Hey there: FYI, the next two weeks of episodes will be available to all followers, not just paid subscribers. I’m expanding my presence on Spotify, and full episodes are free there for 2 weeks as a way of spreading the word about my show. Seems crazy to offer it there, and not offer it here to my most loyal followers! So please enjoy the full shows, with chapter references for ease of use.
ON TODAY’S SHOW:
Today at a packed Senate hearing Mark Zuckerberg apologized to families whose children died after viewing apparently harmful online content. Why is it hard to keep kids safe online? One major factor: the Bill of Rights. I explain in today's episode:
We know social media can be hard on the developing minds of children. Today the CEOs of Meta, X, TikTok, Discord & Snapchat took a beating at a packed hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Mark Zuckerberg actually stood up and apologized to the families of children who have died after viewing online content. Why is it so hard to keep kids safe online? And will this hearing help?
Swifties, assemble! Right-wing politicos are targeting Taylor Swift, howling about the Super Bowl being rigged (clearly to favor her the Kansas City Chiefs and her BF, Travis Kelce) and her potential support of Joe Biden. Donald Trump has reportedly declared a “holy war” against her. This is an idiotic controversy, but perhaps not for the reasons you think.
Also, the US House is advancing articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas. Congress hasn’t impeached a Cabinet member in almost 150 years. Republicans blame Mayorkas for neglecting the border, even as they slow-walk a bill to improve border security.
And Universal just unveiled its newest theme park in Orlando. Epic Universe will add attractions themed around Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and classic movie monsters. As a Florida kid I grew up loving theme parks, but as an adult I’ve come to appreciate them for a very different reason: something I find relevant considering all the problems we face today.
CHAPTERS
(0:00)-Intro/Chat
(4:42)-Senate hearing: what happened
(30:22)-Instagram ad in Washington Post
(35:46)-Why is social media hard to regulate?
(54:19)-Next steps for social media
(1:20:43)-Mayorkas impeachment
(1:26:50)-Super Bowl, new A’s ballpark
(1:30:10)-Presidential campaigns come to Las Vegas
(1:31:14)-Taylor Swift targeted
(1:57:50)-If Travis Kelce hurts Taylor, lord help him
(2:04:49)-Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe
(2:11:52)-Protecting our sense of joy & wonder
Child Safety Online / Trump v. Taylor Swift? / Feeling Wonder In Weary Times