James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at what's going on at Columbia University and other college campuses where so called peaceful protests on campuses over Israel’s actions in Gaza are creating quite a stir on campus (1:22).  The guys also weigh in on whether the slotted salary for former Iowa Hawkeye star and recent #1 draft pick Caitlin Clark is unfair compared to men’s sports or more generally (39:53).   Columbia cancels in-person classes; protesters arrested at Yale and NYU: Updates...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the “culture of fear” that many scientists are saying has developed around gender medicine research (1:32).  The guys also react to the rap beef involving Drake, Kendrick Lamar and other heavyweights that recently exploded and consider why it seems we do not see high profile rap beefs like in the past (31:51). ‘This isn’t how good scientific debate happens’: academics on culture of fear in gender medicine research (The Guardian) Anti-Trans Bills...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the explosion of sports gambling in society and how it has changed both the business of and culture around sports (1:16).  The guys also react to recent revelations on how ultra processed food changes the way our brains work (34:41).   America Made a Huge Bet on Sports Gambling. The Backlash Is Here. (The Wall Street Journal) In the wake of the Shohei Ohtani scandal, can sports and legal gambling coexist? (Yahoo! News) Cavs head coach says he...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at Florida’s recent law which, among other things, operates to ban kids under 14 from social media, and in light of the dangers posed by social media, react to the criticism that has called the ban unconstitutional and/or hypocritical (1:16). The guys also weigh in on President Biden’s issuance of a statement recognizing Trans Visibility Day, which generated a lot of controversy because the day fell on Easter this year (33:12).   Florida Gov. Ron...

Following the recent antitrust lawsuit filed against Apple in the US, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the ongoing efforts in the US and in Europe to attack several of Apple’s business practices in in today’s view of the historical context of antitrust enforcement (1:21).  The guys also explain why it is a good thing that some of the findings from the new James Webb Space Telescope are knocking holes many of our current theories on how the universe works (40:41).   Apple sued by Biden...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the extent to which the various reactions of people to the release of the manipulated Kate Middleton photo demonstrates what it may look like to live in a world where reality and synthetic realities may be impossible to distinguish (1:24).  The guys also discuss the evolution of dating apps in light of the recently filed lawsuit that contends that dating apps are now designed more to keep people coming back, not help people connect (37:35).   Kate...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look the potential ban of TikTok that is working through the US Congress and consider whether this is more about data privacy and algorithmic manipulation or playing on American’s fear of China (1:07).  The guys also discuss the controversy over Sheryl Swoopes comments about Caitlin Clark and also Swoopes’ thoughts about whether she could be being racist (33:36).   TikTok is a "national security issue," Sens. Mark Warner and Marco Rubio say (CBS News)   Is...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss some key takeaways from the U.S Supreme Court’s decision to forbid states from taking Donald Trump, or any other “oathbreaking insurrectionist,” off the ballot under the disqualification clause of the 14th amendment (1:08). The guys also consider the idea that human brains are wired to avoid exercise and what can be done to overcome this (44:04).   Trump v Anderson (pdf)(supremecourt.gov)   Supreme Court says Trump can appear on 2024 ballot, overturning...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the extent to which America’s extreme and increasingly sticky concentration of wealth in its billionaire class may put its market economy and representative democracy in peril (1:23).  The guys also discuss the concept of freedom of speech in the US in light of the tragic story of Alexei Navalny in Russia (42:04). Where do billionaires come from? Mom and Dad. (Vox)The Estate Tax is Irrelevant to More Than 99 Percent of Americans (ITEP.org) What is the...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider whether Russia’s goals in dividing and undermining the US have been achieved in light of what appears to be an increasing one way love affair with Russia coming out of at least a part of America’s political right (1:19).  The guys also take a look at whether society tends to overemphasize messages of victimhood to Black Americans in a way that is detrimental to Black Americans (45:59).Russia’s objective in the U.S. has already largely been achieved...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at Raoul Peck’s 2016 documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which features the commentary and work of one of America’s intellectual giants, James Baldwin (1:24).  The guys also discuss how stay at home parenting is devalued by America’s institutions even though many often suggesting it is good for society (44:39).I Am Not Your Negro (PBS)I Am Not Your Negro (YouTube)The Paradox of Stay-at-Home Parents (The Atlantic) (Apple News Link)

