How To Mend The Social Safety Net

This week, we'll be reporting on the state of the Social Safety Net. One economist we're talking to, Alan Blinder at Princeton, says it's hard to imagine what 9% unemployment will do to the country. That's the number he's projecting. We haven't seen jobless rates like that since the Great Depression. As it is, he says we only currently offer unemployment benefits to roughly a third of people who don't have jobs. Losing your job, in America, also means losing your health insurance. And joblessness along with mounting medical bills can lead to homelessness.

How should we mend the Social Safety Net? What more can and should the government do? What role should private charities play? We want your ideas -- your solutions -- to help during a long-term economic downturn.

11:20 AM ET | 11-24-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

What Car Show Goers REALLY Want to See

--Steve Proffitt

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

NPR Photo

 

Nissan's The Cube

NPR Photo

The LA Auto Show opens today. Yesterday, Madeleine and I took in a preview. We aired a story about it on today's show.

We sat in a gianormous Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and in a cute little Nissan Cube.

We saw a lot of other cars, of course. There were all-electric vehicles, clean diesels, cars that run on ethanol and natural gas and even some cool electric bicycles. Some cars looked like the future. Others were very much of the past.

But down in the basement, where the "after-market" people show off their wares, we got a look at a completely ridiculous but oh-what-fun show car that was part of the display of stuff being shown by Galpin Auto Sports.

They are, among other things, the folks that do the cars for MTV's Pimp My Ride.

 

There was no one around to tell us WHAT this thing was. Here's what we could deduce. It's very blue. It has fur. And it features a vintage portable television below the dash.

NPR Photo

 

It's not environmentally friendly. We don't even know if it actually runs. But really, this is exactly the kind of thing that the kid in all of us actually wants to see when we go to a car show.

Tags: LA Auto Show | cars

12:47 PM ET | 11-21-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Political Thanksgiving

NPR composite photo: Getty Images

 

--Steve Proffitt

Every four years, Americans engage in a time-honored tradition.

They sit around a big dinner table, and get into arguments about the Presidential election.

Because this is the first time in eight years since we've elected a new President, we wanted to hear from you about memories of political Thanksgivings past. Or about what you expect - or dread - might happen around this year's table.

Leave us a comment. If yours is particularly funny, horrific or just compelling, we might ask you to phone us and read it. Then we'll run it on the air, and you'll REALLY be in trouble on Turkey Day!

Tags: Thanksgiving | family | politics

12:28 PM ET | 11-19-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Long May You Run: Saving The Auto Companies

Neil Young is among the folks who have a plan to save the Big Three Automakers

NPR composite photo: Getty Images, AP Images

 

--Steve Proffitt

This week the Senate Banking Committee will hold hearings to discuss various proposals to help America's struggling auto makers. These proposals include huge government-backed loans to the auto firms, perhaps as much as $25 or even $50 billion.

Meanwhile, here's an idea from a strange place. The veteran rocker Neil Young sent out a document last week containing his plan to save the Big Three. It was pretty specific:

"The big three must reduce models to basics. a truck, an SUV, a large family sedan, an economy sedan, and a sports car. Use existing tooling. Keep building these models to keep the workforce employed but build them WITHOUT engines and transmissions. These new vehicles, called Transition Rollers, are ready for a re-power. NO NEW TOOLING is required at this stage."

You can read the full Neil Young proposal in the jump.

So, if the former CSN&Y guitarist has a plan for fixing Detroit, do you too? Maybe instead of giving the car companies $25 or $50 billion, we should use the money to train workers to move into other jobs. Or fund start-ups that are trying to build alternative-fuel vehicles.

We're going to be reporting on this story all week (and surely for the weeks and months to come.) So if you have a good idea for how to rescue America's auto industry, write it up in a comment. We'll pick some of the best, and share them on the air.

Continue reading "Long May You Run: Saving The Auto Companies" »

Tags: Neil Young | automobiles | bail out | economy

12:38 PM ET | 11-17-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Out of Lock-up and Into the Fire

Inmates at the site of a wildfire in Southern California's Orange County

Alex Cohen, NPR

--Alex Cohen

Many firefighters get into the profession because it's something they've dreamed of since childhood... but others get into it through crime. For years, California has trained inmates from correctional facilities to fight fires. Often times, these prisoners go on to use their skills as professional firefighters once they're released.

When I arrived today at the base camp for the Freeway Complex Fire, I spotted several groups of inmate firefighters right away -- they're usually the ones dressed in orange jumpsuits.

I spoke with one of these firefighters, 43-year old Michelle Chicarelli of the Rainbow Conservation Camp.

