Is the film industry (still) hostile toward women? Who will be California's next Insurance Commissioner? Is sex work on the rise during the recession? Later, actor Martin Landau is still lovely.
The end of the casting couch?
Actor Casey Affleck’s recent documentary, I’m Still Here, featured the tumultuous past year of Joaquin Phoenix – who happens to be his brother in law. A pair of female production employees sued Affleck, alleging that he made unwelcome and inappropriate sexual insinuations and advances towards them during filming. The lawsuit has been settled out of court and Affleck has denied all allegations, with his lawyers branding the allegations as a case of extortion. Whether or not Affleck is guilty, Hollywood has a history of bad male behavior. Do this and other recent sexual harassment lawsuits mean an end to the exploitation of women in the film industry? Have you been a victim of harassment?
Who will be California’s next Insurance Commissioner?
You wouldn’t think an elected position with the title “Insurance Commissioner” could attract so much passion—but the California Chamber of Commerce is taking fire from Democratic candidate Dave Jones over its $2 million advertising blitz in favor of his Republican opponent, State Assemblyman Mike Villines. Some of those advertising dollars come, albeit indirectly, from big insurance companies. Perhaps the heated race shouldn’t be that much of a surprise: with federal healthcare reform coming on line in the next few years, the next Commissioner is bound to have his hands full managing the changes locally. What will insurance reforms mean for California? And what do the two candidates promise to bring to the office?
Guest:
Mike Villines, State Assemblyman (R-29) and Republican candidate for State Insurance Commissioner
Now hiring sex workers?
While there’s not much reliable data that tracks the sex work and prostitution labor market, the world’s oldest profession can be a tempting—and lucrative—option when the economy tanks and unemployment in California hangs at 12.5%. Have you turned to exotic dancing, prostitution, or other sex services in the absence of other jobs? Anonymous comments are welcome here.
Guest:
Shira Tarrant, Associate Professor in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at California State University, Long Beach
Martin Landau is still lovely
He starred as the romantic male lead in Lovely, Still, opening this week, and don’t think he’s lost his chops. Martin Landau has over six films in production. The Academy Award winner for Best Actor in 1994, portraying Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood, was also nominated for his roles in Crimes and Misdemeanors and Tucker: The Man and His Dream. He tells Larry Mantle how he’s stayed lovely into his 80s.
Guest:
Martin Landau, actor, star of Lovely, Still, three-time Oscar nominee and winner of Best Actor award for his role in Ed Wood