11.01.22 | Greenpeace has alerted us that less than 5% of global plastics are being recycled and it will only get worse going forward. Then, a recent study shows that US States controlled by liberal legislatures generally have populations with longer lifespans than their Republican controlled counterparts. Finally, Virgin Australia is running a lottery for anyone who books or gets stuck in a middle seat—you can win an adventurous helicopter excursion, first class upgrades, a million Velocity points, or luxury travel and other perks.

10.26.22 | Shop Talk discusses the one thing that CEO Doug Hirsch of GoodRX does that gives him the best ideas. Caught My Eye exposes a little-known illness related to male orgasms. Also, Dolly Parton has been quietly funding black school bands and other children’s causes for many years and often demands no publicity. Dolly is a national treasure. Joseph Hanson, Inventor of the Hansom Cab, and Founder of the still published Builder Magazine, is our Business Birthday.

10.25.22 | Is there a correlation between negative Amazon reviews of Yankee Candles with “no smell” and the rise of Covid infections? Many on social media think so. Then the right wing wants to ban all drag in Idaho from the public square. Yet another anti-LGBTQ legislative action that wants to codify hate and some Americans think it’s OK. Finally, heritage brand, Wonder Bread, wants to remind us that it is still around by putting a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

10.19.22 | Shop Talk discusses the decline in productivity in America for the first time since such indices have been tracked. Is it real or perceived? Caught My Eye exposes a loophole that same-sex Chinese nationals have found to obtain marriage licenses in Utah. Also, look for the latest Halloween decoration—Empty Soul Girl on a Swing. Ron Joyce, co-founder of Tim Hortons, is our Business Birthday.

10.18.22 | Russia has put out anti-American propaganda films warning citizens about LGBTQ same sex marriages, Black American privilege, and Vegans. This is all done in an effort to stop the massive migration of people trying to leave Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Then, Lindt wins a lawsuit against Lidl for trademark infringement against its chocolate bunny. Finally, check-out the 17-foot Cheeto sculpture in Cheadle, Alberta if you happen to be in the area before Nov. 4th.

10.12.22 | The Focus Group will be back next week with some shiny new content. This week, we take a trip back to the SiriusXM days, with an in-studio visit by Tim Gunn. Wikipedia says, “he is an American author, academic, and television personality.” Tim and John would add, he’s exactly what you’ve seen on Project Runway—a true gentleman and an amazing mentor. He even got to handle Tim’s List during his visit.

10.11.22 | Unbuttoned is on hiatus this week, which is the perfect time to visit a favorite past guest interview—the legendary Dick Cavett. Host of “The Dick Cavett Show” on ABC from 1968 to 1975 and on public television from 1977 to 1982, he is also the co-author of four books, has appeared on Broadway, and has made guest appearances in movies and TV shows. His latest book is, “Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks.” Enjoy the conversation!

10.05.22 | Shop Talk discusses the business acumen of former Apple leader, Steve Jobs. Caught My Eye discovers that a newscaster covering Hurricane Ian used a reservoir tip condom to protect her mic from the elements. Also, as of January 1, 2023, jaywalking will no longer be a crime in California. Famed moonshiner, Popcorn Sutton, is our Business Birthday.

10.04.22 | Candy company, M&M, is introducing a limited-edition purple peanut character. They are denying that it has anything to do with the controversy surrounding the changes they made to the green character. We wonder who is that invested in what the various characters look like and what they are wearing. Then, NFL fans get introduced to Boy Butter, a gay centric lubricant. Finally, a manure statue of climate change denier Senator Johnson of Wisconsin is traveling around the state to bring attention to the issue.