Could a public health official’s personal views on science and sexuality influence job performance? Then, the latest on tensions in Eastern Europe. Next, we discuss the LAO's analysis of California's film tax credit. Later, FilmWeek and a look at the glut of superhero films at the box office.
Pasadena Public Health Director Walsh placed on leave: Could a public health official’s personal views on science and sexuality influence job performance?
Dr. Eric Walsh has given numerous impassioned sermons over the years, many posted online.
He has spoken about respect for parents and the dangers of gambling, among other Conservative Christian points of view. And as the Public Health Director for the City of Pasadena since 2010, his personal religious beliefs were never called into question.
But those sermons grabbed the attention of city officials as of late when Dr. Walsh decided not to give the commencement address at Pasadena City College. Video of Walsh in the pulpit calling homosexuality sinful, calling evolution a Satanic belief, and describing the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, as a Satanist, prompted Pasadena City Officials to place Walsh on administrative leave.
Some observers believe that Walsh’s views on such subjects have not interfered with his performance on the job and, therefore, he should be allowed to continue to serve his post.
But many are outraged at the fervent, some say dangerous, personal statements he has made.
Could a city health leader’s personal opinions on evolution and sexuality negatively impact their job performance? Should Dr. Walsh’s First Amendment rights protect him in his professional position, despite controversial personal comments?
Guests:
Frank Girardot, senior editor of the San Gabriel Valley News Group.
Terry Tornek, Pasadena Councilman for District 7
Eastern Europe tensions intensify after clashes in Ukraine
Ukraine’s interim government in Kiev has begun what it calls the “active phase” of military movement intended to force out separatist militants in Slovyansk.
The assault comes only days after the interim government said its forces were “helpless” to control events in the eastern part of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Ukrainian military actions against pro-Russian separatists invalidate agreements between the nations made in Geneva.
Both the the pro-Russia militants and the government in Kiev have claimed that two military helicopters were downed, and Vyachislav Ponomaryov, the self-appointed mayor of rebel-held Slovyansk, says that 4-5 members of the antigovernment troops have been killed.
Russia has threatened intervention in the region as tensions escalate, but has thus far shown no signs of crossing the border. What next for Eastern Europe? How will the U.S. and the G7 continue to act as the situation progresses?
Guest:
Will Pomeranz, Deputy Director of the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center
Calif. LAO Report: Film tax credit does not 'pay for itself'
California's Legislative Analyst Office has examined the financial upsides and downsides of film tax credits - and Hollywood will not like the findings.
The report states: "If the Legislature wishes to continue or expand the film tax credit, we suggest that it do so cautiously. We highlight several factors to consider. Specifically (1) responding to other jurisdictions’ subsidies could be very expensive and (2) for state government, the film tax credit does not 'pay for itself.'"
The legislature has been pushing to expand film tax credits - as industry complains about business flying to other states willing to subsidize film shoots. What exactly did the LAO find? How will it influence legislators?
Guests:
Brian Weatherford, Senior Fiscal & Policy Analyst, Legislative Analyst's Office; He wrote, "Film and Television Production: Overview of Motion Picture Industry and State Tax Credits,” released this week; http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2014/finance/tax-credit/film-tv-credit-043014.pdf
Mike Gatto, Assemblyman, Forty-Third District representing the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood and others
Filmweek: The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Belle, For No Good Reason and more
Larry, KPCC film critic Alynda Wheat and LA Weekly film critic Amy Nicholson review this week’s releases, including The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Belle, For No Good Reason and more. TGI-FilmWeek!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Belle
For No Good Reason
Guests:
Alynda Wheat, film critic for KPCC and People
Amy Nicholson, film critic for LA Weekly
‘Superman’, ‘Batman’, ‘Superman vs. Batman’...Have you had enough of superhero films yet?
Movie blockbusters have almost become synonymous with superhero movies. “Iron Man 3” was the highest grossing film of 2013, and “Man of Steel,” the Superman reboot, came in at number 4 spot last year.
In 2014, a slew of superhero movies are slated to hit the big screen, including “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, and “X-Men: Days of Future Past”.
In 2015, audiences will be presented with “The Avengers 2,” “The Fantastic Four,” and“Ant Man.”
Projects that are in the works include “Batman vs. Superman,” and Marvel announced in February that it’s planning to give Black Widow, the character played by Scarlett Johansson first introduced in “Iron Man 2,” her own spinoff. Rumors have been swirling that Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique might also get her own star vehicle.
Do you welcome this ever-expanding list of superhero movies, or are you a bit confused by the endless offerings? How do you choose which ones to go see? What are the challenges facing studios and filmmakers in ensuring that these storylines and characters stay fresh?
Guests:
Alynda Wheat, film critic for KPCC and People
Amy Nicholson, film critic for LA Weekly
Paul Dergarabedian, veteran box office analyst and tracker and Senior Media Analyst at Rentrak, a media measurement and research company