January 26, 2017
01. Is Trump Right on NATO??
02. Trump’s New Authoritarian Government
03. Alternative Facts? How to Tell Fake News from Real News
04. Pence Assembling Dream Team of Christian Right
05. Meat-Buying Made Easy: MyMeatUp App
06. Another Reason Lying Matters – Kids
07. After the March: Get Gutsy, Get Going
08. Expect More Protests
09. Is ‘Trumpertension’ the New National Health Problem?
10. Let’s Talk Dating Deal Breakers
11. Love Sickness is Real
12. Resolution Failed? It’s Not Your Fault
13. Why Winter Is the Best Time to Find Your Purpose
14. Let’s Talk Cannibals
15. Rock, Power and Politics
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1. ==> Is Trump Right on NATO??
President Donald Trump continues to attack the NATO
alliance, calling it obsolete because NATO wasn’t set
up to respond to terrorist threats, while reminding the
world that the allies free-ride off U.S. military
efforts by not bearing their fair share of the burden.
“Embarrassingly, Trump is right on both counts,” says
Ivan Eland. “The Cold War-era alliance needs to be
scrapped or at the very least reformed.” He says the
United States alone accounts for about 75 percent of
the military spending of the 28-country alliance. He’ll
discuss NATO as well as how military spending could be
significantly cut without sacrificing national
security. Ivan Eland is a senior fellow and the
director of the Center on Peace and Liberty at the
Independent Institute. He recently wrote the piece NATO
is Obsolete for US News and World Report. Eland is also
the author of several books including “Recarving
Rushmore: Ranking the Presidents on Peace, Prosperity,
and Liberty.” Contact him at (703) 282-3484 (cell);
ieland@independent.org, @Ivan_Eland
2. ==> Trump’s New Authoritarian Government
We knew he was a narcissist who has thin skin and loves
to lash out at those who disagree. Now that he’s
president, Ruth Ben-Ghiat says Trump’s following ‘the
authoritarian playbook.’ “Strongmen show aggression to
the press as part of a slow-drip strategy of
discrediting all information that is not dispensed by
their close allies. Strongmen also target the
judiciary, since it stands in the way of their
“reforms” that often veer into extra-legality. Those
with a history of legal troubles can be particularly
focused on this sector.” She adds, “Authoritarians love
to think they are making history, and never hesitate to
rewrite the past to suit their political agendas.
Trump’s use of racism as a campaign tool laid the
foundations for what will be a concerted effort to
delegitimize the history of civil rights struggles in
our country.” Ruth Ben-Ghiat is professor of history
and Italian studies at New York University and a
cultural critic. She writes and speaks frequently on
fascism, war, racism, authoritarian rulers, propaganda,
and the politics of images and her essay on Trump and
Mussolini recently ran in the Atlantic. Contact her at
rb68@nyu.edu
3. ==> Alternative Facts? How to Tell Fake News from
Real News
The advent of social media and blogging has given the
masses the ability to create and write the news, and
fake news is fast becoming a very real and alarming
trend. With nearly half of all Americans (47%) getting
their news from Facebook often see fictional political
stories, it’s vital that we learn to distinguish fact
from fiction. Communication expert Leslie Shore will
offer 4 tips for determining whether what you are
reading is true or false. Among other things, she says
you should look for a reputable source of a story and
make sure there’s an actual author of the piece. Shore
says there are also key words to watch for that
indicate a story is opinion rather than fact. Leslie
Shore is a national speaker, communication expert,
professor, and author. She’s also the owner of Listen
to Succeed, a consultancy that focuses on listening
analytics. Contact Erin Dean at (661) 255-8283;
erin@steveallenmedia.com
4. ==> Pence Assembling Dream Team of Christian Right
While Donald Trump has been making news with his gaffes
and tweets, Mike Pence has been quietly assembling a
dream team of Christian Right figures for senior
administration posts. Frederick Clarkson says he’s
doing exactly what he was expected to do as head of the
presidential transition team. “Donald Trump, via his
son Donald Jr., reportedly called an aide to his first
choice for veep, Governor John Kasich of Ohio, and told
him that a president Trump would put Kasich in charge
of both foreign and domestic policy, while the
president himself would be in charge of ‘making America
great again.’ Pence hasn’t said whether he got the same
deal, but his role as chair of the transition team
suggests that he is already among the most powerful
vice presidents in American history.” Clarkson says,
“The Christian Right is now not only one of the most
powerful political movements in the country, but a
leading force in the federal government as well.”
