Stories for January 14, 2009
Gran Torino
Gran Torino is about a grumpy old Vietnam veteran named Walter whose wife passed away. He is now along in his house that once was a good neighborhood but now has become an Asian ghetto. & He hates the fact that his trashy neighbors are now starting to get involved in gang activities and are messing around with his property. His neighbors have two children. Tau (also known as Toad) is in love with a girl who Walter calls Yum Yum. The other teen is named Sue and she can't keep her mouth shut when it comes to sarcastic remarks. Tau's cousin (aka spider) is involved in a gang and rescues his little cousin from the harassment of a Mexican gang. Because of this act they now think that Tau owes them and wants him to join the group as well. It breaks in to a fight and this is when Walter gets involved. Tau had to steal Walters Gran Torino and he holds him against it throughout the entire movie. This movie is definitely inspiring. This old man that is races and grumpy over comes his problems to help this family in need. I also thought it was funny because the remarks that Walter says to everyone is just hilarious. Not only is he rude to everyone but they let him go on saying it. No one challenges him. He gets mad and everyone backs up. Not only does he have a cruel tongue but he loves to talk about the old days when he was in the war killing people and how he knows about life and death. Basically he is the typical senile old man. This movie was really good. I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was funny; it had good messages and definitely can teach you something. I recommend this movie for all to see. I think just about anyone can get a kick out of this film and I hope you get chance to see it.
Gran Torino
Gran Torino is about a grumpy old Vietnam veteran named Walter whose wife passed away. He is now along in his house that once was a good neighborhood but now has become an Asian ghetto.
Republicans Target Tobacco Taxes
Republican lawmakers want to tap into tobacco tax money to help plug California's budget gap. But Democrats say they won't sign off on the idea. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Wet Winter Gives Way To Dry January
Winter might have started wet and snowy in California, but now the weather is looking like a rerun of last year. That could mean water rationing in the spring. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.
Food Stamps Are Not Reaching Eligible Families
The county has the lowest food stamp participation rate in the country. But many eligible people don't apply. KPBS Producer Megan Burke and Reporter Joanne Faryon prepared this report on why local families are going hungry rather than applying for food stamps.
Study Finds Exactly What Makes Humans Happy
If money doesn't make you happy, what does? That's a question that economists and psychologists are trying to answer. One answer comes from a national study that a professor at UCSD took part in. We find out what they learned and why it's important to be able to measure human happiness and understand why certain things cause it.
What Makes Us Laugh and Why
Comedians are already lamenting the departure of George W. from the White House -- an undeniably rich resource of material for writers. Many expect Obama will be less comedically inspiring. Larry Maslon and Michael Kantor's impressive and comprehensive study of what makes us laugh and what it says about who we are as a nation reminds us that no matter how trying the times, how serious the issues we're facing as a nation, we Americans have always found a way to make it funny.
Gloria Penner Previews State of City Address
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders delivers his fourth annual State of the City address Wednesday night. We'll get a preview of what to expect in the mayor's speech from KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.
Destin Cretton's Sundance Journal
Filmmaker Destin Cretton with his DVDs for Sundance. (Ryan Fernandez)
Iranian Comic Discusses Stereotypes, Bush Administration, Barack Obama
What are some of the most common misconceptions about people from the Middle East? How does current U.S. President George W. Bush compare to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? What's funny about President-elect Barack Obama? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani about his "Brown & Friendly" tour.
Teen Critic Calls Bride Wars a Good Chick Flick
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars (20th Century Fox)
Sanders Gives State of City Tonight
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will give his annual State of the City speech tonight. KPBS reporter Katie Orr spoke with two local organizations about what they hope to hear.
Tijuana Mayor Seeks Federal Support to Fight Drug War
Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos was in Mexico City for the last two days to ask federal officials for more support to fight the drug war in Tijuana. TijuanaPress.com Editor Vicente CaderĂ³n traveled to Mexico City. He joins us to talk about the mayor's visit for our series Border Battle: Bringing Home the Drug War.
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