Millennial Z and Boomer X: Recent Episodes
Millennial Z and Boomer X
A twice weekly Podcast with an adult son and father discussing the world and all things within one topic at a time. People will receive the thoughts, perceptions and expressions of the son, Millennial Z, born at the end of the Millennial generation and the beginning of Generation Z, and the father, born at the end of the Boomer generation and the beginning of Generation X. Each is thoroughly a hybrid of their respective generation margins and all that entails. Even though they are alike in many aspects, they quite obviously see the world differently, think from a different time, culture and paradigm, and act from an entirely different framework and relationship with life. Please join us for twice weekly podcasts on subjects that concern all of us. We talk about what you talk about. Thank you for listening!
Email: MillennialZandBoomerX@gmail.com
The verdict is in from the seven person jury on the defamation suit of Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard in the state of Virginia. Yesterday, five men and two women awarded 10 million dollars in compensatory damages and 5 million dollars in punitive damages for defamation by Amber Heard against Johnny Depp. Unfortunately, the state of Virginia has a limit of $350,000 for punitive awards in civil suits which jurors are legally forbidden from being told. (Interesting, huh?) Therefore, Mr. Depp will only receive 10.35 million dollars from Amber Heard, however, the jury also awarded 2 million dollars to Amber Heard from Johnny Depp for defamation due to her countersuit. Initially, Mr. Depp requested 50 million dollars and Ms. Heard requested 100 million dollars in her counter suit, both for defamation. I find it more than interesting that throughout the trial which was streamed and continuously commented upon in the media there was no evidence of defamation by Mr. Depp despite what may be considered some of his behavior being less than stellar while suffering years long abuse at the hands of Ms. Heard.
Typically, it is very difficult for public figures, and the more famous and publicly known the more difficult it is, to show defamation leading to some sort of financial injury resulting in compensatory awards. The fact that Mr. Depp was also awarded punitive damages clearly shows the jury believed it was malicious and purposeful activity on the part of Ms. Heard to defame. That alone should speak volumes regarding the evidence presented in the court about her activity.
The part about her receiving 2 million dollars as compensatory damages by Mr. Depp against Ms. Heard thereby reducing what Mr. Depp will receive from Ms. Heard to 8.35 million dollars based upon no real evidence other than a statement from Mr. Depp that was likely true but did nothing to damage her reputation is odd to me other than a simple nod to Ms. Heard for having to endure some of Mr. Depp's drunken escapades and emotional outbursts. I wonder if anyone could have endured being married to someone like her for years with the proven physical, mental and financial abuse evidenced in the court.
Please listen for more information and discussion of the trial and the verdict by Millennial Z and Boomer X.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified nine monkeypox cases in seven states in the U.S. as of Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Cases have been confirmed in Massachusetts, Florida, Utah, Washington, California, Virginia and New York. So far, virtually all of the cases have been gay and bisexual men who have sex with men except for one woman in the state of Virginia. However, the CDC calls for an approach to combat the monkeypox virus on a scientific basis and not by creating social blame, which is as it should be since the virus appears to be transmitted only through an exchange or reception of bodily fluids from an infected host.
In podcast #38, Millennial Z points out the history of the monkeypox virus, and it being discovered in 1958 while missionaries were deep in the Congo nation of Africa while attempting to eradicate the smallpox virus. The monkeypox virus didn’t make it to the shores of the U.S. until 2003 when infected prairie dogs that were purchased as pets from Africa became infected while housed in cages with other infected rodents awaiting shipment. Due to the relatively difficult transmission and early identification of the monkeypox outbreaks at that time, the virus soon dissipated. Currently, millions of vaccines have been prepared and are ready to ship for large outbreaks of the monkeypox virus within the U.S.
Monkeypox has symptoms similar to smallpox but is clinically less severe. Lesions typically become visible on the face, hands and forearms as pustules and boils, and the lymph glands become inflamed in the neck, back, armpits and groin. There is back pain and muscles aches with high fever and rashes throughout the body. After two to three weeks the lesions scab over and the person is no longer contagious. Lesions can also been found on the groin, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The CDC has also issued a “level 2” travel warning due to the monkeypox virus. There have been outbreaks of the virus in France, Belgium, Italy and Australia as well as the U.S. Naturally, if you’re traveling avoid people with lesions, obviously ill, or dead or wild animals. Also avoid using materials contaminated by sick people or products used or derived from animals from Africa in the event they were infected.
So, use some basic risk assessment and aversion as well as some common sense and we should all be fine unless you are in a profession or have happened to come in contact with those who are infected.
Please listen and subscribe for more!
Hunter Biden’s laptop is only just now coming under any real scrutiny by the mainstream media although it has been an issue of contention or bit of evidence for at least three years. Why is that? Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about all of the potential issues surrounding Hunter Biden’s laptop, and how it came to be an issue in podcast #37.
It truly appears that almost no media outlet for years would say anything regarding the evidence revealed in Hunter Biden’s laptop, and when they did only that the information obtained from the laptop was “Russian disinformation” designed to create chaos or spread rumors regarding the U.S. government. Well, the first thing to always remember is that no politician is the U.S. government. Any elected official only has authority given to the position held by the politician due to a vote by the citizenry with authority created by other politicians sent by their people. Politicians are people that are interchangeable talking heads with no inherent value or authority except for that granted by the position they hold due to the people. So, why would it really matter that Hunter Biden’s laptop may hold some incriminating evidence or information for the U.S. government especially long before his father became president? Sure, he was vice president at the time, but it sure seems as if everyone involved in the government and the media was simply telling everyone who asked, “Nothing to see here, just move along. And if you do hear of anything it was those nasty Russians who worked with Trump and elected him into office,” which during an extensive and expensive years long investigation revealed quite the opposite. And now, finally, mainstream media is revealing that there may be some evidence to show a Ukrainian private company has paid quite a bit of money to Hunter Biden in order to receive “favors” from the U.S. government in some capacity. There are no details. It’s like pulling teeth to simply have a truthful statement regarding any potential illegal activity. Surely, very different that any reporting on anyone who isn’t a powerful Democrat.
Hunter Biden isn’t an elected official or even a government employee. So, what connection could he have that could provide favors…Ohhhh, yeah.
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Podcast #36 is about how different the U.S. military has become over the years from the time Boomer X was active duty and to when Millennial Z was active duty some 30 years later. Boomer X was in just as cursing or swearing was being discouraged by senior command, but was still common. Hands being placed upon recruits were also discouraged, but still happened and all the Drill Sergeant needed was a reasonable excuse for the contact. Almost no sleep the first three days for Boomer X after the intake process was complete and basic training truly began in the U.S. Army, with little sleep the next two weeks. Millennial Z did not experience this type of training at all with far less abuse of the recruits a few decades later.
Also, continuous insults and name calling was almost a competition between Drill Sergeants as to who could come up with the most creative put down for recruits during training. Millennial Z responded that he didn't experience that, but did experience jokes made at a recruit's expense which he found funny and frequently suffered consequences for laughing or "losing military bearing".
It was also clear during the discussion that the physical training and stress testing was far less after three decades as well as the mental stress. Millennial Z reported being injured and still able to complete the physical testing adequately without special dispensation where an injury in the past created an automatic recycling to an earlier training company as there was no way the recruit could complete the physical requirements of the time.
Please listen for more stories and descriptions of the experience for Millennial Z and Boomer X and subscribe to be sure and receive the next podcast.
Cryptocurrency is defined as an encrypted data string that denotes a unit of currency. It is monitored and organized by a peer-to-peer network called a blockchain that also serves as a secure record of transactions. Unlike physical money (or issued currency by a government or bank), cryptocurrencies are decentralized, or not issued by a single entity. Cryptocurrencies are created and secured through algorithms that are maintained and confirmed in a process called mining, where a network of computers or specialized hardware such as application-specific-integrated circuits (ASICs) process and validate the transactions. The process incentivized the miners who run the network with the cryptocurrency.
In podcast #35 Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about what has happened to cryptocurrency the last several months and several years while discussing the possible reasons for the movements of cryptocurrency. Should you be invested in cryptocurrency? Perhaps, but do it with as much information as possible! And only with money you can afford to lose. Far more volatile than the stock market, there are hundreds of different cryptocurrencies you can invest in. None have any real intrinsic value almost, but anything is as valuable as someone else is willing to pay you for it. But it's always up to someone else what that figure is.
