America Trends

The many generations that are growing old in today’s America are as different from one another as they are from the millennials and Gen X’ers.  There is no way to look at the experiences of those in their 60’s and equate them to the fastest growing population in the country, those 85 plus.  Yet, many … Continue reading EP 473 Aging Americans Growing Older Like Never Before

A clash of competing political movements in America result in leaders presiding over a fractured and dispirited electorate and a troubled political economy.  And while President Joe Biden has attempted to restore the political order to something reminiscent of more conventional times, his success or failure could usher in a new wave of strident dissent … Continue reading EP 472 Populism, Nationalism, Socialism Combine to Define Crisis Moment in American Politics

The answer to the question posed in our title of this episode is an emphatic ‘no’.  Regrettably, the practice of eugenics has occurred in the United States, more specifically in California, through the 1970’s. And it has occurred in many other countries. You could look it up or just listen to our podcast, featuring University … Continue reading EP 471 Was Germany Alone a Nation That Practiced Eugenics?

In this moment of increasing social isolation, social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, are some of the key tools we have to communicate and understand one another.  While many consider these platforms to be a mirror to define our place in society, our guest tells us they function more like a prism that distorts … Continue reading EP 470 Is There a Way to Make Social Media Platforms Less Polarizing?

Americans aren’t particularly good at recycling.  We have no federal policy related to it and plastics manufacturers, for instance, fight the process in Congress where the effort really needs to begin.  ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ was a mantra from back in the 1970’s which is still applicable today.  And as our guest reminds us if you … Continue reading EP 469 Can I Recycle This?

Are you a sports fan who has been told that you’re wasting your time watching your favorite team night in and night out?  Recent studies suggest that this devotion may pay off in making you happier and healthier than those who have no interest.  With the onset of fantasy sports, not a single team focus, … Continue reading EP 468 Why Passionate Sports Fans May Be Happier Than the Rest of Us

Nancy Pelosi is the most powerful member of Congress–again.  She is Speaker of the House for a second time and wielding tremendous power with a Democrat in the White House. While misunderstood and maligned by many, she is, perhaps, the most effective person in that role since Sam Rayburn.  Her Republican predecessors, John Boehner and … Continue reading EP 467 Madame Speaker Wields Strong Gavel

I am certain you’ve discussed money matters with a friend or relative and been shocked at how little they know about the subject.  It’s obvious by knowing the terrible decisions that they have made over time.  Or, perhaps, you’re that person. Money is the universal language of America and yet only six states require that … Continue reading EP 466 Americans Love Money But Understand So Little About It

It’s hard to look at America and not recognize that money will have to be spent in the period ahead on a range of emerging priorities, including addressing income inequality, infrastructure, day care, health coverage and the long tail of the pandemic.  The question is where do you get the money to address these issues?  … Continue reading EP 465 Has the Time Come for the Rich to Pay Their Fair Share in Taxes?

While we often think of the epidemic of gun violence as happening on the streets of America, it is even worse in the countries south of us in the Americas.  The source of the supply is the same, primarily United States gun manufacturers. How those guns start as legal products and become entwined with drug … Continue reading EP 464 Drug Cartels and Guns: A Deadly Combination

America’s Second Amendment is summed up in just a few words and yet massive amounts of ink have been spilled trying to explain it, massive amounts of blood spilled in defense of it and massive sums spent on legal efforts to try and curtail it and still gunfire rings out across our land like never … Continue reading EP 463 America’s Complicated Relationship with Guns

  Neither terrorist attack, financial meltdown, devastating hurricane or a pandemic can shake New York City from its perch as America’s most unique and vital city.  While some say it’s teetering now in the wake of COVID-19 it is hard to bet against this city because of the resilience and strength of its people.  And … Continue reading EP 462 New York: America’s Indispensable City

It’s the same old song as the Russian spy machine keeps rolling along.  Who would know better than Jack Devine who formerly served as acting director and associate director at the CIA  and was in charge of the CIA’s largest and most successful covert action operation, which drove the Russians out of Afghanistan? In his … Continue reading EP 461 Spy Vs. Spy: The U.S. Fight Against Soviet, Now Russian, Aggression

There is a growing concern that capitalism, as presently practiced in the United States, is not working in the best interest of the majority of our citizens.  The growing income inequality gap is just one measure of how the ideal of The American Dream is becoming an illusion to a growing sector of our population.  … Continue reading EP 460 Is Capitalism Good for Our Health?

‘Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from their swift completion of their appointed rounds’ has been the mantra of the United States Postal Service since its roots in 1775 before our country was formed.  It is one of the few government agencies explicitly referred to in the U.S. … Continue reading EP 459 The Future of the Post Office

 Red hot is a good way to characterize the recent housing boom in America.  Fortunately the fundamentals seem better aligned to avoid the crash which we experienced a little over a decade ago.  Mortgages are stricter, down payments are higher and the tight supply of housing is supporting prices.  Ken H. Johnson is a real … Continue reading EP 458 Will This Housing Boom Go Bust?

 We have mythologized crime labs to such a degree in America that they have become a staple on television given a seal of authority that is not justified upon serious scrutiny. Duke Law Professor, Brandon Garrett, chapter by chapter in his book, ‘Autopsy of a Crime Lab’, debunks the rigor, quality controls and the science … Continue reading EP 457 An Autopsy of Crime Labs in America

Movie theaters were in trouble before the pandemic and have been for years.  While megascreen complexes were still being built, consumers were gearing up their equipment at home to receive an abundance of movie choices by way of cable and streaming services.  The idea of going out to a movie requires many conscious decisions, while … Continue reading EP 456 Is the Movie Theater Dead?

On many levels, the elaborate system of food banks feeding into food pantries in America works quite well. That’s until you consider the possibilities that these centers can become more client driven, more nutritionally based and can provide a range of wraparound services that they do not at this time.  Katie Martin, the Executive Director … Continue reading EP 455 Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries

THIS IS A BOOK AND PODCAST THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO ! That’s a nice shirt you’re wearing and where did you get that cute little display for Halloween?  In all likelihood, both of items came from China.  While we are aware that Chinese goods are cheaper than those made in … Continue reading EP 454 Be Aware: Made in China Label May Mean Made in a Forced Labor Camp