The Trump administration asks; what can we give you to have more babies?
What started as a phenomenon in just a handful of countries has turned into a global issue: people just aren’t having as many babies as they used to. While having a child is a personal decision for couples, it’s a decision that can have macro-level consequences. On average, each woman needs to have 2.1 children in order for a country’s population to remain stable, a number known as the replacement rate. A stable and growing population is crucial for government tax revenue, social safety nets, and a health economy — all issues that tend not to be top of mind for couples deciding how many children to have. For countries that fall below the replacement rate, they can supplement their population with immigration — a solution the Trump administration isn’t keen on. Instead, the administration has been mulling a number of other options, such as paying women to have kids, or offering cycle tracking classes. But would these solutions turn our baby slump into baby bumps? Joining us to talk about these potential solutions is Vox reporter Rachel Cohen.
Can you spend your way out of being lonely?
Many articles have been written on the loneliness epidemic America is facing. But recent research suggests that this supposed epidemic may be a bit overblown. While it’s true that more young people are experiencing loneliness, overall the data is too muddled to make much fuss over. Still, this hasn’t stopped a number of companies from trying to capitalize on the moment by offering an easy fix: give us money, and we’ll give you friends. Sounds easy enough, but is the solution to loneliness really just meeting more people? In her recent article, Atlantic staff writer Faith Hill examined this theory, and came away with the conclusion that instead of focusing on meeting more people, we should be investing time into the friendships we already have. Today on AirTalk, Austin Cross is joined by Faith to talk about our supposed loneliness epidemic, how to navigate friendship, and whether money spent equates to friends made. We also want to hear from you! How have you made lasting friendships in your life? Have you gone to a social event with the explicit goal of making friends? Let us know by emailing us at atcomments@laist.org, or call in to Austin at 866-893-5722.
Turkish ice cream is a trick and a treat
Summer is just around the corner! Maybe the weather hasn't gotten the memo yet, but sunny days are coming. And what is better on a hot summer day than a cone of sweet ice cream? But ice cream can be so predictable. Unless it's from Galata Turkish Ice Cream and Desserts down in Long Beach. At Galata, they serve dondurma, otherwise known as Turkish ice cream. It's made with sahlap powder that comes from orchid root, which gives the cold treat a chewy texture. Turkish ice cream is also known for the tricks and twists that servers perform with it. It is just as much an experience for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Joining us on AirTalk to share some delicious Turkish treats are Mike and Wendy Schochet, co-owners of Galata Turkish Ice Cream and Desserts in Long Beach.
Check out Galata's own ice cream server Erkan giving Charles Barkley a show on CBS Sports during this year's March Madness.
FilmWeek: ‘The Accountant 2,’ ‘Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie,’ ‘On Swift Horses,’ And More
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.
- The Accountant 2 Wide Release
- Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie In Select Theaters
- Drop In Select Theaters | VOD April 29
- The Trouble with Jessica Laemmle Royal [West LA]| AMC DINE-IN Ontario Mills 30
- Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII In Select Theaters | Available on IMAX screens Sunday, April 27
- Killer of Sheep (1978) Laemmle NoHo 7
- April In Select Theaters
- Blue Sun Palace Laemmle Glendale | Laemmle Monica Film Center
- On Swift Horses In Select Theaters
Latest on Oscars voting & checking in on the physical media business
Oscar voters will no longer be able to skip watching some of the nominated films. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Monday announced that members will from now on be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round of Oscar voting. Up until now, Oscar voters had only been encouraged to watch the nominees and vote in categories they felt qualified in. But in recent years, what films get watched by academy members has been increasingly seen as a significant factor in what wins. At the same time, the publication of anonymous Oscar ballots has often featured members confessing that they didn’t get around to watching some notable films or not finishing lengthier nominees.
In other news — many appearances by the faces of the entertainment industry, from filmmakers of all different backgrounds, the Criterion Closet will get an extended appearance in Los Angeles, as a mobile version of the closet will be available for cinephiles to visit. With more than 1200 films in its official collection of Blu-rays, the Criterion Collection has been one of the leading physical media distributors. So with the closet arriving in Los Angeles, we thought it’d be worth checking in on the physical media industry with Dominic Patten, senior editor & tv critic at Deadline. We’ll also hear from Peter Rainer, who add their insights and discuss their favorite physical media.
With files from the Associated Press
