This week, Pope Francis was the biggest thing to hit America since the British Invasion. You could buy Pope-themed dolls, cookies with the Pope's face, hats, coffee mugs, backpacks, and even a Pope Bobblehead.
It was the pope's first visit to the U.S., and he seemed eager and happy to be here. He spoke passionately about the poor, climate change, and the migrant crisis, and cautioned against religious extremism. It has left some people wondering why he met privately and secretly with Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refuses to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Also, a soon-to-be-released app called Peeple sparked outrage this week when we learned it will allow us to review each other with the same star system we currently use to rate restaurants and hotels. Julia Cordray, co-founder of the app, doesn't get why we wouldn't want to research people before we mingle with them, especially since we research the cars and restaurants and hotels we choose to buy. Somewhere along the way, she conflated relationships between people with buying a car.
Lastly, the MacArthur Foundation every year gives $625,000 to 24 people who have shown exceptional creativity. Recipients can spend the money any way they want, no strings attached, beyond their personal sense of responsibility to do something better than what they've already accomplished. What makes these awards - and the people they honor - different from all the rest?
GUESTS:
- James Hanley - Co-founder of Cinestudio at Trinity College
- Carolyn Paine - Actress/Comedian, Dancer, and Founder, Choreographer, & Director of CONNetic Dance
- Taneisha Duggan - Director of Audience Engagement at Hartbeat Ensemble
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Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show.
