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    • April is Alcohol Responsibility MonthProtein-rich foods help minimize the effects of alcohol. Use apps to monitor and stick to healthy drinking limits.

      April is Alcohol Responsibility Month, a time to be mindful about our drinking habits. Kimberly Adams, host of Make Me Smart, shared her personal experience of consuming mostly smoothies due to her busy journalism schedule, and how she opted for a mocktail during the show instead of an alcoholic drink. She also mentioned an app that estimates blood alcohol levels based on what you eat and drink, and shared that contrary to popular belief, protein-rich foods help absorb alcohol better than starchy or greasy foods. During an event promoting alcohol awareness, Kimberly tried an app that estimated her blood alcohol level and was served only two drinks due to healthy limits. So, this April, let's be responsible with our alcohol consumption and remember that protein-rich foods can help minimize the effects of alcohol.

    • Protectionist economic policies can have unintended consequencesFocusing on commercializing and marketizing technologies, even if not invented domestically, can lead to economic benefits. Questioning the status quo can lead to valuable insights.

      Protectionist economic policies, such as those being implemented by the US in response to China and pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, can have unintended consequences. According to an article in Foreign Policy Magazine by Adam Posner, these policies can lead to inefficiencies, alienate allies, and potentially hinder productivity and innovation. Instead, Posner argues that a focus on commercializing and marketizing technologies, even if not invented domestically, can lead to economic benefits. This is a particularly relevant message as there is currently a growing consensus around industrial policy and concerns about China's technological development. It's important to remember that questioning the status quo, even when there seems to be a widespread agreement, can lead to valuable insights.

    • Historic expulsion of Tennessee state lawmakers for protesting gun controlThis unprecedented move in Tennessee's legislative history highlights the potential consequences of political polarization and the importance of staying informed about local politics.

      The expulsion of two Democratic state lawmakers in Tennessee for protesting gun control is an unprecedented move in the state's legislative history. This incident highlights the importance of local politics and the potential consequences of political polarization at the state level. According to reports, this is only the third time in 157 years that a representative has been expelled, with the previous instances involving serious misconduct. However, lawmakers who engaged in other controversial behaviors, such as sexual misconduct and harassment, were not expelled. The incident raises concerns about the potential silencing of opposition in various levels of government. It's a reminder that local politics can significantly impact our daily lives and communities, and it's essential to stay informed about these decisions. The incident also underscores the increasing animosity and polarization in politics, which can lead to extreme measures.

    • Instagram sale leads to movie cameoUnexpected opportunities can arise from everyday activities, even leading to major productions.

      Unexpected opportunities can come from the most unlikely places. A woman contacted a ceramics teacher on Instagram to buy one of her bowls, mentioning it would be used in a movie. The teacher signed a non-disclosure agreement without knowing it was for the major production of "Dungeons and Dragons." Though skeptical, they later discovered the bowl made a brief appearance in the film. This experience demonstrates how a small side hustle or hobby can lead to a surprising cameo in a major production. Additionally, the conversation touched on the topic of Twitter replacing its bird logo with a Doge meme, with both hosts expressing a negative, "empty" sentiment towards it.

    • Exploring the Significance of Food Decorations and Easter EggsDiscovering the historical roots and symbolism of food decorations, particularly Easter eggs, and the ongoing debate on cryptocurrency's future in light of the banking crisis.

      The tradition of decorating food items, such as potatoes, for celebrations has deep historical roots and symbolism. During our discussion, we explored the significance of decorating eggs during Easter, which represents the idea of three things existing as one, a concept present in Christianity. However, we also discovered that potatoes can be just as creative an outlet for artistic expression. We discussed various ways to decorate potatoes, including carving them into stamps. Moving on, we shared our differing perspectives on the banking crisis's impact on cryptocurrency. While some see it as a potential boon, others, like myself, remain skeptical and maintain a "half empty" outlook. Lastly, we opened the floor to our YouTube audience for their opinions on the success of video game adaptations in film and television. The Super Mario Brothers movie being the latest example. The debate is ongoing, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

    • Tetris Movie and Webby Award NominationAudience split on video game adaptations, Tetris movie involves espionage and hucksters, Make Me Smart podcast nominated for a Webby award, Renewed focus on literacy improvement in schools

      There's a Tetris movie based on the game's origins involving cold war espionage and American hucksters. Our audience, during a recent poll, was split half empty (58%) and half full (41%) on video game adaptations. The discrepancy might be due to the fact that we're not avid gamers and the movies may not live up to our expectations when compared to the original games. Make Me Smart, our podcast, has been nominated for a Webby award and we humbly request your vote to help us win. To support us, please visit marketplace.org/votemms. In other news, there's a renewed focus on literacy improvement in schools across the country, including Wisconsin. Stay tuned for more updates.

    • Discovering the power of storytelling through Sold A Story podcastSold A Story is a captivating and informative podcast that explores the history and implications of how teaching kids to read has gone wrong, shedding light on the present and offering insights into how we can improve the future.

      The powerful impact of storytelling through podcasts. I've discovered a podcast called Sold A Story, which has opened my eyes to the history and implications of how teaching kids to read has gone wrong. This podcast has left a profound impact on me, and I plan to share it with everyone I meet. It's an enlightening and thought-provoking series that delves deep into the complexities of education and literacy. By exploring the past, Sold A Story sheds light on the present and offers insights into how we can improve the future. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in education, history, or simply looking for a captivating and informative podcast. So, if you're looking for a new podcast to add to your list, I highly recommend Sold A Story. It's not just a podcast, it's a journey of discovery and learning.

