Economists at the University of Pacific predict a dramatic growth in employment numbers for California in the next year. Where would the jobs come from? Then, in a recent interview Pope Francis said the Church needs to change its direction. What do you think of the Pope's more liberal viewpoints? Next, France wants to ban child beauty pageants. Should the U.S. do the same? Then, TGIF it's Filmweek with our critics reviewing the latest releases including Enough Said, and Prisoners. Lastly, we'll interview actor Daniel Bruhl about his role in the upcoming film Rush.
Rosy employment numbers predicted for California
California has an average jobless rate of 8.9 percent this year. Its gross domestic product is 2.7 percent. But if economists at the University of Pacific are right, the Golden State is about to experience a bit of dramatic growth.
Economist Jeff Michael at the UOP's Business Forecasting Center says in a quarterly report that California's economy will grow by 3.3 percent next year and will hit 3.9 percent in 2015. Unemployment, meanwhile, will dip to 8.2 percent next year and will drop to 6.3 percent in 2016. UCLA’s Anderson Forecast sees slower growth, but similar employment figures.
But just how real are these numbers? Where would the jobs come from? Which industry would lead growth?
Guests:
Jeff Michael, Economist at the University of the Pacific
Jerry Nickelsburg, Senior Economist, University of California Los Angeles Anderson Forecast
In 12,000-word interview, Pope Francis says the Church needs to change direction
It's clear right from the start that Pope Francis' views on social issues are markedly different from his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. In an lengthy interview in La Civiltà Cattolica, a Jesuit magazine, the pontiff has laid out his vision and priorities for the Catholic Church. One thing he wishes to see is for the Vatican to devote less attention on abortion and gay issues. "The teaching of the Church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the Church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time," he told the magazine. Pope Francis has made headlines before for what could be described as his unorthodox views on controversial issues.
In May, he defended atheism and suggested that the gates of heaven are open to atheists who perform good deeds. In July, he told reporters that it was not up to him to judge priests for being gay as long as they are searching for god. "This Church with which we should be thinking is the home of all, not a small chapel that can hold only a small group of selected people. We must not reduce the bosom of the universal Church to a nest protecting our mediocrity,'' he told La Civiltà Cattolica. Pope Francis’ statements have divided everywhere.
Do his views signal a change in theological policy for the Vatican? What do you think of the Pope’s more liberal stance?
Guests:
Rocco Palmo, commentator on the Catholic Church and author of the revered blog “Whispers In The Loggia” (pron: LO-juh)
Father Thomas Reese, senior analyst at the National Catholic Reporter, and author of “Inside the Vatican: The politics and organization of the Catholic Church”
No tiaras for toddlers as France moves to ban beauty pageants (poll)
There will be no French equivalent of Honey Boo Boo as the country's upper house of parliament voted to ban beauty pageants for children younger than 16. The government is making the move to crack down on what it says is the over-sexualization of children.
The pageants are popular across France but don't reach the level of intensity as the US where padded bras, high heels and thongs have showed up in the costumes of very young girls.
Concern over the pageants was fanned by a photo display in Paris Vogue that featured under-age girls in sexy clothes and postures, with high heels and heavy makeup. If it passes, anyone who "helps, encourages or tolerates" a children's beauty pageant will face up to two years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
Opponents of the bill argue that the penalty is too steep but the conservative representative who sponsored the ban says it's necessary to protect children from being pushed into a sexual role too early.
KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.
Should beauty pageants for young girls be banned or limited? Some pageants in France have already banned the use of swimwear for young girls. Is that enough to protect them from possible harm? Are pageants helpful or harmful for young girls? Kids are subjected to sexual images in the media and advertising on a regular basis so should pageants take the blame for over-sexualization?
Guests:
Dr. Martina Cartwright, nutritional scientist, professor at University of Arizona. Author of “Princess by Proxy: What Child Beauty Pageants Teach Girls About Self-Worth and What We Can Do About It”, published November 2012 in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Carl Dunn, CEO of Pageantry magazine
Filmweek: Rush, Prisoners, Enough Said and more
Larry is joined by KPCC critics Claudia Puig and Wade Major to review this week’s releases including Enough Said, Prisoners, Rush and more! TGI-FilmWeek!
Rush
Prisoners
Enough Said
Guests:
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today
Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and producer and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com
Actor Daniel Bruhl on new film 'Rush'
The film “Rush” portrays the mid-70’s rivalry between Formula 1 racecar drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during racing's heyday. Daniel Bruhl plays the Austrian Lauda, a much more disciplined, technical competitor than his British playboy rival Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth.
Bruhl’s most recent and perhaps most well-known role came in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds,” in which he plays the German war hero Fredrick Zoller. He also had a smaller role in “The Bourne Ultimatum” and starred in the 2003 film “Goodbye Lenin!”
This time around, Bruhl worked under award-winning director Ron Howard to tell the story of one of the greatest rivalries in the history of Formula 1 racing.
Guest:
Daniel Bruhl, actor starring in “Rush,” opening in select theaters September 20, opens everywhere September 27