11.08.22 | The Donut Hole in Tulsa was firebombed for hosting a drag queen art show— the second time this month that the shop has been vandalized. Bible verses and hateful rhetoric were left on neighboring businesses. Then, A Kroger store in Arkansas settles with two employees that claimed their religious rights were violated because they had to wear an apron with a “rainbow heart on it.” Finally, McDonald’s McRib takes a page out of rock and roll stars who kinda say they are on a farewell tour only to show up next year.

11.02.22 | Shop Talk uncovers a Michael Jackson Suzuki scooter TV ad from the 80’s. Caught My Eye honors the recent death of Jules Bass of Rankin/Bass and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer fame. Also, a keen art historian discovers that a Mondrian art piece has been hanging upside down for decades. Herman Fisher, co-founder of Fisher-Price Toys, is our Business Birthday.

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!