09.18.24 | Shop Talk looks at the possibility that widespread shoplifting over the last few years at places like Target may have been overstated. Also, The Campbells Soup Company proposes a name change. Caught My Eye looks at a full-sized LEGO model of a McLarenP1 supercar that is drivable. Also, a mom dies in Wales while trying to win a marshmallow eating contest for her son’s rugby team. Cassius Coolidge, the artist credited with what we would now call American Kitsch, is our Business Birthday. Coolidge created a series of Dogs Playing Poker art to promote the cigar industry. Remember, September is Criterion Collection month. Thanks to our partner Deep Discount, you have a chance to win one of the great movies from Criterion on “John says, Pick That Flick.” 

09.17.24 | After 30 years and millions of dollars raised to fight HIV/AIDS, the AIDS Lifecycle 2025 will be the last year of the 500 mile plus ride. While the mission is still important the financials are becoming a challenge. But first, an anti-LGBTQ Christian Pastor, Jeffrey Smith, is arrested for groping a man in public at a North Carolina Walmart. Then, conspiracy hound and Trump confidant Laura Loomer, lashes out at Senator Lindsey Graham telling him to “come out of the closet already, we all know you’re gay.” September is Criterion Month thanks to our partner at Critics’ Choice Video. Listen in to play along on “John says, Pick that Flick!”

09.11.24 | Shop Talk looks at the habit of DOOM—didn’t organize, only move—piles. Keeping them around may be a sign of depression or ADHD. Caught My Eye looks at the death of a Russian spy whale in Norway named Hvaldimir. Also, an aggrieved couple is spending over $400K to try to get reinstated in Disney’s “exclusive” Club33. Steve Ells, founder and CEO of Chipotle, is our Business Birthday. Remember, September is Criterion Collection month. Thanks to our partner Deep Discount you have a chance to win one of the great movies from Criterion on “John says, Pick That Flick.”

09.10.24 | Florida’s continued crusade to ban any books that can be construed to have adult content has included most of the body of work from famed author Stephen King. King commented that anytime elders do not want you to read something you need to find it—and read it! Then, new data from the recent census shows same sex male and female couples do not favor the same areas with men preferring a more urban area and women favoring a rural domicile. Finally, dining out alone is a trend being led by Gen Z and Millennials. September is Criterion Month thanks to our partner at Critics’ Choice Video. Listen in to play along on John says, Pick That Flick!

09.04.24 | Shop Talk looks at a Williams Institute study that concludes that LGBTQ people who come out at work face job discrimination as compared to those who stayed in the closet. Caught My Eye covers Quentin Tarantino’s pronouncement that he will not watch Toy Story 4. Also, a young man’s ice cream stand is closed in Norwood, Mass., and a Wells Fargo employee is found dead at her desk after four days. Lewis Howard Latimer, prolific inventor and polymath, is our Business Birthday. Remember, September is Criterion Month. Play Pick That Flick for your chance to win!

09.03.24 | Lowe’s Home Improvement and Ford Motor Company are the latest targets in the far-right anti-DEI crusade. In some ways, it’s been a godsend for brands that were not serious about DEI and are using the threat of boycott as an excuse to move away from diversity initiatives. Social media influencer Art Bezrukavenko creates a gay AI thirst trap, and a child knocks over a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age vase. The museum in Israel did not have the vase protected and considered the breakage a learning moment. Remember, September is Criterion month. Play Pick That Flick for your chance to win.

08.28.24 | Shop Talk looks at a revived GAP brand thanks to pop star Troye Sivan and new leadership under Richard Dickson. Dickson was credited with modernizing Barbie at Mattel and is updating GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Caught My Eye looks at Mister Softee and an odd product called Trumpy Trout. F. William Free, controversial ad executive is our Business Birthday.

08.27.24 | Liquor brand Jack Daniels drops all DEI initiatives based on the threat of a boycott from far-right activist Robby Starbuck, who has been successful with getting Tractor Supply, John Deere, and Harley Davidson to back off DEI programs as reported here in the last few months. Then, VisitFlorida has removed the LGBTQ travel section from their website—so much for a state that relies on tourism for its economy. Also, French Actor Alain Delon wanted his dog Loubo euthanized and buried with him upon his death. His family decided to not abide by his wishes. Here’s a wake-up call: this year’s college Freshmen Class of 2028 was born in 2006!

08.21.24 | Shop Talk looks at a recent GLAAD Accelerating Acceptance study that shows LGBTQ acceptance has taken a recent decline. The study believes the proliferation of anti-LGBTQ legislation in local jurisdictions if part of the reason for the decline. But first, Caught My Eye looks at Time Magazines Kids of Year and a pay to attend wedding. Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, is our Business Birthday.