Tag: politics

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Marjorie Taylor Greene, Term Limits for Politicians and the Smartest Animals on Tola Talks – Ep #209

On today’s Tola Talks, Rich gives shout-outs to his new subscribers and viewers plus his two favorite women’s volleyball teams: Nebraska Cornhuskers and Purdue Boliermakers…and hopes they meet in the NCAA championship final on December 21st. He also shares his insights on various topics including Marjorie Taylor Greene and reasons why she’s NOT running for the Presidency, political commentary, America’s troubled education system, plus trivia about the Top 10 Intelligent Animals second to humans.

The conversation begins with the shoutouts and transitions into Marjorie Taylor Greene with a discussion about the need for term limits in politics. Rich also emphasizes the challenges faced by America’s educational system, particularly regarding declining teacher salaries and unfavorable student learning outcomes, e.g., low Math & Reading scores. This episode also explores the intelligence of various animals, highlighting their unique abilities. Finally, Rich shares some fitness motivation plus his upcoming content for listeners.

Watch now and discover: → The Nebraska Women’s volleyball team is predicted to win the national championship. → Term limits for politicians could bring fresh ideas and accountability. → America’s education system is facing significant challenges with stagnant teacher salaries. → Dolphins are considered one of the most intelligent animals, while Pigs have cognitive abilities comparable to a four-year-old child. → Rats exhibit empathy and problem-solving skills, Orcas are super clever and have complex social structures, and Ants demonstrate remarkable collective intelligence.

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Consumer Doubt & Trust with Ed Winslow on Tola Talks #202

In this episode of Tola Talks, I engage in a lively conversation with my long time friend, Ed Winslow, founder and CEO of Proofstacking.ai. We discuss the importance of visibility in business and the need for self-awareness and personal growth. Ed shares his journey in real estate, the concept of proof stacking, and how storytelling can transform marketing efforts.

Our conversation also highlights the challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive landscape, emphasizing the significance of creating success stories to establish credibility and generate leads. In this engaging episode, Ed and I explore the significance of storytelling in marketing, the importance of overcoming consumer doubt, and the power of success stories in building trust. We discuss the concept of proof stacking and how micro stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

A must watch for all business owners and especially real estate brokers!

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Words are Powerful & Meaningless on Tola Talks – Ep #201

In today’s episode, we talk about the recent elections in NJ, VA and New York City, emphasizing the importance of local governance and the need for cleanliness and safety in urban areas. I also discuss yesterday’s Gallup poll revealing public fears about safety and walking a mile at night, share personal experiences from various cities I’ve lived in over the past 40 years, plus highlight the significance of words in communication. I also delve into insights from my book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher, addressing challenges in America’s broken educational system and the need for accountability in schools. I conclude with a call for politicians to stand behind their words and make meaningful changes.

And for everyone who says they workout, do what you say today and get your workout in! Peace – R

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Change the Consumer Sentiment

While driving home from the park today, I was listening to a few economists talk about the current University of Michigan survey measuring consumer sentiment and economic conditions. Basically, it tells us how Americans feel about the economy both today and tomorrow, or more specifically, one year from now.

I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but the overall feelings were bad.

As bad as they were in the 1970’s no less, when inflation was at 13%, unemployment was at 10%, and you had to wait an hour at the pumps to fill up your tank with gas. No kidding, and I know it well because I grew up in the 70’s and specifically remember really long lines in a station wagon with no air conditioning. Albeit, today those inflation and unemployment numbers are much better, to say the least, as mortgage rates just inched below 7% – a good sign for both consumers and the housing market.

The thing is, back when times were much tougher for families and the economy was in a much deeper hole, pervasive feelings of doom and gloom were never rampant like they are today. At least it seems that way when everywhere you turn there’s suffering, death and destruction, not to mention consistent talk about an unavoidable recession (which I disagree). In a viral world with instant connectivity, spreading anything – including bad feelings – is as easy as getting AI to write you a paper. The polar opposite of the groovy, non-viral 70’s. Plus, with Led Zeppelin on the radio and Disco on the rise, life was always about working hard, staying hopeful, living free, and most importantly, living in the moment.

And since every one of us is dealing with our own adversity du jour – mine includes three herniated discs that have annihilated my yoga practice – you gotta stay positive and know that things will get better. And believe that collectively, we can change this sentiment from bad to good.

And we will.

The funny thing is, when I grew tired of listening to those chatty economists talk about our nation’s lousy survey scores, I turned the radio dial a few clicks to the left and what do you think comes on? I Want Your Love, by Chic circa 1978. Talk about a fun and happy and positive song that compels you to sing along forever! I was 15 when that Disco classic came out, and had just started taking lessons at the nearby Arthur Murray Dance Studio..with every other kid in the neighborhood.

So change your negative thoughts everyone, and help me change the consumer sentiment. No doubt I believe change is coming – as it did with the go-go 80’s right after John Travolta lit up the floor in that iconic gem, Saturday Night Fever (1979). Speaking of lighting up the floor, with two measly weeks to go before we leave this rather “bad” 2023 behind us, take heed from yours truly – and get your workout in. Dancing included!

Have an amazing Holiday and even happier New Year! Peace – R

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Summer’s Over Party!

Back in NYC circa the late 1990’s my cronies and I would begin every Labor Day weekend with a blow-out celebration called the Summer’s Over Party. A party it was, to officially celebrate the end of summer – which meant everyone on Wall Street and every other business would get their vacationed butts back in the office to start making money again.

The fact that our little Summer’s Over Party lasted the entire weekend as well as every subsequent weekend until Thanksgiving really didn’t matter (what can I say, we liked to party). Our real intent was to celebrate the beginning of something very good that was about to happen, or perhaps even exceptional.