Continue reading "Out of Lock-up and Into the Fire" »

Tags: california | crime | drugs | fire

12:20 PM ET | 11-17-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

SoCal Fire Resources

A firefighter fights the blaze at the Oakridge Mobile Home Park after a wind-whipped wildfire torched the area, in the Sylmar section of Los Angeles on Nov. 15. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

Los Angeles and Orange County woke to gray skies and orange flames yet again this morning. We scoured the resources out there this morning to find the best sources of information. We recommend tracking the fires on the maps here.

Even if the word "twitter" makes you cringe, helpful and timely updates on the fires in the L.A and O.C. are available here and here. It's quite easy to sign up and you can even get updates sent to your cell phone.

Just because you are far from the flames, doesn't mean you are out of danger. If there are signs of smoke and ash in your neighborhood, the Los Angeles Dept. of Public Health has the following tips:

1.) Keep the windows and doors closed.
2.) Only use air conditioners that re-circulate air or indoor filtration devices.
3.) Avoid using fireplaces, candles and vacuums.
4.) In case you needed another incentive to quit -- do not smoke.

If you have been evacuated and are in need of a shelter, check out the Red Cross L.A. or O.C. Web sites for updates on shelter locations or call the hot lines at (310) 943-5268 or (714) 384-0884.

The Red Cross also maintains a Safe and Well List here, where you can search for information on displaced loved ones.

12:19 PM ET | 11-17-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

A Bright Spot in a Dismal Job Market

--Brian Unger

With unemployment hovering at a generational high, there is one place that has hundreds, even thousands of job openings. The upcoming Obama administration is hiring, and - not surprisingly - they've set up an online job application.

Some of these positions, such as Secretary of State, require approval by the Senate. Others can be yours just for impressing the Obama team with a solid resume and a successful interview.

In today's Unger Report, we present some advice for those who make it to the interview process. As a public service, we reproduce those here. Obama Administration job seekers, follow this advice, and maybe you will soon be working, if not in the White House itself, then at least in the Executive Office Building next door.

1. Dress professionally in conservative clothing. Wear sensible shoes; he likes Cole-Haan.
2. Minimal jewelry. No perfume. Or cologne. Just smell like freedom.
3. Bring a resume. References. And a breath mint.
4. Turn your cell phone off.
5. Get there early.
6. Do a trial run to the White House but don't jump the fence.
7. Remain as calm as possible, ask questions, and get his business card so you have the correct spelling when you send Obama a thank you note later.
8. Be flexible. If you want to be Secretary of State, be willing to settle for motor pool coordinator.
9. And above all, don't high five the president-elect in the hallway.

Tags: Obama | Unger | humor | jobs

9:17 AM ET | 11-17-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Can Fiction Work On The Radio?

Susy Pilgrim Waters' Interpretation of Susan Shepherd's Audio Comic

 

Every day this week, we are airing a radio comic on the show, which explores a "middle class" family's experience in the changing economy. This little experiment in radio fiction has led us to be simultaneously accused of creating "the most annoying thing I have heard on NPR" and credited with airing a "brilliant glimpse into the lives" of a struggling family that is "not only intelligently written but also incredibly witty."

The first question is probably this: Why are we using a fictional family to tell the story of the economic downturn? In the past NPR has employed fiction to mixed reviews. A version of Star Wars produced decades ago was a big hit as was a re-enactment of War of the Worlds in the mid-90s. But including a radio "comic strip" on news magazines has been somewhat less popular. There was one on Weekend Edition Saturday and another on Morning Edition that listeners weren't so happy to hear.

So why risk it? Because fiction can be an effective way to explore very real events in our society -- to get at it in a way that other financial stories and actual interviews (which we always have many of) don't.

This was the case for listener A. Paige, who wrote -- in response to Tuesday's comic -- that "I found myself laughing and crying at the same time."

Just as in print-magazines such as The New Yorker, Harper's, and The Atlantic Monthly, fiction can fill gaps and add a new dimension to current events in our radio magazine, Day to Day. I think of some fun 2 Minute Noirs aired on this program from time to time.

Could it be though, that some subjects are best left untouched by comedy?

"Though I really enjoy Day to Day's approach to the news, this series fails to amuse or inform me," wrote listener Pat Morris. "I think it's too serious a matter and traumatic for people who lose their jobs and homes. There is just no humor in the subject. Perhaps you should re-think this series?"

Do you agree? Is there is something to be gained from using fiction on the radio to address real-life events. Should we keep going with 2 Minute Noir and this week's, 11 Central Ave.? Or it time to say goodbye to fiction on Day to Day?

