New York Times
Correspondent for the New York Times and author of The Obamas
PROFILE
Jodi Kantor
Guest
FROM Jodi Kantor
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What's next for the Obamas? The Obamas have one week left at the White House. Author and reporter Jodi Kantor has covered the president and his family for the past eight years. She shares some insight into what the Obamas might do next.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Syrian refugees make new lives in Canada Despite the assassination of the Russian diplomat Andrei Karlov, Russia and Turkey today promised to continue their talks about the ongoing conflict in Syria. The two nations have been working together to evacuate civilians in the rebel-held parts of Aleppo. Millions have fled Syria since the war started. Canada is among the countries most willing to accept and aid these refugees. The country has accepted nearly 38,000 Syrians in the last year.
To the Point
Canada’s Really Large Welcome Mat for the World’s Refugees At last count, there are at least 21 million people currently displaced from their home countries, and nearly five million of them are Syrian. The reception Syrian migrants receive has been hot and cold to say the least. Greece shipped desperate migrants back to Turkey; Denmark confiscated their valuables; and here in the U.S. 5,000 refugees have been accepted for resettlement but not without becoming a heated political debate about protecting the nation from terrorists. In Canada, the problem is the opposite. The Canadian government has too many citizens who want to sponsor Syrian refugees and invite them into their homes. Jodi Kantor is a Correspondent for the New York Times and wrote the feature story about this in the paper today. "No One is Illegal" march in Toronto, Canada Photo courtesy: No One Is Illegal
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Robo-Scheduling Almost every major chain store now has traded in old-fashioned, pen-and-paper work schedules for computer-generated ones. They use special software that analyzes sales data, delivery schedules, and even local weather forecasts to spit out the most efficient plan for which employees should work, when. It’s great for the bottom line, but not so great for many workers. Yesterday, Starbucks announced it’s changing its system to give workers more regular hours. But does this mean anything for others in similar situations?
To the Point
Can Barack Obama Top Bill Clinton? For almost an hour, former President Bill Clinton had the delegates on their feet last night, mixing details about policy with warnings about a potential Republican victory. It was vintage Clinton — blistering Mitt Romney 's Republicans at the same time he was advocating cooperation. Even when he got wonkish, it was clear that both the audience and Clinton were having fun. Reporters, commentators and delegates all agree that he'll be a tough act to follow. We hear excerpts, informed analysis and predictions of what to expect tonight when the nominee for re-election finally takes the stage. We also ask delegates from several states to describe the convention experience. To the Point is broadcasting live from the Democratic convention all week. You can find extended interviews, pictures and more at KCRW.org/election2012 .
To the Point
The Day Before the Iowa Caucuses The presidency of the United States is up for grabs almost as never before. For the first time in 80 years, neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party has an incumbent or a vice president in the running. Tomorrow, real people will get a chance to state their preferences in the Iowa Caucuses , which are happening earlier than ever before. However, when these ordinary voters finally start choosing the next president, the process will violate basic tenets of American democracy. Forget about the secret ballot or giving each person one vote. The Iowa caucuses don't work that way, especially for those who call themselves "Democrats." We find out how tomorrow's caucuses will work, and why they're getting more attention than ever before. What are the candidates saying and doing to stay alive for campaigns that may be over on the fifth of next month?
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The Business
Industry insights and lessons learned from memorable guests We have interesting guests on The Business, and sometimes our conversations are too long to fit into one show. This week we give you stories that were too good to leave on the cutting room floor, including some sharp insights on making it in the industry from David Mandel, David Simon, Shawn Levy and Matt Reeves.
Bookworm
Claudio Magris: Blameless In Claudio Magris' Blameless, a museum of the implements of war and destruction is created to inspire peace. But this conversation is not just about war and peace.
Design and Architecture
Farewell LA freeways, Peter Shire is back Angelenos don't want more freeways but we seem not to want mass transit either. Metro has killed the 710 freeway extension, and bus and train ridership is down across the region. What's the future of getting around in LA? And, Peter Shire is having a comeback. What attracts a new generation to his playful ceramics and furniture?