Clarkson is Senior Fellow for Religious Liberty at
Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank
in Somerville, MA. He is the author of the report, When
Exemption is the Rule: The Religious Freedom Strategy
of the Christian Right. Contact him at
frederick.clarkson@gmail.com
5. ==> Meat-Buying Made Easy: MyMeatUp App
Don’t know the difference between brisket and a
sirloin? What size chicken do you need to feed a family
of four? Shopping for meat can be confusing. The cuts,
how to cook them, and how to tell when it’s done;
there’s a lot to figure out and you’re in the middle of
the grocery store! Well, there’s now an app that can
help. The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) has
launched MyMeatUp, an app with a full guide to beef,
pork, lamb and veal cuts. NAMI President and CEO Barry
Carpenter says, “It is a great resource, particularly
for younger shoppers just starting to navigate the
grocery store on their own for themselves and their
families, to answer any questions they have about the
meat in the case.” From shopping to cooking and safety,
the app is full of pictures and information that will
help anyone standing in front of the meat counter
without a clue about what’s behind the glass. Contact:
Janet Riley at (202) 587-4245; jriley@meatinstitute.org
or Eric Mittenthal at (202) 587-4238;
emittenthal@meatinstitute.org
6. ==> Another Reason Lying Matters – Kids
A lie is a lie, but even adults who’ve heard their fair
share of political rhetoric and spin are finding it
hard distinguish between the lies and truths in
Washington today. So how do you talk to kids about the
importance of truth when the new president doesn’t seem
all that interested? Leeza Steindorf, an expert in
parenting and communication, says “Society as a whole
permits—even encourages—lies, white lies, bending the
truth, calling things alternative facts. But
children—and quite frankly quite a few adults—need to
understand the value in telling the truth: Being
truthful is key to being authentic and genuine, which
is congruence inside and out.” She’ll discuss how to
talk about today’s issues with kids from young ones to
teens, and help them make sense of what’s going on in
the world around us. Leeza Steindorf is a
communications and conflict resolution expert,
international consultant and speaker. She’s the author
of “Connected Parent, Empowered Child: Five Keys to
Raising Happy, Confident, Responsible Kids” and “CORE
Success for Schools: The Practical Guide Book for a
Positive School Climate.” Contact her at (541) 550-
0451; Leeza@CoreSuccess.com
7. ==> After the March: Get Gutsy, Get Going
Millions of men and women around the world took to the
streets last weekend in solidarity with the Washington
D.C. Women’s March, but what happens now? Pat
Obuchowski says women should get gutsy and get going!
“The world needs more women stepping into their power
and using their voice to become leaders in their own
right.” Pat will discuss the barriers many women face
when it comes to empowerment and share ways to work
around “life” and find the guts to get going! Pat
Obuchowski, MBA, PCC, CPCC, is an executive coach who
combines her experience as an IT executive with
graduate degrees in business and neuroscience. Her new
book is “Gutsy Women Win: How to Get Gutsy and Get
Going.” Contact her at Pat@GutsyWomenWin.com
8. ==> Expect More Protests
One of the interesting characteristics about last
weekend’s women’s marches was the number of first-time
protestors. What has changed that is drawing people off
the couch and into the streets? Carol Richardson says,
“When the majority popular vote does not elect a
president, and the president has expressed hate towards
large portions of the US population, protesters are
speaking up and will continue to speak up to express
what is needed in a healthy democracy. America has
become an oligarchy which has exercised a too-often
unrecognized tyranny over American politics.”