Bloomberg reported on May 16, 2022, that the selloff in cryptocurrencies exposes the big lie that Bitcoin's plunge is an uncorrelated asset in relation to the stock market. Bitcoin has lost well over 50% of it's value since it's high over $60,000, and lost more today. Other cryptocurrencies have also lost a great deal of value costing investors billions in just the last several months. 40% of the people who have invested in cryptocurrencies at all have lost money. Now, of course, that means 60% haven't, but those people invested years ago with far less money than is seen today. If you 've invested in cryptocurrency in the the last year, you've probably lost quite a bit. Even stable coins, who as indicated in the name, are designed to be stable and tied to a physical currency lost a great deal of value. This has happened before, such as in 2018, but now there are more institutional and well monied investors, and it stands to reason they are taking profits and limiting exposure.
The fear is high in crypto markets which has caused many to "cash out". Despite the ability to print money 'as needed' we now have inflation to consider that seems continuing at very high levels; therefore there is only so much money to go around at the moment. And nobody wants to lose money. The stock markets have also dropped over the last several months with some good days.
Where is this going? Well please listen to the podcast and subscribe!
Millennial Z and Boomer X open podcast #34 up talking about the freedom of speech and whether or not it is dead. Does it still exist? The United States has the individual right of freedom of speech and the ability to protest peacefully enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution which is the bedrock of the government and its authority. Many countries do not have this right recognized by its respective governments and the people therein do not have the right to voice their opinion or dissatisfaction even if they are merely pointing out facts, and that’s Western, so called, enlightened countries. Looking at you, U.K. and other European countries.
Obviously, freedom of speech isn’t “dead” or we wouldn’t be able to make this podcast or write this article about it; however, it is in need of medical attention. Now! Ironically, it is the conservatives who are now championing freedom of speech and the dissent of opinion as opposed to the left liberals of the past many decades. You can always tell what type of government is in power and controls the media by the voices of dissent who are repeatedly ignored, or worse, extinguished. Boomer X remembers those in power who were conservatives in the 1960s and 1970s, and if they were as intolerant as the liberals of today there are many programs, ideas, issues and organizations that simply wouldn’t exist today not to mention the government departments and jobs created by liberal causes that receive trillions of tax dollars over the years. And you know what? That’s a good thing! Dissent creates open minded thinking and alternative viewpoints. Different opinions let you know that there are other perspectives and concerns that need to be addressed and considered.
The Associated Press reported in August 2021 that the Louisiana Attorney General and the Alabama Attorney General requested complaints of anyone who had been censored on social media for expressing conservative views. We discuss how social media, especially the large ones such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc., is obviously censoring content with a decided left leaning slant, and admitting the censorship, while claiming to be a private company and not held to the same restrictions as a government entity when violating people’s rights. Millennial Z disagrees stating that when you offer free public access and activity you open yourself up to being subject to governmental restriction the same as if a mall or private retail business opens it’s doors to the public cannot discriminate based on race, nationality, religion, sex and refuse service to those it doesn’t like, neither can a private social platform open to all discriminate based upon a simple opinion you don’t like that isn’t violent, inciting violence, nor is even disrespectful or rude, it simply doesn’t want that viewpoint expressed.
Georgia and Ohio are in the process of passing state laws banning social media censorship. That’s a step in the right direction. However, with the U.S. government creating the Disinformation Bureau that will reportedly not attempt to determine fact from fiction that can’t possibly be a good sign. What will its purpose be then? Making sure that only the government’s version of “truth” is the one repeated in mainstream media? If that’s not Orwellian, I don’t know what is. Well, perhaps cameras at every significant intersection in the country with live monitors 24/7 is pretty Orwellian, too.
Thank you for listening and please subscribe!
Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about student loan forgiveness in podcast #33. President Biden made student loan forgiveness a plank in his campaign for presidency, and has thus far made good on his promise by forgiving $17billion dollars to over 725,000 people who have taken out student loans to date according to the U.S. Department of Education. You can be assured that this is only the beginning as that forgiveness has only been extended to students who have been defrauded, not allowed to complete their education due to school closure, the permanent and totally disabled, and certain civil servants who are typically paid far lower than the private sector.
According to U.S. News on May 8th, the Biden Administration reportedly planned to forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt to those who made less than $125,000 per year. The Democrats have been pushing for student loan forgiveness of $50,000 and no mention of a salary cap. While it’s nice that some reap the benefits of forgiveness, it does leave a bad taste in people’s mouths when something seems inherently unfair, and when one person suffers paying back a student loan that can’t be discharged by working two or three jobs for years while others just complain loudly and things happen for their benefit alone. It starts to rankle when others seemingly don’t have any obligation to do anything and you’re always stuck with the tab. Both Millennial Z and Boomer X agree that there needs to be a maintenance of personal accountability with regard to student loans for the borrower, but that also needs to extend to the lending institutions and the universities themselves who enjoyed the “free money” for decades and both enjoyed the guarantee of the federal government behind that money coming in.
However, how do you ensure that we aren’t creating a society of irresponsible, short sighted and selfish individuals while also attempting to be compassionate and thoughtful? Well, you could change the way student loans are made and through whom. You could also repeal the law that makes student loans exempt from bankruptcy discharge. Nobody wishes to declare bankruptcy, and it is conducted through a hearing and enacted by a judge. You could also remove the requirement for a co-signer as this allowed lending institutions to pursue parents and harass those who did not reap the benefits of the loan. These students are adults and should be treated as such with the same expectations. If they aren’t a good risk for the loan, then it shouldn’t be made. Obviously, this may have an impact on how much universities are able to extract from students.
Another point mentioned is the impact of many billions of dollars being injected into the economy which was not previously available due to the required student loan repayments. The main reason for inflation currently is too much money in the system, and now we are going to provide more…much more, and for an extended period because those years of required payments are now gone.
We talk about these points and more, please subscribe!
Podcast #32 of Millennial Z and Boomer X is about how entertainment for each generation has changed over the years. in the early 1970s to the present there have been massive technological changes providing a myriad of choices of entertainment for people, but it wasn't always that way. Boomer X recalls receiving a poor signal on the television, no nearby playmates or friends, no means of meeting up, no internet, no cell phone and entertaining himself with limited outlets or resources. Paradoxically, this creates a homogenous type of society and expectations with conservative views on acceptable activities while contemporaneously allowing more freedom due to fewer regulations and intervention by official government authorities.
While movies remain a viable form of entertainment, the availability of movies in the past is nothing like it is now. Movies in the past were more special, they weren't able to viewed on your phone from the cloud whenever and wherever you happened to be interested.
What became very obvious in the discussion is the lack of physical activity or movement, especially by children or teenagers, in recreational activities just for the sake of entertainment with friends or without. It seems that if their isn't an official group to join, people don't seem to play like they used to anymore, but remain indoors watching screens or talking to people through the internet, but not sharing the same space. Adults also used to be more active as a form of entertainment through hunting, gardening or fishing although most did not go to the gym in the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s. That culture didn't start to emerge until some time in the 90s, and didn't become popular or mainstream until the early 2000s, however, adults were more active with a purpose other than physical maintenance in the past.
A main fixture of entertainment before the advent of ubiquitous pocket computers connected to the internet and each other instantly was a pack of cards. Hundreds of card games had been invented and adults used to gather weekly or bi-weekly all over the country to socialize and entertain each other by playing card games together. You may hear about men getting together for "poker night" if the wife allows every once in awhile, but not often. And you rarely hear or know of a few couples that have arranged a continuing appointment to meet and play cards. Of course since the pandemic, people haven't gathered together but even just prior to it simply didn't happen.
Also, the idea of older teenagers working on cards and racing on seldom driven roads late at night is considered almost insane now for a number of reasons, but that simply goes to show how the economy, society and people of changed since that time. It was mentioned that seeing kids wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle in the past was strange and unnerving while today it's encouraged and required. It's even strange to see a child without a helmet on a bicycle today when you happen to see one. Mostly, only adults seem to be bicycle riders today when in the past every kid wanted a bicycle and rode it every day. Neighborhoods today rarely have bicycle riding children roaming the streets when in the past it was very common.
Millennial Z provides more perspective on the latest forms of entertainment in further discussion and Boomer Z offers his own experiences with varying forms of entertainment over the years. We hope you enjoy this podcast and please subscribe!
The Biden administration has decided to create a Disinformation Governance Board (current name used) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His appointee, Jen Psaki has stated, “This is a continuation of work that was done under the Trump administration to take steps to address disinformation.” Of course, the Democrats was firmly against it when Trump attempted to create it, and now that Biden is putting it together, the Republicans are pushing hard against it.
