July 30, 2020
01. 75 Years Later: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
02. How to Recognize Propaganda
03. Kodak Stock Looking Good? Don’t Buy It!
04. The Story of America’s 20th-Century Middle Class
05. Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring
06. Can America’s Broken Higher Education System Be Fixed?
07. What the ‘War on Drugs’ Can Teach Us about Fighting COVID
08. Why Our Leaders Keep Disappointing Us
09. Get Ready for Contactless Horas and Tarantellas!
10. 6 Biggest Myths about Sunglasses
11. Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids
12. ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
13. What Really Happens When We Die?
14. How to Reduce Stress and Be More Productive
15. How Your Hobby Could Save Your Life
1.==> 75 Years Later: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and to this day remain the only uses of nuclear weapons in armed conflict. We offer several analysts and historians available for comment:
Peter Kuznick is professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University. He is the co-author (with Akira Kimura) of “Rethinking the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Japanese and American Perspectives,” and co-author (with Oliver Stone) of “The Untold History of the United States,” and author “The Decision to Risk the Future: Harry Truman, the Atomic Bomb and the Apocalyptic Narrative.” Contact him at pkuznick@aol.com
Gar Alperovitz is the author of “Atomic Diplomacy: Hiroshima and Potsdam” and “The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb.” He is currently a principal of The Democracy Collaborative, an independent research institution in Washington, D.C. He was formerly a fellow of Kings College Cambridge, the Institute of Politics at Harvard, and Lionel Bauman Professor of Political Economy at the University of Maryland. Contact him at garalper@gmail.com
Martin Sherwin is a professor of history at George Mason University and the author of several books including “A World Destroyed: Hiroshima and Its Legacies,” and the upcoming “Gambling with Armageddon: Nuclear Roulette from Hiroshima to the Cuban Missile Crisis.” Contact him at martysherwin@.com
2. ==> How to Recognize Propaganda
We’re all influenced by propaganda every day, especially in an election year. Learning to recognize techniques people use to influence your opinions and actions can help you evaluate the flood of information you get each day. Layman “Buzz” Allen will explain how learning to identify propaganda is as easy as playing an online game (the aptly named The Propaganda Game) and explain why propaganda can be a good thing. “The fascinating thing is that propaganda is used by all sides in most controversial issues. Our role in pointing out the actual mechanics is neutral as far as ideology is concerned. We are seeking to raise the level of discourse and appreciation for everyone involved,” Buzz says. Used in schools, The Propaganda Game was co-invented by Buzz’s late uncle, Robert W. Allen, and Bonanza actor Lorne Greene in the 1960s. Ask him: What are some of the 50 techniques explored in the game and which could help us in an election year? How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? Why do you take a neutral attitude toward propaganda? What would people be surprised to know about Lorne Greene and comedian Leslie Nielsen? Contact Michael Clever at (515) 412-0419; MClever@rtirguests.com or lallen@rtirguests.com
3. ==> Kodak Stock Looking Good? Don’t Buy It!
Kodak stock has popped a whopping 575% between July 17 and pre-market trade on July 29. That’s because of news this week that the photography pioneer is borrowing money from the government to manufacture ingredients for generic drugs such as the malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine. Should you buy the stock today? Peter Cohan will explain three reasons why you shouldn’t. He’ll discuss the company’s financial performance and prospects, why the demand for generic malaria drug ingredients may be weak, along with the company’s long history of poor management. Peter Cohan runs his own management consulting and venture capital firm. He’s been a media/tech stock analyst for CNBC, Forbes and other outlets for more than 20 years and teaches business strategy and entrepreneurship at Babson College. Cohan is the author of more than a dozen books. Contact him at (508) 460-9348; (508) 361-3805 (cell); peter@petercohan.com
4.==> The Story of America’s 20th-Century Middle Class
In the midst of a years-long debate about the state of today’s middle class, David Stebenne discusses the history of America’s 20th-century middle class: the policies that supported its growth in the first half of the century, the transformation it wrought on society, and the social, political, and economic forces of the 1960s that brought this period of expansion to an end. Learn how the American middle class began its ascent in the 1930s, with the progressive economic policies of the era — the New Deal, greater business and finance regulation, increased taxation — intended to bring an end to the Great Depression. Stebenne will explain how the military draft and GI Bill of World War II helped many Americans join the expanding middle class in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s so that by the 1960s the middle class was a potent political and cultural force. By the late 1960s however, social movements erupted in public protest, political policy changed, and the economy stagnated, and the middle class began to shrink, bringing attention to exactly who middle-class prosperity benefited. Where decades of growth had built wealth and power for white men and their families, women, people of color, and other marginalized groups were often left out. David Stebenne is a professor at Ohio State University and has written about New Deal liberalism, conservative thinking from the 1940s through the ‘60s, and suburbia. His new book is “Promised Land: How the Rise of the Middle Class Transformed America, 1929 – 1968.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; Jboyer@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring
Many Americans, stuck at home for months now amid the COVID crisis, are eying safe ways to travel this summer and interest in RVs is soaring. Dealers across the country report a surge in demand, with manufacturers struggling to keep up production. RVs don’t come cheap; a new one will set you back anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, but you can rent one for a few days or weeks and try it out. For those with quarantine fatigue who don’t feel comfortable traveling by air or staying in a hotel right now, it may sound like a great alternative, but is it for you? Tim Winders and his wife are living the life many people dream of as they roll down the highway in the 39-foot RV they named Theo that serves as their home AND office. Tim can answer questions about living AND working in such small quarters, the benefits and drawbacks of having a home on wheels, and how RV living has changed during the pandemic. He’ll also explain how he came to live this more intentional lifestyle. He is so persuasive that his adult son also works and lives in his own RV. Tim has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the SeekGoCreate podcast and is finishing his first novel. He and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all across North America. Contact him at (310) 388-3854; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability
6.==> Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?
