Today on AirTalk, we discuss Kamala Harris's proposed school bill that aims to extend school day hours. We also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street; look at how brand loyalty turns into a cult following; and more.
Should The School Day Be Longer? Kamala Harris Thinks So
A new bill proposed by Senator Kamala Harris is looking to extend the school day in an effort to accommodate working parents.
The idea is to offer schools a five year grant of up to $5 million to extend the school day. The money would be used for recreational activities and enrichment programs. Harris has said that this is a necessary measure to close the gap between the adult work day and children’s school days. This would give lower income kids access to the same type of enrichment activities that wealthier parents pay for out-of-pocket.
Critics have pushed back, saying that more institutional, organized activities for kids are not the solution. We discuss the proposal.
What do you think? Call us and weigh in at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Kara Voght, reporter covering national politics with Mother Jones; she tweets
Where Do You Draw The Line When It Comes To Monitoring Your Kid’s Sex Life?
Rapper T.I. has come under fire for saying that he checks with his daughter’s doctor every year to assure she’s still a virgin.
According to Buzzfeed News, when asked if he’s had the sex talk with his daughters, the rapper said, "Not only have we had the conversation — we have yearly trips to the gynecologist to check her hymen.” He shared his sentiments during an interview on the Ladies Like Us podcast. People quickly reacted the statements.
Today on AirTalk, we want to know how you draw boundaries when it comes to your child’s sex life, or maybe you don’t. Either way, we want to hear from you. Were you impacted by how your parents treated you when it came to sex? Do you encourage your children to wait when it comes to sex? Do you ask to be included when it comes to their medical information and results? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Jennifer Grossman, senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College in Massachusetts; her research interests include adolescent development, with a focus on sexual health and risk-taking
Why People Are Staying In Their Homes Longer And Its Impact On The Housing Market
Homeowners nationwide on average are staying in their homes longer than they were a decade ago. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, this can explain why home sales have been stalling.
An analysis from real estate brokerage Redfin found that people are staying in their residences five years longer compared to 2010, and for some places it’s even longer. The average homeowner in Dallas is living in their home 13 years longer compared to 2010 and eight years longer in Indianapolis. So, what gives? The reasons behind the increasingly stagnant home-owning population are plentiful, including an aging demographic that’s healthier than ever before. Have you stayed in your home for longer than expected? How come?
Today on AirTalk, we take a look at why people are staying put for a longer period of time and what that means for the housing market. Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Laura Kusisto, reporter covering housing and the economy for the Wall Street Journal; she tweets
Dowell Myers, demography professor and director of the Population Dynamics Research Group at USC; he tweets
Kids Took To The Street 50 Years Ago.. ‘Sesame Street,’ That Is
The first episode of the beloved television show “Sesame Street” aired 50 years ago this Sunday.
The show projected iconic characters like Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie Monster into kids’ living rooms and the media landscape was forever changed. It’s known for its educational, diverse and inclusive programming. It’s brought tough topics to the forefront, including the introductions of characters that experience homelessness and issues surrounding addiction. “Sesame Street” found its home with PBS, but new episodes began appearing first on HBO about five years ago. And according to the New York Times, episodes will start running on HBO Max, which debuts next year. Episodes will still become available on PBS with about a nine-month delay.
Today on AirTalk, we dive into the significance of one of the most famous streets in the country and discuss how the series altered TV for kids. Do you have memories of how “Sesame Street” impacted you or your children? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Robert Thompson, trustee professor and director of the Bleier Center for Television & Popular Culture at Syracuse University
Brand Loyalty Or Fealty? How A Company Gains A Cult Following
Some companies have built a brand for themselves that has achieved a level beyond brand loyalty.
Companies like Adidas, Apple, and SoulCycle command a huge following. Whether they release a new product, or take a few missteps, there are people who are brand loyalists through and through. Some might say they're cult brands. It’s not uncommon to see fans sporting tattoos of their logos or join community groups dedicated to these brands. They don’t just sell you a product; they sell you an identity, and a lifestyle. You see someone else with a SoulCycle bag or wearing a Harley Davidson shirt, you know, that’s my tribe.
Do you have a brand that you are borderline religiously devoted to? Is someone you know a brand loyalist? Call in and let us know at 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Americus Reed II, professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business; his research focuses on the role of identity in consumer decision making
Proposal To Have Ford Theatres Operated By The LA Phil
Supervisors Kuehl and Barger are proposing to shift operations of the John Anson Ford Theatres to the L.A. Philharmonic Association, with a starting date of December 1 — meaning the L.A. Phil would be programming the 2020 season.
Supervisor Kuehl has argued that this will give the Ford Theatres access to more resources and future growth. But some have concerns that this will make the programming at the theater less edgy.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors will vote on the motion next Tuesday, November 12.
Guest:
Sheila Kuehl, Los Angeles County Supervisor representing District 3, which stretches from the ocean to Los Feliz, and from Venice up to San Fernando; Supervisors Kuehl authored the motion that would have the L.A. Phil operate John Anson Ford Theatres