11:51 AM ET | 11-12-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Madonna, Rock Solid At Fifty

Steve Proffitt For NPR

--Steve Proffitt

No. Not her. It.

I've traveled up the coast from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo with my friend, 50s fanatic Charles Phoenix. We're spending a night at the Madonna Inn, which turns 50 next month.

It's a famous place, but in case you aren't clued-in, every room has a theme. Mine is called Cabin Still. It has an all-rock shower, and above the sink, a crazy coil of copper pipe. Charles is staying in a room that is ALL rock. He's feeling like a real cave man.

The entire inn is an ode to the hard work and vision of Alex and Phyliss Madonna. They opened the inn on Christmas Eve in 1958. Mr. Madonna passed away about four years ago, but his wife still holds court in a booth at the coffee shop. Next month, for the anniversary, we'll have a story about the inn. Mrs. Madonna will explain how such a crazy place came to be, and then thrived for fifty years.

But for now, we're just enjoying the odd details, the shocking pink dining room and my truly kooky bathroom.

Tags: 1950's | Americana | Hotels | Madonna Inn

10:02 PM ET | 11-11-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Hey, that's no way to say goodbye

Steve Proffitt, NPR

 

--Alex Chadwick

I'm the first angry white man in the new Obama era.

This is my last day hosting Day to Day -- a show I love. But after five years of getting up at 4:00 every morning to meet the deadline pressures of a daily news program, I'm cutting back. Madeleine will be here to carry on, and you'll still have an Alex -- our reporter and sometime host, Alex Cohen. But this Alex is going to be sleeping in.

And coasting, maybe a little, today -- or so I thought. But in Chicago, President-elect Obama has scheduled his first press conference for 2:30 Central time. That's 11:30 here in Culver City, the site of NPR West. The timing could hardly be worse for the narrow concerns of getting our show on and updated. We'll have to get something on for the noon feed of the show, while the press conference presumable continues. Then we'll have to fix it again for our last feed at 1:00.

I was thrilled by the speech Tuesday night in Grant Park...a spectacular moment in American history and political oratory.

I know this is very small-minded...a disappointment, probably to any NPR listener who follows the news.

But it's Friday...on my last week on the show. I was thinking I might go out for lunch with a couple of pals....maybe a bloody Mary, even.

No such luck....I'm in the studio, doing interviews...which is how all this started so long ago.

Bye to fans of the show....thanks for following us on the radio and the blog. Next week.....new adventures. Stay tuned.

Tags: Alex Chadwick

1:00 PM ET | 11- 7-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Reflections On The First Black President

At the "Magic Johnson Starbucks" in Ladera Heights in Los Angeles, Obama supporters share their thoughts on their candidate's victory. You can see Los Angelenos in a wide array of Obama gear and read why one woman is urging the world to spend money in the gallery above. You can also hear Alex Chadwick talk to black voters about what this historic election means to them here and here.

4:34 PM ET | 11- 5-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Obama Fashion

Aaron Farley for NPR

 

It seemed that just about every other person was wearing an Obama shirt this morning at the Magic Johnson Starbucks in Ladera Heights. People smiled at each other as they waited in line for their lattes and espresso shots and exchanged stories of how they spent the night before. In our on-air show and blog today, you'll be hearing from some of these people.

11:51 AM ET | 11- 5-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Coffee and Hope

OBAMAA parks in Ladera Center. Credit: Steve Proffitt/NPR

 

--Steve Proffitt and Alex Chadwick

We've been spending a lot of time at a Starbucks about 15 minutes from our studios. It's an interesting place, for a few reasons. Among others, this is a Magic Johnson Starbucks (there are 110 of them across the country), and maybe THE Magic Johnson Starbucks. This outlet is at a busy intersection in the Ladera Heights neighborhood, home to many comfortable black families in L.A. And it has a large, outdoor seating area, where people hang out, sometimes all day long.

On election day we met a young woman who said she was saving the receipts for every item she bought that day, and anything else she could find with the date on it, November 4, 2008. She remembered a lesson from her junior year in high school, about Japanese-Americans and the World War II internment camps. It's when she realized she was living in a hyphenated country; everyone is a something-American. Not today, she said. Today, I'm an American...and that's all.

We met a woman who said she'd been invited to at least a half-dozen election night parties. We overheard a group of retired folks arguing about the economy. And mostly, we saw a lot of smiles on the faces of people who were filled with hope.

Today, we are back at Magic Johnson Starbucks, talking to people about their reaction to the results. One of the questions we are going to ask: If your cell phone rang, and it was Barack Obama, what would tell him he should do first?

