Twenty-one billion dollars! Yes, twenty-one billion dollars - that's the projected budget deficit through fiscal 2010-2011, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. After months of patching together a budget that fnally passed the legislature and was signed by the governor, the state faces another round of across-the-board cuts and possibly a repeat of budgetary gridlock in Sacramento.
Goldman Sachs, the mega-successful investment firm that everyone loves to hate but everyone loves to profit off of, did something yesterday that few other financial firms have done since last year’s economic melt down: they apologized. Goldman’s CEO apologized, saying that the firm “participated in things that were clearly wrong and we have reason to regret” them—and they then announced a $500 million charitable grant to small businesses and education programs, helping them to pull out of the recession. Are there ulterior motives to Goldman’s apology, and are they really to blame for our economic woes?
Sir Richard Branson changed the face of marketing and of aviation with his 'Virgin' empire by following two basic principles: sell cheaper tickets than your rivals on already well-traveled routes and make flying fun (offer WiFi and videogames). In just two years, Virgin America has muscled its way into major airports and floated in a dire air traveling climate, but competitor airlines are beginning to take note; the U.S. Department of Transportation is looking into competitors’ accusations that Virgin America violates citizenship laws with Brit Branson’s investment in the company. Patt talks with Branson about the future of flight, including Virgin Galactic, which promises to make space travel affordable to tourists.
In 2010 the Census Bureau could have millions fewer names to call if certain politicians and advocates get their way. The current question causing just a smidgen of controversy is - should non-citizens be counted in the 2010 census? Some church-based groups are proposing a boycott by Latinos of the entire census, which would leave out 36% of California’s population, and might cause California to lose five of its 53 House seats. Can we find a consensus on the census?
When American women look back on nearly 50 years, drastic transitions are evident everywhere -- in politics, economics, sex, families, work, and fashion. Former New York Times editorial page editor Gail Collins, the first woman to hold that position, has written the definitive book on five decades of progress, including a mix of conversations with the likes of Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Billie Jean King, and nearly 100 others. "When Everything Changed" takes us from here to there.
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
