Just One Thing
Please read (and subscribe for free to) my Substack. Here's today's note: When you don't want to be in the cultural conversation
The Boss is back in the news, but not for his music—it’s for his politics (again). While some want to write him off as just another celebrity Trump-hater, it represents a serious challenge for Trump and the GOP that this stuff is seeping (or rushing) into the culture like this. The lyrics in the Springsteen song are VERY aggressive.
Headlines like Democratic Overreach on Immigration Beckons foreshadow a potential backlash (against the Dems) if the GOP plays its cards right. My take? Trump should stop the bleeding by offering a deal: prioritize the removal of violent illegal alien criminals while keeping federal agents out of the faces of everyday citizens. It’s bad PR for the Dems if they refuse because it's obviously the right policy choice if one weren't motivated by pandering to a fringe base. Sometimes it's unclear that any politicians are interested in anything else these days but actually there are some hopeful signs that it's actually going in this direction: Trump and Schumer Move Toward Possible Deal to Avert a Shutdown - The New York Times
Today's Guests
Monique Kelly Associate Professor of Strategic Communication and author of Redefining Networking: Lead with Your Unique Value. We’re talking about the AI-driven "death" of entry-level jobs and why human connection is the only hedge against the machines. Monique Kelley | College of Communication
Sandra Ristovska Founding director of the Visual Evidence Lab at CU Boulder. She’s an expert on video activism and how video is interpreted in the courtroom. One question that has an answer (I think) that will surprise a lot of people is, "how reliable are eyewitness accounts?"
Paul Beale My favorite CU Physics Professor joins us with some news about leap seconds (a concept I love) and to remember the late Joel Primack, Physicist Who Helped Explain the Cosmos.
Other Stuff
Alex Pretti had a scuffle with federal agents 11 days before they killed him: New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with federal officers the week before his death | AP News
Some folks who continue to try to justify the killing will attempt to use this to say "he had it coming" or something like that. That, of course, is wrong.
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The FBI raided a Fulton County election facility, and frankly, I’m skeptical. Is this a search for truth or just a way to satisfy the base?: FBI Executes Search at Fulton County Election Facility
That said, if they actually find real fraud, it would be an absolute earthquake.
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Kid Rock went to D.C. to complain about Ticketmaster. I’m usually for the free market, but when it’s a monopoly that makes a concert cost more than a mortgage, he might have a point: Kid Rock slams Ticketmaster pricing at Senate hearing
Kid Rock calls for price cap on resale tickets to protect against gouging
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Corporate America is leaning into "Trump Accounts," with Bank of America matching employee contributions. I have some thoughts about these accounts...
Trump accounts get the star treatment
Bank of America matches $1,000 Trump accounts contributions for employees
Understanding Trump Accounts in the OBBB
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The Trump administration should stop targeting states it doesn't like. I'm all for finding and stopping fraud but nobody believes that's all that's going on here: Federal judge blocks Trump administration from starting Colorado SNAP pilot program | 9news.com
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Principles are easy when things are going your way; they’re much harder when they're not. This is a great read from Jonah Goldberg on sticking to your guns: Principle Insurance - The Dispatch.(subscription may be required)
The snow is terrible, and the ski resorts are literally paying you to show up. Desperate times for the Ikon Pass crowd: Ikon Wants You to Ski So Bad, It’s Offering $20 Vouchers
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I agree: Wetzel: If Belichick isn't first ballot, just shut the Hall down - ESPN
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The stock market is at record highs, but consumers feel like they’re drowning. The disconnect between Wall Street and your grocery bill has never been wider: New poll paints a grim picture of a nation under financial strain
S&P 500 marks closing record as corporate earnings roll in
US Consumer Confidence Drops to Lowest Point Since '14
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Changes coming to Cherry Creek—out with the furniture, in with the high-end sushi: HW Home departing Cherry Creek for 9+CO, building new flagship
James Beard winner Tyson Cole to debut Uchiko in Cherry Creek
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Interesting econ and real estatestories about Colorado: Colorado's household income ranks among the highest nationwide
Zillow: Half of American homes lost value, housing market divides
Apartment vacancy in metro Denver reaches highest rate in 16 years
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If you build a loud amphitheater in a residential area, don't be surprised when the neighbors sue. Or do you think they're being oversensitive? (Would love to hear from folks who leave near the amphitheater.)Frustrated neighbors sue Colorado concert venue after years of noise complaints
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She turned an egregious personality into criminal behavior: Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis found guilty of forgery
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The Census numbers are out, and they paint a picture of a country in transition. Immigration is the big driver here: What the Census Says About the U.S. Population, in Six Charts
America’s Immigration Labor Shock
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Nothing says "I love you" like a glazed doughnut and a quickie wedding: 'Til Death Dough Us Part: Get married at Voodoo Doughnut this Valentine's season
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"Kidfluencers" are now a protected class in Colorado committees. I suppose someone has to make sure the parents don't spend all the YouTube money: Lukens’ Bipartisan Bill to Protect the Financial Security of ‘Kidfluencers’ Passes Committee
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Students are now using AI to hide their use of AI. We’ve officially reached peak tech-stupidity: To avoid accusations of AI cheating, college students are turning to AI
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Property taxes are just rent you pay the government for land you supposedly "own." These states are finally trying to end that problem, but they're gonna have to make up the funding somewhere: Georgia, Florida and North Dakota seek to end all property taxes for homeowners
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Today's Video
"Nice memories" from Peyton Manning