In a statement from DHS, “The spread of disinformation can affect border security, Americans’ safety during disasters, and public trust in our democratic institutions.” Ms. Psaki said that the Disinformation Board would not determine the truth or falsehood of any statement, and that was not its mission.” So, what exactly is it going to do? Certainly, the goal is given as protecting the country, but wouldn’t ensuring that facts are being stated and circulated be fundamental to actual safety?
The Associated Press reported that the Board would immediately begin focusing on migration and human smuggling. Of course, almost nobody would argue against that and it has the stench of a statement given to appease the masses and any questions. Now, I’m sure that it would be used to combat Russian disinformation, but in what manner. What is the authority and capability of the Disinformation Governance Board? How will it work with or against the media?
As much as Trump is despised by Millennial Z and Boomer X, the obvious disinformation against Trump by the mainstream media created a sympathetic effect even by those that don’t particularly like him and if you were on the fence became indignant on his behalf and would identify with him. Also, the obvious omission and denial of facts surrounding Biden’s son, his business dealings in the Ukraine and information on his laptop to misrepresent his activities or pretend there was nothing to see immediately makes people dismissive and distrustful of the mainstream media. The reactions to the ever changing narratives regarding COVID-19 by the media further solidified the average person’s distrust of the media. However, it seemingly came from government insiders. So how would the Disinformation Governance Board make any difference?
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Podcast #30 is about the hearing that has been on the news and all other media for the last few weeks, the defamation civil suit hearing that plaintiff Johnny Depp has brought against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Their divorce was final in 2016, and since then Amber Heard has regaled the media with tales of physical and mental abuse by Johnny Depp against her. This has caused production companies and movie studios to stop filming with Johnny Depp or use him in their cast, and even removed him from a recurring role in a franchise with many millions as an actor. Hence, the lawsuit from Mr. Depp against Ms. Heard for damages in the amount of fifty million dollars, or what Mr. Depp would have made in the roles offered to him, which he can prove, if not for the allegations of abuse made by Ms. Heard which are not true.
Currently, Johnny Depp’s law team has brought forth convincing evidence that it’s not Mr. Depp that is abusive, but Ms. Heard. Numerous examples of histrionic and abusive behavior, physically and mentally to almost anyone who spends time with Ms. Heard have been presented, but mostly on Mr. Depp. Clear evidence of physical violence and abuse by Ms. Heard on Mr. Depp has been demonstrated and entered into evidence over a protracted period of time and on numerous occasions. It was also clear that Mr. Depp did not wish to make any of these incidences public. Also obvious are the psychological issues diagnosed by licensed psychologists for Ms. Heard, borderline personality disorder (mistakenly labeled as “bipolar” by Millennial Z and Boomer X at one point) and histrionic personality disorder as reported by Reuters news and stated by forensic clinical psychologist appointed by the court, Shannon Curry. The claimed PTSD by Ms. Heard as reasons for her violence and fabrication of stories supporting her behavior was dismissed by the psychologist as a non-issue.
Multiple documented incidents of Johnny Depp requiring medical attention and consultation with his physician due to contusions to the face and eye would have been enough to typically cause a report of domestic violence by medical staff and follow-up law enforcement investigation had the sex roles been reversed, but definitely when trips to the emergency room requiring stitches occurred. The first time physical violence occurred against him, Boomer X would have been out, relationship over. But Millennial Z said it was defecation in the bed by Ms. Heard that was beyond the pale for him and showing her mental state as well as purposeful action to incite him and create problems for him.
Regardless, this was an interesting discussion that allowed many experiences to be touched upon, and Ms. Heard will be presenting her side of the facts and evidence soon. Then there will be cross-examination.
Thank you for listening!
What are some simple things you do, or can do, to make yourself and your life just a little bit better? That's what we talk about in podcast #29 of Millennial Z and Boomer X as well as share our experiences of what happens if we don't perform these small things that improve us physically, mentally or otherwise. These aren't life changing activities in and of themselves, but little changes in behavior and thoughts typically lead to huge changes in outcome and improvement over time. Obviously, there was much agreement between the two, but some great points were brought up by the different generations and how the changes in behavior improved their lives and why due to the different perspectives and backgrounds.
Boomer X brought up the fact that providing purpose for each day, even if informally or casually, by going over in his mind the previous night on what needs to be done provides guidance and a framework for navigating the day. Even if it's small, routine tasks that MUST be done, that's ok and may even be preferable, but this small practice prevents slipping into non-activity and poor mental states that create other problems which appear unrelated but are not. It's easy to build upon an existing foundation no matter how small, but almost impossible to create anything while rudderless and seemingly without a reason for existence. Millennial Z performs the same function while ensuring that he maintains self-discipline, follows-up with himself for goals that he has set for himself to accomplish, and enforces a type of integrity check for himself.
Boomer X agreed. Integrity or honesty in speech and actions with yourself and others is a major stumbling block for many due to the nature of people to avoid suffering or place themselves in a better position, so they rationalize a falsehood as "harmless" or "making a situation better" although it will likely creating larger and many more problems down the road. While a person doesn't need to use "Truth as a club", honest presentation of events and circumstances is crucial for an appropriate evaluation of everything. When a person omits or changes facts to color a situation or gain an advantage there will be inevitable conflict that only increases unless that path has been corrected and the lies exposed. It also begins to change the person that creates the false statement as they excuse that behavior and rationalize it as necessary for whatever reason, but is truly for their own personal benefit which contains an incredible amount of ramifications and consequences to themselves and others but won't become apparent until far later, and often won't be recognized as the reason for the problems created. If you wish to see your life improve, one of the first things you can do is be honest at all times-- to yourself and to others. There will be resistance at first and many won't like it, but now you know who to trust and associate with as only the dishonest and manipulative despise the truth.
Another major practice to improve your life is learn and do something new every day, even if it's just taking a new route to work, shopping at a new grocery store, visiting a new restaurant, reading a new book, trying a new recipe, etc. Just something different! Your mental state will begin to improve, and consistently. You will find that your physical state follows due to the activities you begin to engage in. You will also find that starting small leads to large activities over time as you increase your mental and physical boundaries, abilities and knowledge.
Do something physical each day is another way to improve yourself. Greatly affecting your mental and physical state, the podcast further discusses how small or large they can be and how your life is improved by implementing physical activities or how it is diminished when not performed. Many more practices are discussed! Thank you for listening and please subscribe!
Everyone who has ever been in a relationship that was ended by them had a point where something happened, and they knew, "Yeah, it's over." It could have been due to a lack of action when perhaps some should have been taken, too, but you knew that you no longer wanted to have anything to do with the other person.
Boomer X has been around much longer than Millennial Z and has had many more instances of those events. It never feels good, and it isn't due to a moment of anger or a snap decision either. Typically, it's the straw that breaks the camel's back after many bundles of straw being loaded upon the camel, and that one extra bit of straw is a burden too great for the relationship. For Boomer X, it is an indication that that person clearly has no empathy or regard for him as a person or is attempting to be manipulated for another person's own benefit and his detriment. It could also be when it's obvious that another person's lies or falsehoods are believed over facts presented by him despite being aware that the other person is a known liar and being aware that what he is stating is true.
For Millennial Z, it's usually about a complete divergence in values and lifestyle knowing that harmonious co-existence can no longer continue. Of course, this could happen in romantic relationships or close friendships and to be aware that, "No, this is not my path and nothing good can come of this," is a wise decision that many people can't make due to fear of loneliness or peer pressure and a desire to belong or be agreeable unless it's obviously and immediately destructive especially with friends and family.
One thing that became grossly apparent to both in this podcast, #28, is that when outside authorities or brought into a relationship to force or compel another to conduct themselves in a way desired by the other, the relationship is done. If it does continue, it only gets worse, or it has become so bad that injured feelings or biased thoughts color every perception of the other person who can now seemingly do nothing correct even if they are doing everything perfectly. Also, it shows a complete lack of regard for the other person and the point that whatever you want is more important that anything the other person does. Even if justified, the fact that it had to be done indicates it's time to end it as these two people just don't get along and should not be around each other.
Many experiences are discussed from romantic relationships to friendships, family and business or employer relationships, and we hope you all enjoy the discussion.
Thank you for listening and please subscribe!
In podcast #27, Millennial Z and Boomer X decide to discuss real problems and issues that everyone should be concerned a bout. Some of these problems are uniquely American such as the outrageously high cost of college or university tuition and a couple of other issues, but in general, the many issues discussed are universal to everyone as it directly impacts their ability to live, eat and simply go about their day without fear of others.
