Our These Days production assistant is a life-long vegetarian. Some people may not think that's very interesting, but having been born and raised in the Midwest, where a meal without meat was not considered a meal, I was fascinated that she has never had meat of any kind. No burger or bacon ever crossed her lips. No seafood or fowl ever entered her digestive tract. For her, this was a normal way of life - a vegetarian way of life.

Our guest was the engaging, energetic Dr.

So from then on he dipped his toes into a river of deeper roles, or at least less cute ones with movies like

To this:

The Western Climate Initiative released its final draft recommendations in San Diego today for reducing global warming pollution. The group favors a regional carbon trading system called "cap-and-trade." Environmental groups are divided. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The California Ocean Protection Council today released its plan to reduce and eliminate ocean litter. The plan calls for a statewide ban on plastic bags and takeout containers. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Business leaders and Chambers of Commerce on both sides of the border from the Pacific Ocean to Arizona have joined forces. The new Bi-national Chamber of Border Commerce plans to lobby for for faster border crossings and more efficient inspections. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The comic book convention that comes to San Diego every year was a hit once again, drawing an estimated crowd of 125 thousand people. But the show's organizers say Comic-Con has gotten so big that its convention center digs are staining at the seams. Will it take another convention center expansion for Comic-Con to stay in San Diego once its lease expires in 2012? We'll get some answers from people who represent the San Diego Convention Center and Comic-Con itself.

Water is necessary for the human body to survive. And for decades, healthcare providers, nutritionists and trainers have recommended that people drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. But a comprehensive study of scientific research on water intake found no evidence for the recommendation. As part of our special series "The Food We Eat," we'll explore how much water the body needs to be healthy.

When the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, what will happen? Many people would probably say "nothing special". Others might fear the day because they believe it will mark a global transformation into an end of days scenario. While another group of people believe that 2012 will mark the dawn of a new age of global consciousness. Host Tom Fudge speaks to author Marie Jones about her new book 2013: The End of Days or a New Beginning?, which explores the theories about 2012.

The Southern California Intertribal Court, the first of its kind in Southern California, will soon have a new permanent home on the Rincon reservation. The Law Center marks a tribal shift towards a more Western-style of law as a way to combat civil and criminal violations on reservations. We'll explore the problems on reservations and how the Intertribal Court hopes to solve them.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has threatened to cut the hourly pay of about 200,000 state workers until a new budget is approved. Instead of their normal salaries, these workers would receive the federal minimum wage of $6.55 per hour. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

San Diego County politicians are asking state lawmakers to keep their hands off local tax dollars.

The UC San Diego continues its effort toward generating its own energy using green sources such as solar and wind. A major solar project on a campus parking structure is one of many planned in coming months. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Factory-style farming and U.S. agricultural policy has democratized meat and made it available on a daily basis to all people, rich and poor. But eating too much & animal protein can contribute to & obesity, and it can cause high cholesterol and heart disease. In fact some studies show consumption of meat, in large quantities, & boosts the incidence of colon cancer. & The problem with trying to do without, especially if you adopt a strictly vegan diet (no milk or cheese & either), is it becomes hard to get & certain needed vitamins like & B-12 and & iron.