"The Leading Indicators: A Short History of the Numbers That Rule Our World" (Simon & Schuster, 2014) by Zachary Karabell.

We are bombarded every day with numbers that tell us about the health of the U.S. economy. Gross national product, balance of trade, unemployment, inflation, and consumer confidence are just a few of them.

In The Leading Indicators, Zachary Karabell gives us a history of these indicators.  They were invented in the mid-twentieth century to address the urgent challenges of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. They were rough measures— designed to give clarity in a data-parched world that was made up of centralized, industrial nations—yet we still rely on them today.

Guest: 

Zachary Karabell, author of "The Leading Indicators: A Short History of the Numbers That Rule Our World" (Simon & Schuster, 2014) . He is also President of River Twice Research, an independent economic research and consulting company, and River Twice Capital Advisors, a money management firm.

Ukrainian air force pilots march in their air base in Belbek, near Sevastopol, on March 4, 2014. Russian forces surrounding the air base in Belbek fired warning shots at Ukrainian servicemen trying to approach on March 4, a Ukrainian officer inside told AFP. Russian forces have surrounded Ukrainian military bases across Crimea as the Russian-speaking autonomous region has been thrown into turmoil following the ouster last month of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian officials said on March 3 that Russia had given Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea an ultimatum to surrender or face an all-out assault, although Russia denounced the claim as 'complete nonsense'.; Credit: VIKTOR DRACHEV/AFP/Getty Images

In a visit to Kiev on Tuesday U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addressed Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, accusing Russia of unnecessary aggression in Crimea. Kerry pledged $1 billion in U.S. aid to the new Ukrainian government and promised sanctions on Russia if the situation in Crimea does not de-escalate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Russia’s right to intervention in Crimea, saying that Russians-speaking citizens there are under siege and calling the recent governmental changes and ousting of Viktor Yanukovyck an “anti-constitutional coup and armed seizure of power.”

Russian troops entered Crimea, an autonomous region that is home to Russia’s largest naval base, last week. The troops are uniformed, but aren’t wearing identifying insignia. Despite the Russian military presence, Putin says that military force is a last resort.

How will Russian and Ukrainian forces in Crimea proceed? Are Russia’s “self-defense teams” in the region justified? What is at stake when it comes to Crimea’s military bases?

Guests:

Nina Tumarkin, Professor of History and Director of Russian Area Studies, Wellesley College; author of “The Living and the Dead: The Rise and Fall of the Cult of World War II in Russia”

Edward-Isaac Dovere, Senior White House Reporter for POLITICO

State Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, sits at his desk during the first Senate session of the new year at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Jan. 6 2014. Calderon, whose Sacramento offices were raided by the FBI in June, had his assigned seat in the Senate chambers moved from front-and center to a far corner, next to a vacant desk. He also has been stripped of all committee assignments in the wake of an investigation for allegedly accepting nearly $90,000 from an undercover FBI agent. ; Credit: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

Two California politicians have been placed on paid administrative leave while they wait for their next days in court. Ron Calderon, who is facing two dozen charges of bribery, fraud and money laundering charges, announced this week that he will take a leave of absence rather than resigning from the state Senate. Calderon will continue to collect his salary while he's on leave, which is expected to stretch through the end of the legislative session in August.

Last week, Roderick Wright also announced he will be taking a paid leave of absence from the Senate after being convicted by a jury Jan. 29 of eight felony counts for perjury and voter fraud. Prosecutors said Wright falsely claimed to live inside his Inglewood district while really keeping a large home in Baldwin Hills. Wright plans to appeal his convictions at his sentencing hearing on May 16 but will continue to receive a paycheck from the state, despite already being convicted.

The California constitution prevents the state Senate from withholding pay from any senator but taxpayers are upset about being forced to continue to pay the salaries.

Is there any legal recourse for taxpayers to recoup the money from politicians convicted of felonies? What power does the state government have to withhold their paychecks, particularly once a politician has been convicted of a crime? Do constituents have any power to recall the senators?

