Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Gas Price Roller Coaster, the Myth of Extreme Saving, and the Sony Hack
il prices have dipped below $60 a barrel, and gas prices at many stations here in L.A. are below $3 a gallon. What’s going on? Are the Saudis trying to drive U.S. oil producers out of the market? How are the falling prices affecting local oil production here in L.A?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenOil prices have dipped below $60 a barrel for the first time in five years, and gas prices at many stations here in L.A. are below $3 a gallon. What’s going on? And how are falling crude prices affecting local drillers? Next, personal finance gurus say extreme frugality is the key to saving and financial stability. But one expert says that advice misses the point. In our weekly film roundup, we look at big releases this weekend including “Inherent Vice” and “Top Five,” as well as the Golden Globe surprises and snubs. And finally, what are the ethical implications for news outlets that publish the hacked emails between Sony studio head Amy Pascal and producer Scott Rudin?
In this episode
5 storiesUnderstanding Oil Prices
The price of oil has dipped below $60 a barrel, a five-year milestone. Meanwhile in the L.A. area, the price of regular gas has dropped below three dollars a gallon. What’s going on? With U.S. production way up, are the Saudis trying to drive U.S. oil producers out of the market? Can the U.S.
Read the story9 minWhat Do Falling Gas Prices Mean For L.A. Oil Producers?
Oil and gas prices are obviously a big concern for Angelenos who drive everywhere. But we don’t just consume oil -- we also produce a lot of it. What do falling crude prices mean for the business of getting it out of the ground? We hear from a local industry representative and take a look back at L.A.’s long history as an oil town.
Read the story8 minThe Myth of Extreme Saving
Despite an improving economy, Americans aren’t saving much money. According to one recent survey, as many as 40 percent of adults in the country are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Many personal finance gurus say the key to saving more is adopting more frugal habits. But we talk to one expert who says that advice misses the point.
Read the story8 minMovie Awards Season in Full Swing
In our weekly film segment, we take a look at the latest big screen releases. Coming into the home stretch of the holiday season, some of this weekend’s most-anticipated releases include a 1970s stoner noir; a biblical epic with equally epic special effects; and a romantic comedy that delivers on the comedy part. And it’s awards season!
Read the story14 minSony Email Hacking Scandal Deepens
Angelina Jolie hasn’t had the greatest week. Not only was she snubbed by the Golden Globes for her movie “Unbroken,” but producer Scott Rudin called her a “minimally talented spoiled brat” in leaked emails to Sony studio head Amy Pascal. But should we be criticizing the news outlets that published the correspondence?
Read the story8 min