The first real problem mentioned in the discussion is the same for both although it is labelled differently, and that is public corruption. The talk covered how corruption in government at every level, be it local, regional, state or federal, is apparent in the criminality of its citizenry, quality of life and prosperity of those that live in a corrupt area. The more corruption that exists, the more destitute and desperate the citizens are. This is a direct correlation that is unfailing in its accuracy as can be evidenced by the countries that are overwhelmingly corrupt at the national level and cities or territories with corrupt regional governments and how poorly the residents live and act. Some will decry that it's the citizenry that cause a corrupt government, but that's patently absurd and easily shown to be false through historical analysis. Even to ancient times, whenever a just government was employed the citizenry began to immediately prosper as they were aware of fair treatment and the ability to maintain their livelihoods due to a transparent and judiciously applied governmental system. And whenever a government is in power that is secretive, biased in it's application of laws, those in a position of authority place themselves or friends as being enriched over those that are governed, (i.e., corrupt) we soon see the disregard for authority and selfish behavior necessary simply to survive from the citizens of the corrupt government as evidenced in some cities in the U.S., countries in Central and South America, Africa and other continents. Some try to make the chicken or egg argument regarding government corruption and a lawless citizenry, but as long as a government is properly and impartially executed in the creation and application of its laws, a chaotic society cannot exist. Systemic criminal behavior by groups of citizens in a society is a clear sign that the government is fundamentally corrupt at some, or many, levels. We, all of us, should endeavor to remove those self-serving elected officials through appropriate voting and legal measures at every turn. Don't listen to the falsehoods they speak to be re-elected, watch the outcomes of their policies and their activities. What is the actual result of their behavior? Are there wide-spread problems in their district but they seem to become more wealthy?
Another problem is the execution of the justice system as viewed by the citizenry. It was commonly understood and accepted when Boomer X was a child that is was far better for ten guilty men to go free than one innocent man be convicted as guilty. And it certainly seems that no one remembers this basic tenet of a justice system based upon the use of actual evidence as opposed to the manipulation of emotions or the current political flavor or mass appeasement in the execution of justice. While jurors certainly take instructions in the proper functioning of court, your vote is still your vote.
Millennial Z mentioned the destruction of the family unit as a real problem that people should discuss due to the current issues in society and the observable outcomes due to the collapse of the nuclear family structure. The lack of understanding from those who seek to subsidize single parenthood at unknown others' and society's expense regardless of the consequences is quite apparent, but the denial of the failures of those policies is heeded despite the falseness.
Many other topics are discussed in this podcast! Thank you for listening!
In podcast #26, Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about being "woke" and what is woke enough...or is there such a thing? Stemming from the early to mid 20th century from the black culture in the U.S., the term "Woke" is in relation to racial prejudice as was used as an adjective to describe people that recognized the unfair discrimination that those of African ancestry had to endure each day in American society. However, the term gained great traction and usage during the early 2010s and became a catch-all phrase for many progressive political descriptions and goals.
When Boomer X first heard the term "Woke" especially with regard to someone who suddenly understands that a person had learned to use individual critical thinking to overcome a herd mentality or see through an particular injustice, he actually enjoyed the term for awhile. But it soon became used so widely and co-opted so greatly by those with their own agendas it started to become apparent that those considered "woke" were just a different flavor of the lock-step demands inflicted by one group over others to enforce their own brand of "what's right". Many so-called woke people were simply calling out unfair discrimination or social justice violations through their own brand of unfair discrimination and blanket stereotypes making them worse by being hypocritical, blind, unfair and crowd pleasing while imagining themselves to be righteous and signaling virtue.
Deseret News reported in March 2021 that Tesla CEO Elon Musk, recently tweeted an idea for a video game entitled, "Woketopia: Battle for the Moral Ground" as the woke culture had become so overused and absurd in its identification and activities.
Calling out someone as being asleep and note "woke" is an obvious insult unless meant as an ironic joke. As an insult it means, "I understand something you don't, therefore, am right about this and if you disagree you're 'asleep' which just proves that I'm correct." It's a form of gaslighting due to it's subjective and perceptive denials while belittling others.
Nike profited greatly as a corporation appropriating woke culture into their shoe advertising in 2018 utilizing NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick who refused to cooperate with the singing of the U.S. national anthem by taking a knee for "Black Lives Matter". Nike was obviously well aware of their customer demographics and profited significantly from the marketing campaign by exploiting a cultural movement.
Starbucks seems to have miscalculated by attempting to using woke culture an attempt in a marketing scheme by having their baristas who make little more than minimum wage engage with their customers on the complexities of race and the injustice of discrimination while folks were merely trying to purchase coffee and go on about their day. Their customer base must have been as different as the approach they used as the campaign was quickly halted.
It appears the average person became so overrun with the idea of 'woke" that it became to be resented even if it was seemingly justified. Or perhaps people simply aren't woke enough. Are you?
It's quite obvious that Boomer X, while pleased to see a move towards increased compassion with the woke crowed, that he probably isn't woke enough by those who claim to be fully woke. Millennial Z is undoubtedly weary of constant calls to wokeism, but still holds the idea that some things simply should be tolerated because "why not?"
Thank you for listening!
You’ve seen it for over a year now and felt the pinch at every fill up, gas prices have risen incredibly over the last sixteen months in the United States. President Biden and other government officials are blaming it on Russian invading the Ukraine as well as causing inflation in other areas. The mainstream media is parroting the statements without any critical response it appears, but simply dutifully reporting what is being said and nodding in agreement.
Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about exactly when gas prices started rising, the increases over time and how much exactly Russia and the Ukraine contributed to U.S. oil imports before the pandemic created a steep drop in oil usage by U.S. citizens in podcast #25.
It can easily found through searches that gas prices didn’t start rising until the end of January 2021. At the beginning of January 2021, the average retail price of gasoline in the U.S. was $2.25 per gallon. The average price of gasoline reached over $3.00 per gallon on May 17, 2021. In just four months gasoline rose over 75 cents per gallon! In 2021, gasoline prices peaked at $3.41 per gallon which is $1.03 per gallon higher in a year. And gas prices reached over $4.00 per gallon once Russian invaded the Ukraine at the end of February in 2022. That’s right, Russia didn’t invade the Ukraine until 2022, over a year after gas prices began soaring. And once the war began, prices only rose about a quarter a gallon, which would have probably happened anyway.
Why? Well, Russia only has just under 8% of the world’s available oil, and the U.S. imported less than 2% of it’s oil from Russia. As far as the Ukraine goes, the U.S. receives no oil at all from them. So, how exactly could the oil which the U.S. has never received or anticipated to receive impact oil prices? Answer: it doesn’t.
I guess a spurious argument about the oil used by U.S. troops supporting NATO forces driving prices up, but it would be a spurious argument. Those forces aren’t using much more, if any more, fuel than they would if they were conducting training exercises in any other part of the world. They are currently sitting in a neighboring NATO country in the event the war spills over. There were 80,000 U.S. troops in Europe before Russian invaded the Ukraine as the U.S. has bases all over Europe and that’s how many are typically stationed. Currently, there are just over 100,000 troops in Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine war as reported by the Associated Press. That’s an increase of little over 20,000 troops. And those troops aren’t exactly waiting in a warehouse with equipment not consuming fuel unless called upon prior to joining the already existing troops also using fuel as they normally would while there.
The Senate Oversight Committee reported that the four giant oil companies (Exxon, Chevron, Shell and BP) employed an average of 40 lobbyists per year and spent a combined total of $374.7 million on federal lobbying…that’s per year. The API (American Petroleum Industry) employed an average of 48 lobbyists per year and spent $78 million on congressional persuasion. That’s $452.7 million, or almost half a billion dollars, to influence elected congressional positions to vote and make decisions in their interests. It can be safely assumed that it has some impact. Certainly companies wouldn’t spend money to influence people if it didn’t work. Especially almost half a billion dollars in a year.
Long term dating and relationships can be very difficult and often impossible, which causes a breakup when one or both parties realize, "I can't continue like this and nothing will change," as we discussed in podcast #15, "Breakups! When to End It?" Millennial Z and Boomer X also talked about what red flags to look for when dating in podcast #14. But in this podcast, #24, Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss signs to look for in order to have a successful relationship for long term purposes, or "Green Flags for Dating & Relationships."