Guest: 

Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School and vice president of the LA Ethics Commission

Bob Stern, former president of the Center for Governmental Studies 

Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, sites down for a meeting with House Foreign Affairs Committee members in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill December 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. The world's richest person valued at about $77.7 billion, Gates was meeting with the committee to discuss the work of the foundation around the world.; Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Bill Gates has reclaimed the top spot as the world’s richest person on Forbes’ annual ranking of the world’s billionaires after four years. Gates beats out Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu.  Spanish clothing retailer Amancio Ortega (best known for the Zara fashion chain) keeps the #3 spot from 2013. Warren Buffett comes in at #4. Rounding out the top 5 is Oracle honcho Larry Ellison.

The Golden State is well-represented on this year’s billionaires list. In total, 111 Californians have made the Forbes’ rankings this year. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and vice president Jeff Rothschild are both on the list for the first time this year, along with WhatsApp co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton.

The full Forbes list can be seen here. 

Guest:

Luisa Kroll, Assistant Managing Wealth Editor, Forbes Magazine

Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Derrick Harper #12 of the Dallas Mavericks during an NBA game at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1986.; Credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images

In the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers redefined professional basketball—transforming the sport into a full-on spectacle in line with the excess of the era.

A freewheeling fast-break offense,  19-year-old ‘Magic’ Johnson’s signature no-look pass, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable skyhook, scantily-clad Laker Girls, and celebrity spectators were all hallmarks of what became the most exhilarating show in professional sports.

That opulent era—known as “Showtime” is the subject of author Jeff Pearlman’s book, “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.” Drawing on nearly 300 interviews, Pearlman provides an all-access pass to one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties.

Among the behind-the-scenes details and surprising anecdotes are stories of Magic Johnson’s booze-soaked house parties, the firing of Pat Riley and the Stepford-like lives of the Laker wives.

Do you remember the heyday of “Showtime” in the 1980s—when the Lakers won 5 championships and the hardwood floor at The Forum was the hottest stage in town?

Guest:

The Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, 10 September 2006.; Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

At any given time, roughly 12,000 inmates in California prisons spend their time in isolated units with little opportunity for human contact. Inmates assigned to Security Housing Units - or SHUs - have been deemed  too violent to be placed in general population and can spend up to 23 hours a day in isolation. Violations that can place an inmate in the SHU include prison gang affiliations, attacks on prison staff and violent mental health issues.

Last summer, prisoners staged a widespread hunger strike in protest of conditions inside the SHUs and the often vague timelines for getting out. Many of the prisoners have been kept in isolation for years, or even decades.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, or CDCR, has been working on some changes for how prison officials identify gang members and sentence them to isolation.

The CDCR is also incorporating a "step-down" program, that allows inmates to reintegrate into the general prison population from isolation within three to four years.

State legislators have cast doubt on the proposals, saying they don't go far enough to address the system's fundamental problems.

Why does California house so many inmates in isolation? What are Security Housing Units used for and how can they be reformed? Do the CDCR’s proposals go far enough to address the big picture?

Guests: 

Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley and chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee

Scott Kernan,  Retired Undersecretary of Operations, California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Margo Schlanger, professor of law at the University of Michigan

Firefighters work at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California October 31, 2011. ; Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

An independent review of the Los Angeles Fire Department has called for the major organizational overhaul at the department.

The report was conducted by the global consulting firm PA Consulting and was commissioned by the city. The 80-page review found "significant cultural, organizational, process and technology challenges which seriously impair the department's performance."

The report comes in the wake of a series of embarrassing revelations. The Los Angeles Times found that 20% of new recruits hired in January by the LAFD were relatives of firefighters. Then it was discovered that LAFD workers get, on average, $43,000 a year in overtime.

Guest:

Andrew Rea, who led the LAFD review commissioned by the city for PA Consulting. He is now a managing director at Navigant Consulting, a consulting firm working with the city to implement some of the recommendations

Frank Lima, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, a union representing thousands of firefighters

Pennies lay in a pile July 6, 2006 in Des Plaines, Illinois.; Credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Pennies and nickels just aren't worth what they used to be anymore, literally. Nowadays, it costs 1.8 cents to make a penny, and 9.4 cents to make a nickel, according to the U.S. Mint. Given the discrepancy, many economists have long called for the elimination of the two coins from our currency system. They are just too expensive to produce. The federal government spent about $104.5 million on their production last year.

As such, President Obama's recently-released budget proposal for fiscal 2015 has called for alternatives for the money-losing penny and nickel.

