conversation about motivation and prevention has begun.

At the forefront of everyone’s mind are issues of gun control and mental health. As the world awaits an explanation of this horrific crime, public diagnoses and speculation run wild. Sources who knew Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old gunman, say that he had a developmental disorder.

In responses to the killing spree, news outlets have speculated about what mental illness or illnesses might be attributed to mass murderers. One notable blog post, “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother,” attracted a lot of attention this weekend – its author discussed the difficulty of raising a violent child and not knowing what motivated their actions.

In response to the slew of conjecture about mental illness and violence, many mental health professionals and several parents of autistic children have spoken up publicly about the issue of autism and empathy, saying that autism and Asperger’s do not directly link to violence.

What is the best way to approach the topic of mental health in the wake of such a serious crime? What role, if any, could transformations in the mental healthcare system have in preventing incidents like the Newtown massacre? Is the relationship between mental health and extreme violence as crucial as gun safety? Which issue should politicians approach more aggressively?

Craig LeMoult, Senior Reporter for WSHU in Fairfield, Connecticut, currently on the ground in Newtown

Tracy Fass, Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, Program Director and Associate Professor at the California School of Forensic Studies, researches the area of risk assessment and juvenile offenders, recently focused on the treatment of juveniles with pervasive developmental disorders in corrections system