Millennial Z quickly mentioned compatibility of personality and similar senses of humor. Truly, if a person has a very different sense of humor, or sees your sly smile and wink while saying something outrageous due to the absurdity of a behavior or situation as hurtful, and offensively sarcastic it's doubtful that a long term relationship unless someone suddenly changes their perception of your intentions or their own worldview which is very unlikely.
Boomer X brought up the behavior of conscientiousness and how that behavior displays respect for others while holding oneself accountable for actions or inactions due to relationships with others and corresponding consequences. Consideration and thoughtfulness were other mentions with explanations and examples given.
Both mentioned a respect for personal boundaries and a desire for compromise as necessary for real long term success, and they also talked about false green flags, or behaviors or signs of compatibility for potential long term success that truly don't mean anything for relationship commitment. Often these "false green flags" are just something people enjoy in a partner, but don't have the impact to relationship longevity people think they do.
Thank you for listening and please subscribe!
The last several decades has seen the rise of the term “toxic masculinity”. However, the last few years has seen the use of “toxic femininity”. In podcast #23 Millennial Z and Boomer X attempt to define exactly what is meant by the term “toxic” and especially with regard to masculinity and femininity. Each provides experience with toxic masculine behaviors and toxic feminine behaviors as encountered.
It was discussed that searching and defining toxic masculinity was made more difficult that it first appears due to the great mass of information and varying descriptive behaviors provided by allegedly scientific as well as social and political sources each with their own agendas and perceptions as to what “toxic” means as well as what may define “masculine” traits. It quickly became obvious that there appeared to be a certain bias that masculinity as a whole is viewed with suspicion and any behavior or thoughts attributed solely from a masculine perspective may appear to be toxic should someone choose to do so and be justified by others in agreement despite the most noble of intentions or perceived requirement.
It was also discussed how difficult it was finding definitions agreed upon by everyone who evaluate and define thoughts and behaviors as to what toxic femininity is. There were far fewer descriptions and examples of toxic feminine behaviors, and some toxic masculine behaviors were celebrated if the activities were conducted by women such as “excessive promiscuity” which was not clearly defined, but supplied as a vague term open to interpretation. Moreover, while it was admitted that toxic feminine behaviors clearly exist, there were very few definitions specifically provided and agreed upon by all or mentioned at all with many judged by how the motivations and behaviors impact other women while toxic masculine behaviors were also mentioned in the context of how it may impact women while not specifically mentioned, but listed as the only way the provided descriptions were rational.
Millennial Z and Boomer X make talk about the obvious shortcomings and hypocrisy within the definitions of the toxic genders and the impact of cultural and political pressures and results of jumping on particular bandwagons while attempting to equalize and create fair, simple definitions of toxic masculinity and toxic femininity by also providing a definition of toxic behavior regardless of gender.
We hope you enjoy this podcast and thank you for listening!
The way society views and treats "nerds" today is far different from how society, and individuals, treated them in the past. Boomer X was involved in many "nerd" activities in the past growing up when the internet didn't exist, television reception was spotty and limited to a couple of channels, the radio was overrun with advertising with just enough music to keep entertainment starved listeners from turning off in disgust. While there were far fewer laws controlling individual behavior in the past, social rules that were spoken and unspoken were far more effective at ensuring individuals tried to conform to expected behaviors and interests, otherwise be an outcast and socially ignored or persecuted and bullied. Those who didn't care much about the opinions of others and were simply interested in a subject or activity for its own sake, or were deemed unpopular and lacked social interaction as a result, became nerds in order to fulfill their minds and keep themselves occupied.
Bullying behavior was common in the 1970s and 1980s, and even expected or slightly encouraged by teachers at the time on those who refused to conform to common thoughts and activities. It required strong will and a lack of regard for other's opinions to actively pursue uncommon or unknown subjects and activities especially to become very proficient and knowledgeable in individual and little known pursuits.
Millennial Z has acknowledged that sitting for hours in front of a computer each day to "hone the skill" of becoming a better gamer is certainly a nerd activity, but also commented that working out in a disciplined manner to create noticeable change in the body and improve physical performance is also nerd like even though it truly improves your quality of life by doing so in a number of ways. Working out was especially nerd like in Boomer X's time as unless it was associated with team sport or the military others saw it as pointless and time wasting behavior that isolated the individual despite obvious improvements in physical and mental ability over time.
In fact, Boomer X has witnessed his nerd activities of the past such as "Dungeons & Dragons" gaming, martial arts practice, strongman and weightlifting workouts, comic books and other interests that very few people were participating in 30 to 40 years ago explode into mainstream acceptance and interest today making many contemporary people celebrities and others simple rich while he had to conform and make a living through other professional knowledge and skills due to the lack of interest by others at the time.
Millennial Z and Boomer X further discuss current nerd like activity and how much more civil and accepting society and people in general have become outside of political and religious circles and well as what the future of nerds may bring at the same time attempting to define today's nerds.
We hope you enjoy listening and please subscribe!
If you’re in a bad relationship, and know you should just leave but can’t seem to muster up the motivation to end it for good, why do you suppose that is? I’m not talking about the occasional argument about something, or a rough patch in the relationship due to circumstances outside that each must come to terms with causing problems within. I’m talking about a relationship where you’ve tried everything, had the long talks, the big arguments about the same things for years, and it seems like nothing changes, or it gets worse, and you’re both miserable and suffering mentally. A relationship where you’ve clearly determined that it isn’t going to get better, and if you’re lucky it may stay the same, but will probably slide into more dysfunction as time goes on, and you know you have to get out or lose your sanity because you’re joy left long ago and won’t come back as long as this continues. You’ve seen couples that are clearly unhappy, constantly fighting and just won’t break it off. Why do you suppose that is?
Podcast #21 is a discussion about the reasons people can’t seem to let go, or even just run for their life and happiness. You’ll hear the two different generations talk about the many different things they have observed which keep people together long past the expiration date of the relationship. In those instances, the couple doesn’t really like each other but can ‘t seem to make the break even though to everyone else it would certainly make each of them happier in the long run, and perhaps even in the short term.
Boomer X opens up with an observation that seems alien to him, but he has heard it from friends and family, that many people fear being alone, and even if you’re with someone you don’t particularly like or get along with, it’s better than being by yourself all the time with no one else. Although that may be an observation that belongs in the past, Millennial Z has something to say about it. Children is a major reason, and the best one to consider staying together, but both have something to say regarding a bad relationship and “sticking it out” even though you know it won’t improve even if you’re married and have kids. A common reason that becomes a mental trap for both parties in a relationship is believing that the relationship is in a down cycle, or just having a “rough patch” and will soon pull out of it because you remember the good times and something else is the reason, but it’ll soon be like it was, and…well, you get the idea, but how do you know that’s it or not? Mistaking physical chemistry and desire for compatibility is a very common way to tolerate incompatibility and poor behavior from a partner. The gratification of bedroom fun can color every other perception of the person when it simply isn’t so.
Millennial Z and Boomer X provide many more reasons breaking up is hard to do and talk about the occurrences in their lives as well as offering solutions based upon their experiences in this podcast.
Thank you for listening and please subscribe for more!
Cancel culture has been running rampant in the social media universe lately, and it has spilled over into the physical world and out of the digital world in some places. In this podcast, Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss what cancel culture actually is, how it started and how it has been used over the years under different labels.
In the past, you could be "cancelled" for some broken social contract and be ostracized by those in your local area who were aware of it and still function. You may be even given a platform to explain yourself or make up for the transgression to be accepted back into the social graces of the community that "cancelled" you. Or, you could simply leave the area of your own accord and go somewhere else to start over if you didn't agree with the way you were being treated and thought there was nothing to apologize for, or perhaps you were the person treated poorly and simply stood up for yourself, but that caused a problem among your social group. Now, however, you are known everywhere you go. Starting over today is far more difficult, and almost impossible if you are famous and well known. A person who is rich by being famous creating such a stink to be cancelled by a significant part of the world community may just have ended their career.
Is it right? Meaning, is it ethical to cancel someone if that person has done something wrong. Boomer X thinks that in some instances it may be. But you should be sure that the punishment fits the "crime". Do you remove the livelihood of someone that calls someone else an ugly name...no matter how ugly? Should a person be fired from their job for being a jerk to a group of kids if it has no bearing on what they do for a living?
The thing about free speech is that it's meaningless unless others can say things you don'[t agree with even if it offends you. We're not talking about abuse or encouraging violence, we're talking about different viewpoints of life and perceiving the world. A difference in understanding and interpreting facts that you may find offensive. If everyone is always nodding their heads, especially if coerced due to social ostracism, there is no real understanding of anyone else, or anything at all really.