"These studies will analyze alternative metals, the United States Mint facilities, and consumer behavior and pref­erences, and will result in the development of alternative options for the penny and the nickel," the budget says.

Guest:

Jeffrey Sparshott, reporter at the Wall Street Journal who’s been following the penny and nickel story

Julia Boyle enjoys an electronic cigarette at the Vapor Shark store on February 20, 2014 in Miami, Florida. As the popularity of E- cigarettes continue to grow, leading U.S. tobacco companies such as Altria Group Inc. the maker of Marlboro cigarettes are announcing plans to launch their own e-cigarettes as they start to pose a small but growing competitive threat to traditional smokes. ; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Electronic cigarettes will be prohibited in Los Angeles workplaces, bars and outdoor public parks under a city ordinance passed Tuesday. The ban essentially treats e-cigarettes the same as tobacco products, although there is not evidence at present showing any harm is caused by  vapors exhaled from e-cigs.

Still, some public health advocates argue e-cig manufacturers are targeting young people, which could mean the devices are a "gateway" habit leading to tobacco use. Critics of the new ordinance say this ban could deter current tobacco smokers from the using the products, thereby doing a disservice to public health.

What's your reaction to the ban? Is it an overreaction to ban them even from outdoor spaces, or is it responsible since harms are unknown?

Guests: 

David Zahniser, LA Times reporter covering Los Angeles City Hall, local government; LA Times coverage of the e-cigarette ban can be seen here. 

Mitch O’Farrell, Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 13th District which includes parts of Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Atwater Village

Mark Kleiman, Professor of Public Policy at UCLA School of Public Affairs and the editor of the Journal of Drug Policy Analysis

Soldiers stand inside the Belbek airbase, not far from Sevastopol on March 6, 2014. Ukrainian premier Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Thursday dubbed as illegitimate a request by the local parliament in Crimea to become part of Russia.; Credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images

The White House waded even further into crisis between Ukraine and Russia on Thursday by announcing it was placing visa restrictions on certain Ukrainian and Russian officials, which Washington believes are responsible for the escalation in Crimea region.

The Obama administration didn't name names yet but indicated that it would single out individuals if Russia does not withdraw its troops from Crimea.

Washington is looking for ways to put pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin in response to their invasion of Ukraine. The administration also said that it had an arsenal of far-reaching economic sanctions at its disposal that it would use if Putin did not pull back.

Obama issued a broad executive order that authorizes the Treasury Department to freeze assets of "persons who have asserted governmental authority in the Crimean region without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine."  

The order goes even further and allows the US to target  individual companies owned by government and military officials or anyone who provides 'support' to Russia's involvement in Ukraine.

Will the Obama administration actually implement the sanctions? What sort of impact could these economic sanctions have? Is the rest of the world supportive of the US using sanctions against Russia?

Guest:

Jamila Trindle, Senior Reporter for Foreign Policy magazine

SAT test preparation books sit on a shelf at a Barnes and Noble store June 27, 2002 in New York City. ; Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The SAT will no longer require an essay section, according to an announcement yesterday from the College Board about the 88-year-old test’s redesign.

The new SAT will return to a score out of 1600, and aims to be more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Updates to the test include the elimination of the essay, reading sections focused on students’ curriculum, and the option to take the test digitally.

Students will no longer be penalized for the wrong answers, vocabulary words will be restricted to words in common use in high school and college classrooms, and the College Board will partner with popular nonprofit tutoring website Khan Academy to provide free test prep.

The redesigned SAT will be implemented in 2016. In recent years, students taking college admissions tests have gravitated more than ever to the newer ACT test, which is shorter and has an optional essay.

How will colleges adapt to the new SAT? What is the best way to test students for college preparedness? Are essays and longer test segments a measurable part of the process? Are they fair? How will the SAT and college admissions programs continue to change?

Guest:

Eric Hoover, Senior Writer, Chronicle of Higher Education

Aaron Fike does a CrossFit workout on August 20, 2012 in Laguna Niguel, California.; Credit: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for NASCAR

Southern California is no stranger to the workout trend called CrossFit. The gyms, or "boxes" as they're known, have been popping up in cities across the country since the workout caught on in the early 2000s.

The exercise trend focuses on explosive movements called 'plyometrics' and high intensity, high volume workouts meant to confuse and strengthen the muscles. CrossFit has become a national phenomenon with more than 5,000 affiliated gyms across the U.S.