Richardson, an Interfaith Minister, says no matter what
side of the aisle Americans choose, most of us have
experienced tyranny financially or politically, and
after this divisive election, protests against
perceived tyranny may become the norm. She adds,
“American democracy was founded on spiritual ideals,
and we will only return to a cooperative, peaceful
democracy when we restore these healthy ideals in
American life.” Rev. Carol Richardson, M.Div., MPH is
an Interfaith Intuitive Healer and Coach in the
Washington, DC area, and an expert in healthy
spirituality. She’s the author of “Mornings with the
Masters: Mystical Journeys in a Postmodern World.”
Contact her at 269-365- 8939;
carol.dodson.richardson@gmail.com
9. ==> Is ‘Trumpertension’ the New National Health
Problem?
It’s no secret that the majority of people who didn’t
vote for Donald Trump are having trouble accepting his
administration. In fact, many Americans are seeking
medical help for the anxiety they are experiencing due
to the change of occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Palm Springs-based internal medicine physician Kiran
Dintyala (a.k.a. Dr. Calm) has seen patients with Post-
Election Stress Disorder, including some with
previously well-controlled blood pressure who are
coming in with alarmingly high numbers. He calls it
“Trumpertension” describing it as “a substantial
increase in blood pressure unrelated to diet, sodium
intake or exercise that is solely attributable to
worries over what a Trump presidency may mean for your
future and America’s.” In response, he’s written “Seven
Keys to Surviving the Trump Presidency,” sharing tips
to stay calm amidst the seemingly endless flow of
unsettling news and ways to remain positive and
hopeful, no matter who’s in the Oval Office. Kiran
Dintyala is a Board Certified Internal Medicine
Physician currently practicing at Eisenhower Medical
Center. He’s also the author of “Calm in the Midst of
Chaos.” Contact him at (860) 375 0446;
stressfreerevolution@gmail.com
10. ==> Let’s Talk Dating Deal Breakers
It could be the color of her nail polish. The way she
wears her hair. Her tattoos or the sound of her voice.
Maybe it’s the limp way he shakes your hand. His bald
spot. Or his awful taste in clothing. Most of us screen
potential dates using preconceived standards (i.e. deal
breakers). Psychiatrist Christine Adams will have your
listeners thinking about how they would answer the
question, “I would never date someone who …” before
calling them out on the snap judgments they use to
foolishly eliminate potential dates. Dr. Adams will
also share why “you should run away fast” when you
experience instant sexual attraction to someone. She
can discuss the best questions to ask on first and
second dates (and how to pay attention to what your
date isn’t asking you). And will argue that in most
cases a single date is never enough to rule someone
out. Dr. Christine Adams is coauthor of “Living On
Automatic: How Emotional Conditioning Shapes Our Lives
and Relationships.” Contact her at (502) 473-0093;
Tinabina013@gmail.com
11. ==> Love Sickness is Real
People-pleasers devote most of their time to avoiding
conflict, going along with other people and placing
their own needs last. And when it comes to Valentine’s
Day, people-pleasing tendencies can literally make us
lovesick, leading to stress, headaches, insomnia,
resentment and frequent colds and flus. Dr. Don
MacDonald says Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays
that can bring people-pleasers to their knees. The
author of “The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure,
Your Road to Success” will discuss how to avoid being a
Valentine’s Day underdog, how worry and resentment can
sabotage your immune system, and how to figure out the
best way for you and your lover to celebrate
Valentine’s Day. Dr. Don has spent 17 years in the
health and wellness industry as a chiropractor. He’s
also a life coach and motivational speaker and has
appeared on TV and radio across the country. Contact
him at (780) 983-5102; drdon@shaw.ca
12. ==> Resolution Failed? It’s Not Your Fault
Have your New Year’s Resolutions disappeared but you
still want to be healthier? It happens even with our
best intentions. Renee Jones says, “It’s easy to
devolve into berating our ability to stick to our plan,
but that never helps. Shame tends to reinforce the
cycle because we then need more soothing. The key to
getting to your goal is returning to the track leading
where we want to go. Reset. Make a U-turn if needed.
