Here's one more reason why the nation's (almost) biggest metropolitan area has the nation's No. 4 newspaper -- a newspaper losing circulation so rapidly that experts predict it will completely disappear by 2008:

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In the sanctuary of his Capitol office with an audio recorder rolling, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger describes Republican legislators as the "wild bunch" and, referring to a Latina lawmaker, casually says that "black blood" mixed with "Latino blood" equals "hot" -- a fiery personality. The governor is heard on a six-minute recording, obtained by The Times, of a meeting with some members of his inner circle last spring.

More "scandal," after the jump.

Yep, that's the "top story" in today's Los Angeles Times. You can hear the banal recording here -- but only with Internet Explorer, natch -- and experience first-hand the kind of total nonsense that gets LAT editors so excited.

The hot Latina gal herself says, "Very often I tell him, 'Look, I am a hot-blooded Latina.' I label myself a hot-blooded Latina that is very passionate about the issues, and this is kind of an inside joke that I have with the governor."

Predictably, Arnold has issued an apology. Thanks, LA Times!

Gov.'s Candid Moments Caught on Audiotape [Los Angeles Times]

Governor Apologizes for Remarks About Latina Lawmaker [Los Angeles Times]