As the pandemic continues to impact all facets of American life it’s a great time to talk about the failures of the U.S.’s higher education system and how they might be fixed. This issue is much larger than the much talked about one of whether institutions of higher learning should offer classes online or in-person and former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to have that discussion now. Glen says, “This virus is an opportunity for instructors and students to redefine what school is and how learning is achieved. I hope that our harsh realities on health complications and the sale of incomplete products (online classes) will inspire more to forge a thoughtful path but unfortunately, the reluctance for change, and the need for institutions to continue to make income will make the school experience limp along as people try to regain the glory of the university mythos.” Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. Glen is a former college professor, a documentarian, and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills For Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
7. ==> What the ‘War on Drugs’ Can Teach Us about Fighting COVID
Addiction is a serious health issue in the U.S., but government policies attempting to minimize drug use, addiction and overdose have resulted in over a trillion dollars in U.S. taxpayer money spent to “buy” the highest addiction rates, the highest overdose rates, and the highest incarceration rates in the world. Attorney Colleen Cowles notes that the government’s response to COVID-19 has many similarities to drug policy. Can lessons learned from failed drug policy help to avoid repeating history as pandemic policies are designed and enforced? Invite attorney Colleen Cowles, author of the book “War On Us: How the War on Drugs and Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us,” to discuss drug policy, its correlation to pandemic policy, and opportunities to use history to design rational responses to life-threatening health emergencies. Contact Colleen at (715) 828-0293; Colleen@WarOnUs.com
8. ==> Why Our Leaders Keep Disappointing Us
Have you ever wondered why the world’s leaders continue to let people down? Why chaos seems to be increasing? Or what happened to the age of peace, love, and understanding promised in the 1960s? If so, you’ll want to interview Sankarshan Das, a spiritual master who says, “Sadly, most of our leaders are not real leaders because they are unwilling to sacrifice everything for the common good.” Despite that, he says the knowledge exists to bring in a new era of unparalleled peace and prosperity to every town, village, city, and hamlet all over the world. Sankarshan Das is the author of the upcoming book “Conquer Your Mind and Deliver the World: Empowering You to Awaken Your Divine Consciousness and Create Global Happiness.” He is also a singer-songwriter who once appeared onstage between Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. His song, “The Peace Formula,” has been praised by Barack Obama. Contact him at (512) 643-6740; sdas@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Get Ready for Contactless Horas and Tarantellas!
Even in a pandemic people are still getting married and celebrating milestones, albeit with adjustments. Veteran event planner Lynne Goldberg can talk about what some of those changes are. For a fascinating interview, find out how brides and grooms are keeping their guests safe on the dance floor (would you believe touchless horas and tarantellas?), what a social distance concierge is, how to creatively serve food and drinks now, and what to write on an invitation to put guests at ease. Lynne Goldberg is the founder of Ms. Wedding Planner and Boca Entertainment; she has been in the business for two decades. Contact her at (561) 212-6024; Lynneggoldberg@gmail.com
10. ==> 6 Biggest Myths About Sunglasses
Wearing the right sunglasses is the best defense against short- and long-term eye damage from ultraviolet rays, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. Surprisingly, many people have no idea how to choose the right shades to keep them safe. Vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will share the six biggest sunglass myths that could endanger your eyesight. Ask her: what two numbers should you look for on prospective sunglasses? Will polarized lenses that look cool keep out damaging UV rays? What style of sunglasses would be your best bet? Should children wear sunglasses? Do you need sunglasses on cloudy days? Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact her at lthompson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids
Even with COVID-19, the summer is slipping away fast. But it’s not too late to make fun memories with young children. Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer inexpensive ways to do that while sheltering in place. With the start of school (in whatever form it may take) just weeks away, Jean suggests parents and children try these activities: practice their best Harry Potter British accents by picking an exciting or funny scene from a new or favorite book and acting it out. Write their own rules and create a new card game that uses them. Be journalists for a day by creating a list of questions and interviewing a favorite grown-up about what it was like when they were a child. Go on safari by discovering five facts about their favorite zoo animals, then share the facts with grandparents and other adults via FaceTime or Zoom. Jean is a veteran of human resources and organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact Jean at (602) 397-1344; procoachjean@gmail.com
12. ==> ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
No one wants to go through what Meghan Smith Brooks did. She not only lost her younger son, Justin, but had to cope with the knowledge that the 29-year-old father was murdered and experience the slowly moving justice system. Yet however horrible Meghan’s experience was, the ordained Unity Minister, licensed spiritual educator and certified grief coach has gained insights she wants to share with others who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and for other reasons. She is the author of the new book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: Why isn’t grief something to get over? Why must you feel to heal? Does it ever go away? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What Really Happens When We Die?
With so many people mourning COVID-19 victims, many wonder if we go to an afterlife after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Reduce Stress and Be More Productive
Today our lives are overrun by stress. Stress affects our personal relationships and work lives. It negatively impacts us. Invite stress reduction and meditation expert Adam Weber to share his meditation method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, even at work. He says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Weber is the author of “From Stress to Profit: How Meditation Helps the Corporate Warrior Survive, Thrive, and Profit in Our Stress-Filled World” and the forthcoming book “I Will Teach You to Meditate,” which reveals simple ways to start meditating. He is also the creator of the highly acclaimed online training program Easy to Meditate. He’ll answer all your meditation questions including: Is it hard to start meditating? Can you really relax your mind in a stressful place? Contact Adam Weber at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Your Hobby Could Save Your Life
Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, how anxiety can become your best friend and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a new career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications and has been featured on Mindalia TV and an NBC affiliate. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com
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