Proposed GOP Budget Cuts; Foreclosures Rise In California; The Question of Celibacy?; Mirror Neurons And Culture
Proposed GOP Budget Cuts
California's budget is nearly a month past due. Senate Republicans presented their proposal to the full Senate this morning. The lawmakers have now adjourned for the day. They intend to read through the proposal in the hopes of voting on it Thursday morning. All the specifics of the Republican proposal have not been made public, though it includes nearly $1 billion in reductions from the Assembly version. Larry talks with KPCC's State Capital Reporter, Julie Small, and lawmakers, about the GOP's proposed budget.
Foreclosures Rise In California
Larry Mantle talks with experts about the growing rate of foreclosures in California due to the downturn in the real estate market, and stricter lending standards.
The Question of Celibacy?
Last week's settlement of the Los Angeles Archdiocese's priest abuse cases brings new attention to the question of celibacy in the Catholic Church. Many argue that, at best, celibacy keeps good people away and, at worse, it may attract pedophiles to the priesthood. Others take the traditional view that celibacy is a mark of dedication to one's Faith. Larry talks with theological scholars and other experts about this contentious issue.
Mirror Neurons And Culture
Mirror neurons are brain cells that allow us to empathize with others. They are key to human interaction and social skills. UCLA neuroscientists, using brain scanning technology, have discovered that mirror neurons react more strongly when test subjects interact with members of their own culture. Larry talks with UCLA brain researcher Marco Iacoboni, about the discovery, and with Scientific American columnist Michael Shermer about its implications.