PNUT GALLERY
Rankings for the best places to work in 2015 are out. Did your employer make the cut? If not, here are some ways to make office life a whole lot better (getting an office dog might be tricky though). Happy weekend!
IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ
Where In The World Did The Middle Class Go?
If class warfare really does exist then the Middle Class appears to be the loser. New data by the Pew Research Centre indicates that for the first time in over 40 years the Middle Class constitutes less than 50% of the population in America. There are more people at the top and bottom of American society making it increasingly unequal. Young people are increasingly slipping to the bottom as old people continue to work and earn more through life (thanks Grandma!).
What does this mean?
For starters, it validates the ever growing pile of literature about inequality in America (like that “Capital” book no one has actually read). But it also explains why outsider political candidates like Trump and Sanders are popular. That feeling of malaise (aka “not winning”) isn’t just a feeling, the data supports it. More and more Americans are being left behind… Expect to hear more of it on the campaign trail.
GOOD READ: Full Findings By The Pew Research Centre
Syria: Tentative Signs Of Hope?
A group of rebels gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signed a “statement of principles” that could lead to a political compromise in Syria. The rebels, which include radical Islamist group Ahrar al-Sham, called for the removal of Bashar al-Assad as a precondition for any transition of power, something Iran and Russia aren’t too keen on. Meanwhile, the US claims it killed ISIS’ CFO in an airstrike in Syria, although, sometimes these claims are exaggerated just a wee bit.
NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ
Serial: Well, There Goes An Hour Of Our Life Serial, the podcast that made everyone a detective (Adnan Syed’s case has been re-opened), returns to our ears (minus addictive old theme music) with a new season. The second season focuses on Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a soldier who abandoned his post in Afghanistan, got captured by the Taliban then released in a prisoner exchange. Was he a deserter or a confused soldier? Kiss goodbye to ten hours of your life to find out. The first episode is so good! GOOD LISTEN: Serial Season 2 Episode 1
Don’t Ma-Cri For Me Argentina
Argentina’s Christina Fernandez de Kirchener refused to attend her successor’s swearing in ceremony because they couldn’t agree on a location for the ceremony (really mature kids). Kirchener continued the “smooth transition” by encouraging her supporters to protest if they feel betrayed by Mauricio Macri’s new government, going on a spending spree and withholding access to critical information… Well done?
Government Shutdown: Because, Why Not?
For the second time this year (at least) the US Government runs the risk of shutting down. The US Congress has to pass a bill today that will give Speaker Paul Ryan until Wednesday to vote on a budget that keeps the government funded until September (right in the middle of election fever). The US is the only major country to routinely run the risk of shutting down because of disagreements on the budget.
#pnut4prez: Trump, Hopefully We Don’t Cover Him Next Week
The Trump-mobile continues to careen through the Republican Party in an unstoppable fashion. The latest New York Times poll gave him his most commanding lead to date at 35% (although, it was taken before the “banning Muslims” comment). A WSJ/NBC poll found that Republicans were split on the idea of banning Muslims (38% in favor, 39% oppose) but that the majority of Americans very much opposed it.
Keeping Our Eye On…
- VW Scandal: The Chairman of Volkswagen, the embattled German auto manufacturer, said that the emissions scandal was a result of a “chain of errors” and that oversight would be “improved in future” (i.e. we’ll try really hard to sort our sh*t out).
- North Korea H-bomb: Kim Jong-Un (a dictator with a cheese problem), claims that his country has developed a hydrogen bomb. US officials immediately met Lil’ Kim’s claims with skepticism. Maybe he should stick to making ridiculous insults.
- Runaway Train: A Boston subway train carrying 50 passengers left its station….without a driver. The Massachusetts Governor said that there was evidence of tampering. No one was hurt but passengers reported being very “frightened”…as you would be.
LOOSE NUTS: FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT How Do I Work My Apple Watch? Use My Nose According to insights from research firm Wristly, 46% of Apple watch users have used their nose to work their devices. A further 28% said that, although they haven’t yet used their noses, they would like to. We hope that the new app which blocks Donald Trump from your iPhone/watch is nose-compatible. Weekend Reads: | 