    Recent Episodes from Make Me Smart

    From “Million Bazillion”: Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

    From “Million Bazillion”: Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

    Hey Smarties! We’re off for the Fourth of July holiday. So today we’re bringing you a super fun episode of “Million Bazillion” that’ll teach you and your kiddos about a bit of our nation’s history and a highly secretive landmark. It’s all about Fort Knox, known as one of the most secure places in the world, and why it holds so much of the country’s gold. Plus, its role in stabilizing the U.S. economy in a time of crisis.

    Make Me Smart
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    Our GPS system is wearing down

    Our GPS system is wearing down

    Much in our modern lives depends on GPS. But the United States’ GPS system is getting old and hasn’t kept up with international competition. We’ll get into how this leaves the U.S. vulnerable to national security threats. And, new data shows that as abortion protections have eroded across the country, more young women have been getting sterilized. Plus, one nonprofit’s work to give kids who’ve aged out of foster care a bona fide college move-in experience, and a women’s soccer stadium’s surprise success story.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJuly 03, 2024

    The evolution of the American office

    The evolution of the American office

    It’s been about four years since the great remote work experiment took off for many employees who work computer-bound jobs. After plenty of back and forth between return-to-office mandates and work-from-home advocates, neither side really won. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the share of Americans doing some or all of their work from home has leveled off to about 35%. On the show today, The New York Times’ Emma Goldberg explains who’s working from home these days and how it’s impacting both employees and their bosses. Plus, the commercial real estate question looms large over the remote work debate.

    Then, we’ll get into why the Joe Biden administration’s new protections for workers in extreme heat could be threatened by recent Supreme Court rulings and a potential second Trump presidency. And, the CEO of GS1, the company administering retail barcodes, didn’t see the QR code takeover coming.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJuly 02, 2024

    A one-two punch for the power of federal agencies

    A one-two punch for the power of federal agencies

    A Supreme Court ruling today gives companies a dramatically wider window to challenge federal regulations with lawsuits. We’ll get into why this is particularly important in light of a separate decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, and how it could impact other federal regulations like the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on noncompete clauses. Then, we’ll discuss the Supreme Court’s decision on former President Donald Trump’s immunity case and where the heck we go from here. Plus, what you can do to protect the health of our democracy.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJuly 01, 2024

    Our take on the debate (and drone light shows)

    Our take on the debate (and drone light shows)

    There were no fireworks for the Democratic Party during last night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While Trump made false claims throughout the night, Biden did little to assuage fears that he’s not up to the job. We’ll get into how the Biden campaign’s fundraising strategy is already shifting and what it might mean for downballot races. Then, we’ll weigh in on Fourth of July travel and drone light shows during a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 29, 2024

    SCOTUS shakes up SEC

    SCOTUS shakes up SEC

    The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a huge blow to the Securities and Exchange Commission today when it ruled against its use of in-house judges to enforce securities fraud laws. We’ll get into why the decision will make the SEC’s job harder and what it could mean for other federal agencies. Plus, we’ll bust a common myth about Social Security and explain why homeownership is key factor in how Americans are faring in this economy.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 27, 2024

    Keeping up with the Supreme Court

    Keeping up with the Supreme Court

    This year’s Supreme Court decision season has been a busy one, and it’s not over yet. We’ll get into the court’s leaked opinion on emergency abortions and two other expected decisions that have the business world watching. Plus, another round of Cybertruck recalls and why it’s fine to keep referring to X as Twitter (per one Supreme Court justice).

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
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    Are we living in a K-shaped economy?

    Are we living in a K-shaped economy?

    In the wake of the COVID-19 recession, many economists were describing the United States’ economic recovery as K-shaped. Basically, high-income Americans bounced back quicker than those at the lower end of the income scale. So, did we ever ditch that K shape? The person who coined the phrase “K-shaped recovery” back then, says no. On the show today, Peter Atwater, president of Financial Insyghts and adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary, explains why he believes economic inequality has grown since the pandemic recovery, why considerable wage gains for low-wage workers tell only part of the story and the risks of letting a K-shaped economy run wild.

    Then, we’ll get into how the fragility of global shipping supply chains could be playing into Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. And, happy wedding anniversary, Susanna!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 26, 2024

    The conservative push to weed out anti-Trump federal workers

    The conservative push to weed out anti-Trump federal workers

    Groups aligned with former President Trump are hunting through information to come up with a list of federal employees who might be resistant to a second Trump administration. We’ll discuss the push to reshape government. Plus, is the urban/rural divide a myth? And, a viral voicemail pep talk from a testing center worker makes us smile.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 24, 2024

    The IRS battles a fraud-plagued tax credit

    The IRS battles a fraud-plagued tax credit

    Four years after the Internal Revenue Service created a tax credit to help struggling businesses get through the pandemic, the agency ultimately plans to reject the majority of claims filed under the program. We’ll explain how it became swamped with fraud. And, Major League Baseball legend Reggie Jackson opened up about the racism he and other Black players faced in the ’60s. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
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