Tags: politics | race

2:46 AM ET | 11- 5-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

 

Subversive Almonds, Dolls And Other Election-Night Rituals

--Heather Murphy

Everyone has their voting night rituals. My friend Beverly goes to a movie directly after work, refuses to turn on the television or radio and then goes to sleep. She says that once she let herself get sucked into poll-reporting and it caused so much anxiety that even when she was ready to turn off the tube, she couldn't sleep.

Barack Obama's Ohio campaign manager hasn't shaved his face in a month. We can only begin to imagine what his prickly election night ritual involves.

One food Web site urges McCain supporters to cook up one of Cindy McCain's favorite recipes. Who knew that wheat spaghetti was good for the GOP?

The Washington Post offers a more highbrow take on Election Night eating. Ingesting mini quiche or Chinese takeout is like political treason, writer Jane Black argues. She suggests that the best munchies are Marcona almonds. Why Marcona? She does not say, but analysts will surely read it as a subversive form of culinary endorsement. (Marcona is derived from Spain -- the sort of thing one might snack on while sitting down with Prime Minister Zapatero.)

Day to Day editor Jason DeRose says he prefers watching the election results on the BBC. He loves the British take on the United States political process. Tonight comedian Ricky Gervais is scheduled to offer analysis along with novelist Jay McInerney and writer Gore Vidal.

"The tone is 'Those quirky kids,' DeRose writes in an e-mail. "After one of the presidential debates this fall, anchor Matt Frei said, 'After I'll that talking, I think I'd like to spend some time in a Trappist monastery.' (Trappists are the monks who take vows of silence.) I'm hoping for more lines like that tonight."

What's your election night ritual? Do you eat or wear something special? Or perhaps you try to keep your mind at ease with something like bowling, a punk concert ... or creating your own presidential voodoo doll. Let us know.

12:12 PM ET | 11- 4-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

My Six-Hour Wait
To Help Make 'History'

Karen Grigsby Bates, NPR

 

--Karen Grigsby Bates

By now you've likely seen the photographs: lines that stretch for a good quarter-mile, snaking around the glass boxes that comprise the Los Angeles County Registrar's office. If you look carefully, you might see me -- standing between Peta, a sweet nurse from the Burn Unit at L.A. County Hospital, and Joyce, a friendly woman with close-cropped hair.

Peta, Joyce and I -- and about 2,500 other people -- stood in line for hours to vote early on Saturday. Even more people did the same on Sunday.

Why vote early? In my case, all those predictions of massive logjams on voting day left me worried. What if I got tied up reporting on -- ah, irony -- the election on Tuesday and didn't have enough time to vote? I couldn't let that happen.

I went to Norwalk, about an hour away from my house, because it was the only option. Snafus in past elections prompted the Board of Election to centralize early voting in L.A County this year.

Early voters cast their ballots in Norwalk.

AP

Officials had no idea so many would come. I had no idea that my fellow voters would be so patient, friendly and determined.

I spent four of my nearly six-hour wait next to Peta, a Seventh Day Adventist.

Continue reading "My Six-Hour Wait
To Help Make 'History'" »

6:35 PM ET | 11- 3-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

Sleepless And Singing In Tennesee

Nathan Bell

Courtesy Nathan Bell

As part of our ongoing series of conversations with listeners about how they're weathering the financial storm, we heard from Nathan Bell of Signal Mountain, Tenn. this morning. He was laid off from his job as a manager at AT&T a few months ago. Now, he finds himself unable to sleep worried about whether he can take care of his family financially.

A former singer-songwriter, he does have more time for his music these days, he says ... as well as some really awful TV. You can hear one of his songs above and the full interview here.

1:50 PM ET | 11- 3-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail

If Students Were Deciding The Election ...

If it was up to students in California's schools to determine our next president, it would be a landslide for Barack Obama. Sen. Obama took 73.5 percent of the vote in the poll which was conducted in 901 schools, with 594,720 voters. Even in generally conservative Orange County, where McCain is likely to do well, Obama took 89 percent of the vote.

Read into this what you will. They are many variables, of course, which would make a dedicated pollster cringe. (Among others, not all schools in the state participated).

Interpretations aside, what is clear is that students across the country are watching the election -- in some cases -- as closely as their parents. We explored this in a piece on the show today. (You can also find some tips on how to create "engaged citizens" here.) The issue that concerned students the most: the economy.

Day to Day wants to know what political issue defined your high school education? Madeleine Brand saw the start of the Reagan revolution and while Alex Chadwick was in highschool, JFK was assassinated. That overwhelmed everything.

Were you more or less politically involved than students today? Let us know how politics played out during your adolescence below.

12:43 PM ET | 11- 3-2008 | permalink

comments () | | e-mail