It is suspected that civil consequences in the form of financial compensation will be made for unjust or improper "cancelling" of individuals, and it's curious why it hasn't happened more often. Sometimes, the justice system isn't just at all, and a "cancellation" may be the only thing that allows a perpetrator to understand how badly they have acted and what they have done. But we must all be careful in how it's utilized and why.
Thank you for listening!
In podcast #19, Millennial Z and Boomer X talk about how people’s diets and eating habits have changed over the years. Much of it is due to increased food availability due to industrial growing and better distribution systems, but much of it is also due to marketing and mass media over the decades fueling diet fads and simply incorrect nutritional information to the masses for profit or due to plain ignorance of nutrition “professionals”.
We discuss what was on the grocery shelves throughout our lives and what we observed people eating or doing as a day to day diet routine. We also talk about the impact that these diet changes have made on people and how some persist through the decades despite greater knowledge and better food opportunities available to everyone.
Everyone is aware that they should stay away from processed foods as much as possible and sugar most of all, or are they? And if they are aware, why do people eat more of the things they shouldn't, especially in the U.S.? The constant changes made to what should be good for you obviously demonstrates that most experts really aren’t sure what you should be eating, but everyone knows you have to reduce calories no matter what you’re doing if you wish to lose weight.
Boomer X remembers how diets have changed for athletes over the years and what was advocated for better results and how it became mainstream knowledge, but took decades as the nutritionists at the time didn’t wish to agree with practical knowledge of the unlearned or with something that simply proved previous knowledge flatly incorrect.
Millennial Z recalls observing how people and friends shopped and kept food in pantries that he simply did not grow up with on a routine basis because his parents were more nutrition and food knowledgeable than the average person. He also talks about what he noticed about people who maintained a steady diet of those foods.
We talk about things that you have discussed with your friends and please subscribe for future podcasts. Thank you for listening!
This will doubtless be one of the most controversial podcasts made by Millennial Z and Boomer X. One, simply because of it's nature, or the subject matter, and another because of Boomer X's uncompromising stance on the subject of pedophilia and the consequences of the activity. The only compromise from Boomer X when a pedophile is convicted is becoming a full eunuch to avoid the death penalty. And Boomer X detests the death penalty! However, this is only one of two exceptions for a capital offense to Boomer X which is discussed in the podcast and why.
Millennial Z provides some facts and statistics from the justice system including jail time or imprisonment upon conviction for pedophiles and Boomer X comes to a single logical reason why the justice system is so forgiving and seems to deliberately confuse the issue on the activity. There are known formal associations which advocate the activity. Why do they continue to exist for years?
The impact of pedophilia cannot be overstated, but mental health professionals and the justice system seem seem to be attempting to dismiss the severity and impact of the activity at every turn. Why is that?
Everyone is aware of the Catholic Church's cover-ups for decades. Why has no one been prosecuted at the local, state or federal level for accessories after the fact, or co-conspirators?
The highest rate of recidivism is for the crime of pedophilia. Everyone is aware of this. It is becoming acknowledged as something that is unchangeable as an imperative for these people. Why is it so tolerated?
Thank you for listening!
From the time Boomer X first went to kindergarten class in 1971 to the time Millennial Z graduated high school in 2012 is 41 years of formal education that has changed over the years. Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss these changes and argue over the effectiveness of testing as well as whether or not the changes have been for the better.
Boomer X has stated that it seems students were encouraged to be more free thinking in the past, while conformity is greatly stressed today as the modern education system tries to give the appearance of an individual being able to express themselves freely, the system acts to clearly penalize true individuality unless it is simply changing the color of your hair.
Millennial Z was never taught to fill out a tax form which must be filed by everyone with an income, but Boomer X was in the 9th grade. Millennial Z was never taught to balance a checkbook, but Boomer X was in the 8th grade. These are fundamental skills which everyone used to believe was exactly what the school and education system was intended to teach; however, political agendas seem to be far more important than functional knowledge and education, which is all the parents really want for there kids and tax dollars.
This political agenda while trying to be compassionate and offer subjective, abstract skills to students appears to have only allowed sub-standard or failing students to pass along while actually not knowing or failing to be competent at basic skills which are required to pass. How is this fair to anyone especially the kids which don't learn but are pulled along by the over achievers due to constant group work or making homework most of the grade whether it's correct or not. Boomer X would argue that it's not education at all, but simple propaganda peddling that brings everyone down, and most particularly those who need the most.
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On Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russia invaded the Ukraine. Roughly 190,000 Russia troops that were amassed on the Russia - Ukraine border are now inside the Ukraine occupying a foreign nation. However, it's been reported that many of the troops don't wish to be there participating in this invasion. Russian has described the invasion as a "special operations" which does lead someone to believe that Russia has no intention of a full scale war or conquering the nation for annexation. Of course, that could simply be political "speak" to make something seem not as bad as it actually is.
In podcast #16, Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss the most current and factual information available regarding the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia and how it impacts the world and the people involved or observing. Just a few hours ago today, March 8, 2022, "The Kyiv Independent" a Ukrainian news source announced that Russian claimed it will stop the war immediately if Ukraine agrees to the following:
- Cease military actions
- Change the constitution to enshrine neutrality for the Ukraine
- Recognize Crimea as a Russian territory
- Recognize Russian controlled areas in the Ukraine of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states which are along the Ukrainian and Russian border.
Most of the 3.6 million people living in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions speak Russian, and are a result of a migration of Russian workers after World War II during the Soviet Union. Moscow has issued more than 720,000 Russian passports to roughly one-fifth of the regions' population in recent years according to the Associated Press.
Russia's economy is less than the state of Texas in the United States despite being vastly larger geographically with much more population. Also, by far Russia's greatest export is oil & gas which represents approximately one-third of it's economy although it produces only 7% globally. The invasion must be economically crippling for Russia when happening over any protracted period. Coupled with the economic and financial sanctions from the nations and businesses of the United States, Europe and the rest of the world except China, Russia remaining in the Ukraine would suffer greatly and more each passing day. Further, occupying and controlling a nation is difficult when everything is going well for the occupying country that has vast resources and an overwhelming force maintaining an easy presence, but that surely isn't the case with Russia staying in the Ukraine. It's populace won't surrender and doesn't want them there for any reason.
President Biden is preparing to ban Russian oil (which means he hasn't yet!) and to request other nations do the same. That certainly won't work out well for a weak economy in Russian and a continued invasion. Now surely, Russia could look to China and solidify trade as well as other opportunities, but that's not where the majority of consumption is.
The United Nations estimates there are at least two million refugees that have fled the Ukraine and more continue.
Please listen to more on the podcast and thank you for listening and watching if you're on YouTube, and like and subscribe for more episodes.
Breaking up with another person is always a difficult decision. While it doesn’t have to be messy or due to a fight, it often is. Whether the relationship is romantic, based upon friendship, a work relationship, or anything else, once a bond has been formed between people and some sort of loyalty established, people generally don’t like to cut that bond and stop the loyalty, but occasionally, you have to end it.
When is it appropriate to do so, and how do you go about it? In this podcast, #15, Millennial Z and Boomer X share personal stories about their lives and discuss the differences in relationships and how they have broken up, or been broken up with, in many different types of relationships and why. Younger generations form relationships in different ways and appear to be more quickly trusting than older generations, but is that necessarily true or just seems that way?
Ghosting certainly isn’t a new technique invented by Millennials to end a relationship, but this is the first time it was given a name and defined. In fact, Boomer X’s best friend in junior high school ghosted him in high school after five years of a strong and familiar relationship without explanation or further contact, and without any incident to point to as a reason. But we all know there must be some reason for it.
Bottom line is if you’re miserable in a relationship, any relationship, and it has been continuing that way for some time despite your efforts to make the other person aware that you’re miserable and that there needs to be a change of some sort, but that other person ignores you or dismisses your concerns showing that it will continue or get even worse, it’s time to end it. It doesn’t matter if it’s your fault or the other person’s! This isn’t a blame game, it’s about your life being miserable. It could simply be different perspectives on life, different expectations or other reasons that create no “bad guy”, but do demonstrate that perhaps this relationship is detrimental to you and must end.
Dr. Fran Walfish stated on October 18, 2018, “You should break up with someone if you continue to have the same arguments and your partner refuses to support satisfying your needs. A healthy relationship requires two willing participants who want to please each other’s wants and needs.” Much more eloquent than what was written above, but the same advice.