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider what the suggestion that Taylor Swift and her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce is a psyop really says about our political and media culture (1:17).  The guys also discuss hobbies and why science thinks they are good for us (43:02). Taylor Swift Conspiracy Theorists Get Psyops All Wrong (Wired)Psychological operations (United States) (Wikipedia) Trump Allies Pledge ‘Holy War’ Against Taylor Swift (Rolling Stone)Hannity: Taylor Swift should ‘think...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the use of tariffs in light of recent campaign talk and consider whether in a modern context, they can be an answer to boosting the prospects of American workers (1:21).  The guys also discuss polyamory and the way it seems to be having a bit of a moment in the culture (39:03). How do tariffs work? | CNBC Explains (YouTube) Donald Trump is preparing for a massive new trade war with China (WaPo) Donald Trump wants to impose a 10% tariff. Here's what...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to the “God Made Trump” video and the trend of comparing Donald Trump to Jesus or other biblical figures ,and consider whether what we are seeing is normal politics, a religious movement, or something else altogether (1:31).  The guys also discuss plastistones, the newly discovered sedimentary rock that is being seen around the world and is based in part on our plastic waste (45:15). Trump shares bizarre biblical video saying God made him to be America’s...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the stats on the crime rate in the U.S., which by the numbers seems to be falling, and consider what it means that the vast majority of Americans perceive that crime is increasing (1:28).  The guys also discuss tipping, how it seems to be becoming more widespread with the use of technology, and whether expectations on tipping could ever go so far to create a real backlash (40:20). Most people think the U.S. crime rate is rising. They're wrong....

(SPOLIER ALERT) James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to Christopher Nolan’s 2023 blockbuster film, “Oppenheimer” and David Grubin’s 2009 PBS documentary film “The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” and take a look at how each delved into the life of Oppenheimer and highlighted both his leading of the team which developed the first atomic bomb in the 1940s and his subsequent fall from grace due to alleged ties to communism during what is called the second Red Scare period in American...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider how the recent rulings out of Colorado and Maine that Donald Trump is ineligible to be president put their desires and/or ideals in conflict with what the Constitution dictates (1:42).  The guys also discuss whether 2023 being the warmest year on record will create more urgency or apathy as far as taking action to deal with the climate (45:20). Colorado Supreme Court declares Donald Trump is ineligible for the White House (AP News) Maine's secretary of...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana react to an excellent video from Arken the Amerikan entitled “How Liberty Dies: The Politics of Star Wars” and discuss how the politics of Star Wars contain real world lessons for democratic societies (1:29).  The guys also take a look at some of the efforts being taken by some billionaire to achieve immortality, and the science that seemingly stands in their way (50:41). How Liberty Dies: The Politics of Star Wars, by Arken the Amerikan (YouTube) Why You'll...

As hip hop turns 50, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss how culture and technology have influenced both its founding and its development over the years and react to the documentary “Hip Hop at 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections,” which is currently airing on Hulu (1:35).  The guys also take a look at the ongoing effort by prosecutors in the RICO case against Young Thugs to use his lyrics against him in court and consider the pro wrestling nature of some rapper’s lyrics and personas...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the recent reporting coming out of the Middle East that for years now, Israel’s government had played a role in the propping up of Hamas’ government in Gaza through its backing of millions in funds from Qatar (1:51).  The guys also react to the report that the riches 1% of people in the world are putting as much climate change driving carbon in the atmosphere as the poorest 2/3 of people in the world (42:47). ‘Buying Quiet’: Inside the Israeli Plan That...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the expulsion of George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives and consider the extent to which people tolerate, or even embrace, lying from politicians (1:37).  The guys also take a look at what some may call a quixotic push by some us Muslim Americans to abandon Joe Biden in 2024 because of his stance on the Israeli - Hamas war (42:02). House votes to expel indicted Rep. George Santos from Congress  (NBC News) Santos, now booted from the House,...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the turmoil that took place recently with OpenAI and its leadership, including key things that seemed to set the stage for it and the path things seem to be on in its aftermath, and consider whether the exercise of caution in the development of AI is even possible (1:34).  The guys also discuss eye contact and take a look at a recent study which suggests that people rarely make direct eye contact when conversing with strangers (48:51). OpenAI Tried to...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the apparent disconnect between what the numbers are telling us about the economy, which is that it is doing pretty well, and the negative view of the economy that is reflected in recent polling and just general sentiment (1:57).  The guys also react to new evidence that confirms that the Vikings were traveling back and forth to North America up to 500 years before Columbus (45:54). Economic Viewpoints: Retail Sales Dip, But Consumers Keep Spending (US...

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss ongoing blockade of the confirmation of military promotions by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and how his “my way or the highway” approach is so antithetical to the principle of compromise that is baked into the U.S. system by the Constitution  (1:10).  The guys also react to a recent study which suggests that walking can be as good as Viagra for men (44:32). Why a single senator is blocking US military promotions and what it means for the...