But a recent serious injury at a CrossFit-style competition here in Southern California is bringing more attention to the safety of the program. The athlete, experienced CrossFit trainer Kevin Ogar, is now paralyzed from the waist down after being injured while doing a routine power lift at the competition.

Beyond the headline-grabbing serious injuries, does the nature of the CrossFit-style workout make people more prone to injury? Is CrossFit inherently dangerous or do the benefits of exercise outweigh any risks? Is CrossFit riskier than other types of sports? Will CrossFit athletes of today be casualties in a decades’ time? With its increasing popularity, can CrossFit gyms and trainers safely keep up with the growth?

Guests:

Andy Galpin, PhD, assistant professor of kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton

Jonathan Sum, assistant professor of Clinical Physical Therapy at USC

The University of Iowa is home to The Iowa Writers' Workshop -- a two-year residency program which culminates in the submission of a creative thesis.; Credit: allaboutuni2301 via Flickr Creative Commons

In "MFA vs NYC: The Two Cultures of American Fiction," writer and cultural thinker Chad Harbach talks about the two routes available to those with literary aspirations who want to pursue a career in creative writing.

One could either move to New York City and write. Or one could clock a couple years in Irvine, Calif., or Iowa City, Iowa--where two of the country's most prestigious writing programs are based--and earn an MFA.

This dichotomy inevitably brings up this question: can writing--and by extension, filmmaking, art-making--even be taught?

If you are a writer, artist or filmmaker, call in and tell us how you chose to pursue your chosen art form. Why did you decide to get a MFA? Or why not?

Guest:

Chad Harbach, editor of the new book of essays “MFA vs NYC: The Two Cultures of American Fiction” (n+1 / Faber and Faber, 2014). He is also a founder of n+1 magazine, a literary journal based in New York, and the author of bestselling novel “The Art of Fielding” (Little, Brown and Company, 2011)

California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg speaks during a session of the California State Senate February 18, 2009 in Sacramento, California.; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California Senate Democrats are proposing major changes to the state Political Reform Act following a series of scandals, including criminal charges, against California politicians.

Senate President Darrell Steinberg formed the Senate Ethics Working group to address issues involving improper contributions and new restrictions.

The group, led by Senator Ricardo, has proposed reforms that include stricter rules about gifts -- California lawmakers will be prohibited from accepting event tickets, spa treatments, and many other entertainment-related benefits from special interest groups.

The current limit of $440 in gifts will be tightened to $200, and state candidates will have to report on their spending practices more frequently.

What ethics should California lawmakers abide by? What constitutes an excessive gift? How should the California Senate approach these issues?

Guests:

Senator Ricardo Lara, 33rd Senate District, which includes Vernon, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, and most of Long Beach

Bob Stern, former president of the Center for Governmental Studies

A customer shops for produce at a Whole Foods Market February 22, 2007 in San Francisco, California. ; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

How did the organic and health food movement turn a few idealist eaters into a culture of whole foods devotees? In his new book, Natural Prophets, author, management expert, and marketer Joe Dobrow traces the history of health food through decades, chronicling the proliferation of natural food businesses like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Stonyfield Farm, and others.

Dobrow explores the trends that have change the way we eat: organic food, sustainable production, and more.

How did these trend expand from niche markets into mainstream, conventional food manufacturers? How as the American palate adapted to new trends in food? Where will the health food market expand in coming years?

Guest:

Joe Dobrow, Author, “Natural Prophets: From Health Foods to Whole Foods;” Former marketing executive for Fresh Fields, Whole Foods Market, Balducci’s and Sprouts Farmers Market

Ty Burrell, Peabody, Max Charles and Rob Minkoff attends the screening of DreamWorks' "Mr. Peabody And Sherman" hosted by DreamWorks Animation with 20th Century Fox and Union Square Events at Regal Battery Park 11 on February 9, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images); Credit: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Larry and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Henry Sheehan and Charles Solomon review this week’s releases, including Mr. Peabody & Sherman, 300: Rise of an Empire, The Grand Budapest Hotel and more. TGI-Filmweek!