Adjust the plan if necessary. But most important, love
yourself.” She adds, “When you find yourself staring
longingly into the refrigerator for comfort, start a
diet with good intentions but lose focus, reach your
goal and then yo-yo back up or gain even more weight,
it’s not hunger driving you. It’s time to look at
what’s really eating you.” Renee Jones is a counselor
with an international private practice serving clients
in the U. S., United Kingdom, Canada, Germany,
Switzerland, Romania, Australia, and New Zealand. Her
new book is “What’s Really Eating You? Overcome the
Triggers of Comfort Eating.” Contact her at (817)
938-6250 (TX); renee@packyourownbag.com
13. ==> Why Winter Is the Best Time to Find Your
Purpose
Baby, it’s cold outside, at least for most of the
country. Days are shorter and people feel like
hibernating. Meanwhile, 10 million Americans are coping
with seasonal affective disorder. But Andro Donovan
says winter’s chill offers advantages too good to miss.
It is in winter, she argues, that we can slow down and
take the time to find ourselves, determine who we are
and who we want to be and put into motion short-term
goals that will warm out hearts. Invite Donovan on your
show to talk about getting the most from your next snow
day (after the snowball fight, of course), and
strategies you can use to think outside the box when
all you want to do is curl up in it with a blanket.
She’s the author of “Motivate Yourself: Get the Life
You Want, Find Purpose and Achieve Fulfilment,”
published by a subsidiary of Wiley. Donovan is a
leadership development specialist best known for her
life-changing retreats that take place around the
world. Contact her at +4407711238410;
andro@trend.co.uk; andro@androdonovan.com; Skype:
andro.donovan1
14. ==> Let’s Talk Cannibals
For centuries, cannibalism has been written off as a
bizarre phenomenon with little scientific significance.
But the true nature of cannibalism—the role it plays in
evolution as well as human culture—is even more
interesting (and less disturbing) than the many
misconceptions we’ve come to accept as fact. Dr. Bill
Schutt, PhD, a researcher at the American Museum of
Natural History, will discuss why some amphibians
consume their mother’s skin; why certain insects bite
the heads off their partners; why, up until the end of
the twentieth century, Europeans regularly ate human
body parts as medical curatives; and how cannibalism
might be linked to the extinction of Neanderthals. Bill
Schutt is a professor of biology at LIU Post and a
research associate in residence at the American Museum
of Natural History. His latest book is “Cannibalism: A
Perfectly Natural History.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer
at (703) 646-5138; johanna@jrbcomm.com
15. ==> Rock, Power and Politics
A new exhibit is opens in Washington D.C. that explores
the power of rock to change attitudes about patriotism,
peace, equality and freedom. The ‘Louder Than Words:
Rock, Power and Politics’ at the Newseum features,
among other things, John Lennon’s acoustic guitar from
his 1969 Montreal and Amsterdam “Bed-Ins for Peace”
with Yoko Ono, the Fender Stratocaster Jimi Hendrix
used to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at
Woodstock, stage costumes worn by the Village People
and original handwritten lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “The
Times They Are a-Changin’,” Chuck Berry’s “School Day,”
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” and Green
Day’s “American Idiot.” “This exhibit is a powerful
testament to the role music has played in influencing
political and social change,” says the Newseum’s Cathy
Trost. The exhibit was created in partnership with the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Contact Sonya Gavankar of the
Newseum at (202) 292-6200; sgavankar@newseum.org; or
Shauna Wilson at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at (216)
515-1215; swilson@rockhall.org
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