Month: March 2016

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More or Less: Behind the Stats - WSMoreOrLess: Fact checking The Big Short

"Every one percent unemployment goes up, 40,000 people die, did you know that?" says Brad Pitt playing a former investment banker Ben Rickert, in the recent Oscar-winning film The Big Short. Although based on a true story, the filmmakers admit there is some creative license in some of the scenes. But is there any truth to this statistic? It turns out it?s a figure that has been around for many decades. We explore its origins.

The debate over whether the UK should leave the European Union is heating up ahead of the referendum this summer. Many politicians have said that the UK is the fifth largest economy in the world ? is that a fair assessment? We look at the GDP figures.

(Image: Brad Pitt attends the premiere of "The Big Short" in New York 2015. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

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Motley Fool Money - Hello Kitty!

Valeant tumbles on news of an SEC investigation. Ambarella reports a big drop in profits. Kate Spade rises. And HP Enterprise surprises. Our analysts discuss those stories and delve into the latest employment numbers. And Motley Fool Asset Management Portfolio Manager Bill Mann talks China, Japan, and the big business of Hello Kitty. To check out a highlight reel from our recent investing conference in San Diego, go to digitalpass.fool.com . 

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The Gist - Would I Be Happier in an Arranged Marriage?

On The Gist, the story behind the so-called Chinese curse “may you live in interesting times.” Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker tells us about international efforts to find the recipe for a happy, lasting marriage. She’s the author of The Confidence Game. For the Spiel, is a Donald Trump nomination inevitable or likely? Today’s sponsor:  Roku and HBO NOW. Roku players offer the biggest selection of streaming channels, like HBO NOW. Learn more and try HBO NOW free for one month by going to roku.com/thegist. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. 

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The Gist - Trump’s Tiny Little Lead

On The Gist, Josh Putnam from Frontloading HQ explains what last night’s Super Tuesday results mean when you do the delegate math. He’s a lecturer at the University of Georgia, where he specializes in campaigns and elections. For the Spiel, common abortion arguments that aren’t good arguments. Today’s sponsor: Roku and HBO NOW. Roku players offer the biggest selection of streaming channels, like HBO NOW. Learn more and try HBO NOW free for one month by going to roku.com/thegist. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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ABR's Poem of the Week - Bonus Episode – Porter Prize Judges Lisa Gorton and Luke Davies in conversation with Peter Rose

In this bonus episode of ‘Poem of the Week’, ABR editor Peter Rose interviews two of the judges of the 2016 Peter Porter Poetry Prize – Lisa Gorton and Luke Davies – about the judging of the prize and honouring the legacy of Peter Porter. Visit our website to find out more about 'Poem of the Week'. www.australianbookreview.com.au/
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The Gist - This Podcast Is for Losers

On The Gist, do we have more to learn from losers than winners? Huffington Post senior politics editor Sam Stein joins us to share the stories behind his podcast Candidate Confessional. For the Spiel, Mike reveals his workout secrets. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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