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

300: Rise of an Empire

The Grand Budapest Hotel 

Guests:

Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt FilmGuide

Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com

Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC and Indiewire’s ‘Animation Scoop’

Ty Burrell, Peabody, Max Charles and Rob Minkoff attends the screening of DreamWorks' "Mr. Peabody And Sherman" hosted by DreamWorks Animation with 20th Century Fox and Union Square Events at Regal Battery Park 11 on February 9, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images); Credit: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Larry and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Henry Sheehan and Charles Solomon review this week’s releases, including Mr. Peabody & Sherman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, 300: Rise of an Empire and more. TGI-Filmweek!

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

The Grand Budapest Hotel 

300: Rise of an Empire

Guests:

Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt FilmGuide

Henry Sheehan, film critic for KPCC and CriticsAGoGo.com

Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC and Indiewire’s ‘Animation Scoop’

This satellite image taken 10 November 1992 and released by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA 18 November shows the El Nino weather phenomena, represented by the the white area at the equator. The image shows how the warm waters of El Nino are reaching from Peru to Alaska. Official sources expect the areas of warm waters to increase. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’ Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño on Thursday which means that there is a 50 percent chance of El Nino weather patterns occurring sometime this summer or fall. ; Credit: AFP/AFP/Getty Images

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’ Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño on Thursday. This means there is now a 50 percent chance of El Niño developing at some point this summer or fall.

Although it is still early, experts say that if El Niño conditions return it could bring much needed rain to California.

El Niño occurs every two to seven years when warmer water in the Pacific builds up along the west coast of south America causing changes in precipitation patterns across the globe. If El Niño returns this year it would be the first since 2009 to 2010.

Guest:

Mike Halpert, Deputy Director at the Climate Prediction Center

Sarah Jones. ; Credit: Courtesy Slates For Sarah Facebook

On February 20, Sarah Jones, a camera assistant for the indie biopic Midnight Rider, was killed by a train while shooting on set in Doctortown, Georgia. The accident, which is being treated by Georgia law enforcement as a negligent homicide, is the biggest safety scandal in the film industry in the last decade.

While the details are murky -- information about permits and safety precautions is under investigation -- some information about less-than-stringent safety measures is emerging. The film crew, which was shooting a dream sequence on a bridge over a river, was expecting two trains to cross the bridge. When a third, unexpected train arrived, the crew had less than a minute to vacate the tracks.

The accident injured five other crewmembers, including one who was airlifted to the nearest hospital. Jones’ death has rocked the film world -- she was recognized at the Academy Awards with a photo tribute, and many attendees wore black memorial ribbons. What is the standard safety protocol of state film shoots? How can the industry address safety issues to prevent accidents on set?

Guest: 

Scott C. Johnson, writer and former Newsweek correspondent. His piece on the death of Sarah Jones was recently published in the Hollywood Reporter.

Joe Wallenstein, Director of Physical Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which deals with all aspects of a film production, including insurance and safety issues. Wallenstein is also the author of “Practical Moviemaking: A Handbook for the Real World” (McFarland, 2011).  

The sign at the entrance to SeaWorld February 24, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. ; Credit: Matt Stroshane/Getty Images

Last year's documentary "Blackfish" sparked a huge outcry over the use of orcas, known as "killer whales", which have been performing at SeaWorld's theme parks for decades. The film details the tragic death of orca whale trainer Dawn Brancheau who was killed at the SeaWorld theme park in Orlando, Fla. after being pulled into the tank by a killer whale.

In response, Assemblyman Richard Bloom sponsored legislation today to end the practice of using orcas for performances at theme parks. The bill does not call out SeaWorld by name but the San Diego park is the only venue in the state that uses orcas for entertainment.

The bill seeks to permanently end the use of performing orcas in theme shows, ban captive breeding and prohibit the import and export of killer whales. It would also require that all current captive orcas be retired to sea pens, if available, and not used for performances.

Animal rights activists have been calling on SeaWorld to stop using orcas for performance because of concerns over the whale's well being and the safety of trainers.

In a statement, SeaWorld dismissed the legislation and said that it  already operates under multiple federal, state and local animal welfare laws. Is banning the ‘killer whale’ shows

Guest:

Naomi Rose, Marine Mammal Scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute. She worked with Assemblyman Richard Bloom on the California Captive Orca Safety and Welfare Act (AB 2140)

Mark A. Simmons, former senior trainer at SeaWorld Orlando who appeared in the film “Blackfish”, Vice President of Ocean Embassy