Thank you for listening on the podcast or watching on YouTube! Please subscribe and we look forward to providing more content in the future.
Podcast #14 is Millennial Z and Boomer X discussing their dating red flags. These “red flags” could be so severe that they result in “black flags” thereby ending any further relationship or continued dating, but generally not. We all have our own checklist of red flags that we watch for when dating someone and getting to know them before we consider them for any long term relationship, but somehow people seem to slip through our defenses, or we tend to make excuses for these red flag behaviors because for whatever reason, we have a strong attraction for them or really like being around them.
Perhaps surprisingly, Millennial Z is far more mercenary in his approach to dating and throwing up a red flag than the older Boomer X. Although, Boomer X may have a more comprehensive list of red flags than Millennial Z, he may be more understanding of certain behaviors that would be considered red flags…up to a point.
The duo have even asked their respective girlfriend and fiance’ for their own red flags when dating because each managed to negotiate through the dating world to land a multi-year relationship or receive a “yes” to a marriage proposal.
One common red flag in particular started showing up for every person in different ways which was a bit surprising, but won’t be if you’ve tried to maintain a long term relationship, and to be clear, these red flags are for consideration of a person for long term purposes. There is an entirely different group of flags for short term prospects or “friends with benefits” (FWB). This discussion is for dating with the potential for permanent partnership with another.
Also, while we discuss from the position of heterosexual men primarily, these red flags and the mentioned black flags, apply universally to any orientation or gender.
Millennial Z did mention a couple of red flags that Boomer X simply didn’t have to deal with due to how each generation deals with technology, and simply wasn’t an issue for him. And while many red flags will be known and utilized by most, I’m sure that the emphasis put on one will surprise many and others discussed will give pause to more.
Thank you for listening and watching!
We’ve all heard conspiracy theories and heard them vilified or dismissed as the ramblings of a crazy person, paranoid individual, or someone just not considered very bright, but in this podcast Millennial Z and Boomer X reveal and discuss those conspiracy theories that turned out to be absolutely true and how it has impacted society, how those in the positions of authority are perceived and treated, and how the average person thinks about the information they receive today due to the actors involved in those past conspiracies which were not theory, but proven to be true.
In podcast #13, we go back to the 1950s when discussing the sugar industry and how they became too cozy with the very government that was supposed to oversee them as they touted the benefits of consuming large quantities of sugar throughout the day and at every opportunity provided information about the health benefits of eating sugar continuously and copiously. Boomer X can recall children’s cereal boxes in the late sixties and early seventies being named with the word “sugar” in bold, artistic letters to let mothers know this is the cereal the kids love to eat and you want to purchase for them due to all of the good nutrition you’ll provide to them.
Of course, we’ll spend some time discussing some of the many conspiracy theories that turned out to the true from the 1960s when it seems the CIA and military was running wild introducing LSD to people, kidnapping individuals and blatantly lying about, or creating facts and evidence, in order to manipulate the citizenry at their whim without any repercussions at all. Then we mention the 1970s and 1980s where conspiracy theories continued to abound mentioning that Watergate started as a conspiracy theory and ended up causing a President to resign. The 1990s also had its share of conspiracy theories, but amazingly enough even today the public, while dismissive of conspiracy theories in general, have become so jaded due to the actions of the government working against the interests of the citizens and violating their individual rights, just shrug off the fact that yes, your phone and television are listening to you.
Thank you for watching on YouTube and listening on our podcast. Please subscribe and stay tuned for our next podcast on “Red Flags (and Black Flags) When Dating”.
Podcast #12 is about something that we all have to deal with whether we wish to or not-- inflation! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers (CPI-U) was up 7.5% in the 12 month period ending January 2022, the largest 12 month increase since June 1982. That means we all received a reduction in pay of approximately 7.5%. Not many received an increase in pay of that much, I'm sure.
On February 10, 2022, Forbes.com reported that elevated inflation has been driven by supply chain disruptions and pent-up consumer demand for goods following the re-opening of the economy in 2021. Certainly, supply chain disruptions have reduced the number of goods available thereby creating a higher demand and value for those goods, but if there was only so much money in circulation, it wouldn't matter because the liquidity simply wouldn't be available no matter how few goods and services were available.
The New York Times reported in October 2021 that inflation is likely getting a temporary boost from the 1.9 trillion dollar coronavirus relief package authorized by President Biden earlier in 2021. However, former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, Lawrence H. Summers said the coronavirus relief package was poorly targeted and risked overheating the economy. Turns out the man with experience may be absolutely correct. And the 1.9 trillion dollars is less than one tenth of the money that has been pumped into the U.S. economy in the last few years.
The Federal Reserve has pumped 2.3 trillion dollars into the economy in the past six weeks reported the Washington Post on April 29, 2020, further writing that the huge amount of money was shoved out and used far more quickly that most of the aid from Congress and the President. And that is a year and a half before the Biden relief package.
The Associated Press reported in May of 2021 that the Federal Reserve is projected to have purchased 3.5 trillion in government subsidies by the end of 2020 with newly created dollars.
The amount of money placed into the economy in the last three years is unbelievable! Millennial Z has fitted himself for a tin foil hat and thinks something so fundamental was purposely done since 80% of all money ever in circulation by the Federal Reserve has been printed in the last three years alone. Boomer X thinks it's simple government incompetence likely for the ridiculous fiscal policy to avoid a deflationary spiral.
Hyperinflation is extremely difficult to pull out of as evidenced by history and countries around the globe that have to try and function within it and gain control of their economy. But the Federal Reserve is so afraid of a depression they will commonly do foolish things in any attempt to keep deflation from occurring at any time in the U.S., and at any level.
Boomer X remembers the punishing 18-21% mortgage interest rates enacted in the 1980s by the Federal Reserve to pull back on the crushing inflation started in the late 1970s and the average person suffered greatly for over a decade. Jobs dried up and the landscape changed greatly to accommodate the drying up of liquidity in the economy. Only the rich could afford a loan and banks and those in the stock market made money due to the new financial instruments created to take advantage of sky high interest rates on loans.
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Romantic relationships sure have changed over the years and through the generations, or have they? While Millennial Z and Boomer X can only speak from the perspective of heterosexual men, each one can provide their personal experiences and observations with regard to meeting a potential romantic partner, dating, determining if a relationship is feasible, maintaining a romantic relationship and all the difficulties of each stage from an older man and younger man perspective.
No doubt the entire dynamic and opportunities of dating or finding a romantic partner, even if for a night and perhaps especially if for just a night, have changed! With the explosion of technology in the last several decades, communication and information is literally at our fingertips and all of the time if desired.
Has hyperconnectivity changed the game for you? Have social skills diminished or evolved in a positive manner since the 1980s? While it's far easier to potentially meet someone, is it easier to meet someone in a meaningful way or does it even matter as long as more opportunities abound for everyone?
In the United States the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that the marriage rate has dropped to an all time low since it has been tracked from the year 1900! Of course, divorces or the lowest it's been in many years, and you certainly can't get divorced if you've never been married, but why is that?
Everything used to be far more personal, and the men seemed to be more aggressive in the past when initiating and pursuing a potential date, but is that true or just something that older women are experiencing due to older men simply being uninterested after previous relationships? It could be that younger women are feeling the same way the older women used to feel with regard to attention from men.
Thank you for listening, and please subscribe for future episodes! You can buy Millennial Z and Boomer X a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/millennialu
The Great Resignation is continuing! Some are calling it, "The Big Quit," but it amounts to the same situation. Employees are leaving employers in great numbers seemingly without cease. However, why? Podcast #10 of Millennial Z and Boomer X goes into depth discussing this current trend from a multi-generational perspective.
Mass media is reporting The Great Resignation with possible ways of employee retention, but the articles seemingly are written by people who don't have any real understanding of working in a place where people are treated poorly, or being an employer that has to come up with ways to keep their employees without breaking the bank. Numbered lists that include general concepts without practical solutions don't help anyone, and especially if they include old ideas of employee retention that are actually causing many employees to leave in the first place!
In this episode, we'll go over one of these generic lists that are similar to many others published in the news media all over the country at the moment and dissect it from multiple perspectives with real solutions offered along side, or during the dissection.
While it's generally known that retail, restaurant and hospitality industries are losing people at high rates, it has also been observed that those workers are being re-hired and higher rates of pay, so they are leaving for greener, but similar, pastures elsewhere. What is surprising is the white collar world is losing employees, and the financial sector is paying millions to keep knowledgeable people within their ranks.
