An economic news roundup, and Larry previews the LA Auto show with Dan Neil. Then, it's FilmWeek on AirTalk. KPCC critics review the week's releases, and a talk with legendary actress Leslie Caron.
Recovery roundup--what do all these numbers mean?
Unemployment is up. No, it’s down. The stimulus is helping the economy recover and has created between 640,000-1.5 million jobs. But we need more funds for job creation. Not so fast, the stimulus isn’t working at all, except to drive up the deficit. What’s going on here? Larry and economists on both sides try to make sense of the changing numbers. What can and should the government do now to help the economy recover?
Guests:
Christian Weller, Senior Fellow at American Progress and an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Chris Thornberg, Principal, Beacon Economics
VROOM!...LA's auto show returns
It's that time of year again...the world's automakers are converging on LA's convention center to show off their latest technology and innovations. The growl of engines is giving way to the whir of electric motors, as the world's car-makers focus on hybrids and electrics. But unlike auto shows of the past, the cars are on their way to dealerships, rather than fanciful concept cars not intended for the streets. There's already been an upset, however, with the abrupt resignation of GM's Chief Fritz Henderson. Larry got a preview of the show, which opens to the public today. He hosts a special AirTalk on-the-road broadcast with Dan Neil, Automotive Columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and the movers and shakers on the show floor.
The LA Auto Show is open to the public from Dec 4-13.
Guests:
In studio: Dan Neil, automotive columnist for the Los Angeles Times
At the LA Convention Center:
Britta Gross, director of electric vehicle infrastructure for General Motors
Dave Pericak, chief engineer for Ford Mustang
Sam DeLaGarza, brand manager for Ford Fiesta
Peter Miles, executive vice president of operations for BMW North America
Jim McDowell, vice president, BMW and North American head of MiniCars
FilmWeek
Larry Mantle talks with KPCC film critics Wade Major of boxoffice.com, Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor and Charles Solomon of amazon.com about the week’s new film releases including Up In The Air, Brothers, Everybody’s Fine, The Last Station, Serious Moonlight, The Strip, Fifty Dead Men Walking, and The Secret of Kells.
Guests:
Wade Major, Boxoffice.com film critic
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor film critic
Charles Solomon, animation historian and critic for Amazon.com
Thank heaven for Leslie Caron
Leslie Caron went from dancing as a ballerina in Paris to instant stardom with her debut in the musical "An American in Paris." In her memoir "Thank Heaven," Caron recounts living through Hollywood's Golden Era, from her iconic role in "Gigi", to her romance with Warren Beatty, to her struggles to overcome depression and alcoholism later in life. Today, Caron runs a bed-and-breakfast outside of Paris but continues to act. In 2007, she received an Emmy for a role on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." And on December 8, she will receive a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."
Guest:
Leslie Caron, actress and author of 'Thank Heaven: a Memoir" (Viking). She won an Emmy award in 2007 for her role on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" and was nominated for two Academy Awards, for "Lili" and "The L-Shaped Room."
Appearances:
Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena.
Saturday, December 5 at 7 p.m. Borders in Westwood.