Also, some CEOs are telling their employees to come into the office or fine another job even when many companies can't find qualified people or retain experienced employees who are actually doing the job. This seems like an employer problem instead of an employee problem, or is it?
Please listen to this podcast for some answers and discussion or tune in to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGp5OQzkBqJEDPzZeHSbKig
Thank you for listening or watching!
Just over a week ago immediately before the Beijing Winter Olympics, national leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping stated that a "new era" in the global geo-political landscape had been created. They agreed to each country's territorial goals with respect to the Ukraine for Russia and Taiwan for the China. This new era declaration was bolstered by a comprehensive and far reaching agreement between the two nations which steadfastly attempts to thwart the United States and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
The statement issued by the Russia and China revealed, "Friendship between the two States has no limits." Which is very bold considering the timing and audience of the message in the context of the delivery. The statement further read, "There are no 'forbidden' areas of cooperation," further underlining the seriousness of the two nations to stand together regardless of the circumstances or potential threat.
Of course, this was performed in such a manner as to catch the attention of those who wish to stand against the leaders of each country, which it did. But how serious do you think Russia and China are with the implications of the issuance of the statements and resultant coverage?
Boomer X has grown up under the threat of "The Red Scare" of communism and nuclear holocaust as a result of the Soviet Union and Communist China. Millennial Z didn't have to endure hiding under the desk in the event of a civil service emergency as a school drill for potential nuclear fallout, but he has been the receiver of the echoes of the threat as well as the continued media coverage of continued hostilities between the United States and Russia and China.
Please listen or watch as we discuss what this means to each of us in Podcast #9 of Millennial Z and Boomer X.
The last twenty years have seen an explosion of superhero movies especially since the release of Toby McGuire playing Spiderman in 2002. It could be argued that Chris Reeves playing Superman in 1978 was the first "modern" superhero movie, but it lacked the special effects we have today, and more importantly, it lacked the pace and storytelling style of today's superhero movies. Personally, I think Michael Keaton's Batman released in 1989 was the dawn of the modern superhero movie which inspired today's movies despite the lack of CGI, or digital, effects like we have today.
Many people, and even myself who enjoys superhero movies, are simply "burned out" on the superhero movie or any story, really, involving super-powered characters in the story. Even if it's well done, we will look at it and consider deeply, "Is this worth my time, or am I just going to be bored and wishing I was doing something else?" Why is that? And why, with the explosion of offerings in the movies and through television or streaming digital series out, such as Jupiter's Legacy, which failed pretty badly, do the studios keep cranking out superhero related shows with many more being written, produced and slated for release for years to come and just a month or two apart?
Marvel, now owned by Disney, and DC aren't the only superhero publishers in the game. Many others that have been barely scraping by are gearing up to provide the general public their version of superheroes, which if well done is also well received, such as the show, "The Boys" on Amazon Prime Video now is beginning it's third season.
We'll talk about how people view these movies by generation, what people truly think about these movies, how popular superhero movies truly are and why this is so in Podcast #8 for Millennial Z and Boomer X.
Thank you for listening and watching if you're following us on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGp5OQzkBqJEDPzZeHSbKig Please subscribe and like.
In Podcast #7, Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss people and the treatment of their pets and animals over the years, especially since the late sixties and early seventies to the present. It's a whole different world in with respect to animals today than in the past! And the farther back you go in the past, the more different it is.
Boomer X grew up on a farm in the rural south and has a very different memory and view of animals than your current city dweller although he does truly enjoy their companionship and respect them. He does not however, worship as sacred or see them as superior to human beings, nor does he consider them equal to his family, but they can be beloved pets that are well treated and loved for the wonderful creatures they are.
Millennial Z even thinks some people are crazy pet worshippers, and he didn't grow up with the harsh realities of animal husbandry, ranching and farming which uses animals as a resource.
Properly treating animals is a necessity, but what is properly treating an animal? Should people be discomforted so an animal is more comfortable when they are very comfortable already or hostile to the person? The laws are far more punitive than they used to be with regard to the poor treatment of animals, and they should be, but where does it stop?
We talk about these situations and more. Please tune in for the next Podcast where we discuss Superheroes and the Movies. Thank you for listening!
Please watch our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGp5OQzkBqJEDPzZeHSbKig
The first real push in the United States against drug use was in the early 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) after he threatened to recreate the Supreme Court and pack it with his political cronies if the high court didn't allow him to have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) create laws against drug use by the citizens of the country even though just several years ago a constitutional amendment was necessary to ban alcohol use. Then in the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon created the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) with police powers to investigate and arrest anyone in the U.S. for drug possession, use, sale or distribution as a federal crime. The War on Drugs was in full swing as President Ronald Reagan made appointment of a Drug Czar in the 1980s and the introduction of civil seizure and forfeiture without due process or sometimes even evidence being part of the eradication of drug use in the U.S.
As we've all seen, the war on drugs has been a failure despite billions upon billions of dollars being spent every year in the past five decades and more. Marijuana use and sale is legal in almost every U.S. state now, something unheard of in the 1960s and 1970s. European countries, and especially Portugal, made use and possession and personal use of drugs legal in the last couple of decades for personal use. France is offering publicly funded medical facilities for drug users to safely take drugs since 2016. The National Police Spokesperson of Spain, Rafael Jimenez, stated, "If you are consuming any drugs in private, you are not breaking any law," on July 2, 2021 on national news. Drug use in Europe has not increased at all due to legalization, but disease and death due to drug use has certainly dropped dramatically.
Has the militarization of law enforcement helped with stopping drug usage and sales? Has it improved the relationship between the government and the very citizens that support and pay to fund those in government service? What is the alternative and how much could be done or saved by the legalization of all drugs?
To find out, please listen to the podcast and subscribe for more! Thank you.
Father and son discuss the current trend of "The Big Quit" or "The Great Resignation" which is occuring right now and was kicked off in 2020 due to restrictions necessary for the pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 33 million people quit their jobs since April 2021. That's over one-fifth of the total U.S. workforce!
The Great Resignation was one of the top news stories for the entire year of 2021 as more workers quit their jobs during that time than any other time recorded.
The latest figures that came out in January 4, 2022 showed that 4.1 to 4.5 million people voluntarily left their jobs in November 2021 alone, in just one month. The highest quit rate is in food services, or restaurants, and hospitality industries at around 7%. The next highest quit rate was in retail, stores and shops, at around 4.4%. Hospitality and retail accounted for one-third of all people that quit in November.
Generally, people quit their jobs for two reasons-- poor pay for the work required, and poor working conditions which could be unsafe or abusive. The abuse could be from co-workers, managers, or clients/ customers.
Fortune Magazine reported on January 4, 2022, that while the overall quit rate has been high across all industries, but it's important to note that hiring new employees has been even higher, writing, "Workers appear confident to quit their jobs in search of better ones."
Gallup reported that about half of all employees or disengaged and completely dissatisfied with their jobs and are considering a change. This is after The Big Quit.
Millennial Z and Boomer X discuss why people quit with their own life stories and what they have observed or thought of during work and what is really probably happening that is causing this time of great resignation.
Thank you for listening! Please like and subscribe.
In this podcast Millennial Z and Boomer X thoroughly discuss electric vehicles (EV) with currenty published statistics including usage, purchasing, cost, maintenance, history, how it started and where it's going. Father and son talk about practical usage of electric vehicles, how electricty, batteries and storage works in very cold weather and how it would affect EV. Also, who is actually purchasing these vehicles and why. The main obstacles to EV purchases are price, range and charging stations at the present time. If the consumer can't use the vehicle to be independent, what use is a personal vehicle regardless of EV status or internal combustion usage. It may be with the huge push for EV usage by the governments due to the Paris Accords or Paris Agreement of 2015, we won't have a choice, but infrastructure building would have to accelerate at an almost explosive level to make the legal requirements passed by respective governments an actuality by 2030. The United States has a less than 1% usage in 2022 of EV, and that includes hybrids. Some statistics show less than 0.7%. But President Joe Biden wants 50% of all registered vehicles to be EV by 2030. How is that going to happen? And why is it so crucial? Boomer X and Millennial Z discuss the problems of EV ownership, purchasing, driving and engineering issues coupled with the necessary infrastructure required to make a huge demographic shift in electric vehicle usage and ownership. Researched and published statistics are referenced in this podcast that provide actual figures so the listener can understand the true impact, demands and necessary considerations for EV transformation by the every day person. Please join us for our next podcast regarding "The Big Quit" or "Great Resignation".