So let’s get ready to celebrate the following happenings that are definitely very good and are no doubt worth celebrating:

  1. Serena Williams rockin’ the US Open at the ripe young age of 40 while drinking from the Fountain of Youth. And you can too, just read my book.
  2. Inflation is subsiding and the mild recession we’re already in will start to wane.
  3. The oppressive heat across the US and the world will subside. It has to because time goes quick and Winter’s fast approaching.
  4. COVID and/or the fear thereof will subside to the point where everyone on the planet – including those fear-mongering politicians – won’t really care or pass judgment on someone like me who isn’t vaccinated (which should have been the case from Day 1 of this controversial pandemic).
  5. Stocks and Cryptocurrencies will rebound in our investment portfolios before year’s end and we’ll all have a jolly good Christmas. And if you don’t yet have an investment portfolio, get started now…prices are cheap! Another prediction, albeit I’m a long term BULL so what can I say.
  6. Everyone on the planet will embrace my motto, Another Day – Another Workout, and get with a daily fitness program. Trust me, it’ll change your life and keep you drinking from the Fountain of Youth. Just like me and Serena. And if you could use some much needed inspiration, just read my book.

And finally here’s something I learned a long time ago that keeps rearing it’s paradoxical head: Never say Never. Like when it comes to Nomad Living. Let’s just say it’s time for me to head back east again – this time driving – to spend time with family plus add another dozen US cities to my noteworthy collection. What can I say…it’ll definitely be fun!

Happy Labor Day everyone…get your workout in and enjoy the party!

Peace – R

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Nomad Living – Part 1

Four months ago I packed my shiny new Bronco to the gills and departed California on a beautiful sunny morning (of course). On my way to Texas, with no particular city in mind or specific travel map in place except for my one goal: to find a place to live within a month. Just the right amount of time to visit and explore at least a dozen major cities along the way.

You may call it a long road trip, but I call it Nomad Living. Nomad as in “a member of a people who have no fixed residence but move from place to place”. And that would be me.

The good news is I love to explore and have since adapted to the inconveniences of not having a fixed residence – trust me, there are many. Plus, nomad living is never boring because you’re always scrambling to familiarize yourself with the plethora of unknowns. Until you eventually land and get the lay of the land, like I did in Plano for a few months and where I also produced my podcast, Tola Talks Texas. Opinionated and oftentimes political for sure, and be sure to check out my two favorite episodes Ep 8 – Suicide Sucks and Ep 20 – Never Live in Fear.

Then it was back on the road, again, this time desiring to spend quality time with my father who’s battling liver cancer as well as revisit some old friends and haunts in Las Vegas and of course, my formerly beloved LA. Not to mention a bunch more cities along the way.

All told I’ve driven 12,000 miles in 120 days while heartily visiting the following 30 cities: Yuma, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tuscon, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Flagstaff, Sedona, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, Amarillo, El Paso, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Waco, Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, Frisco, Plano, Needles, Riverside, Pasadena, LA and most recently, San Diego – as I write this I’m curiously exploring the boatloads of amazing neighborhoods and beaches of SD!

Have an awesome weekend and keep moving forward with your goals and dreams everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

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Never Live in Fear – Ep 20 – Tola Talks Texas

Today is all about doing whatever it takes to never live in fear. Because during the past two years of this COVID pandemic, the powers to be have done their best to control you by instilling fear in your mind, body and spirit. No doubt fear controls – so never let it happen. In our last Tola Talks Texas, at least for now while I travel and spend time with family, I do my best to communicate why we need to get rid of the divide between the vaccinated and unvaccinated. Plus kudos to Bill Maher for his recent monologue about not wanting to live in a masked, paranoid world and never being scared of COVID, but rather the reaction to it. Not to mention this particular comment that I totally agree: So, the fact that America, the medical establishment never even attempted to get people to live a healthier lifestyle as response to this pandemic is a giant scandal to me. Right on Bill, because everyone needs to get with the program and Drink from the Fountain of Youth, like I do. And no matter what, stay strong, stay positive, stay true to your dreams…and get your workout in.

Peace – R

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RIP and Defeat the Madness – Ep 19 – Tola Talks Texas

Today the magic numbers are 2 and 4, that is to say, we’re giving two RIP shout outs to rock and comedy legends, Meat Loaf and Louie Anderson, plus there’s only two (or maybe four) more episodes of Tola Talks Texas. We’re also talking about the four NFL teams left in the playoffs after their super close games this weekend – 49ers, Rams, Bengals and Chiefs – plus the top four stories including kudos to tennis champion, Martina Navratilova, for her comments regarding China’s Peng Shuai, as well as kudos to the peaceful protesters in the Defeat the Madness rally on Washington, DC. And no worries if you’re getting crushed with your stocks or cryptocurrency holdings (like I am). Because it’s a blood bath out there that’s bound to rebound. But hey, what do I know.

Have an awesome Monday everyone, and get your workout in!

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Cancel Culture Reboot – Ep 16 – Tola Talks Texas

Today we’re talking about the cancel culture (aka the call-out culture) as a modern form of ostracism and why it should be rebooted, or more specifically, treated individually on a case-by-case basis. And kudos to the new employment website, redballoon.work, for their efforts to value freedom of expression and go beyond the cancel culture where employees are free to work without fear of being on the wrong side of their employer’s politics. No doubt Americans are in need of a higher functioning democracy with less censorship and less judgement upon others for their personal choices, not to mention the need for everyone to embrace Love the Five Y’s – Step 22 of my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Plus get ready for a long Crypto Winter – or not if you ask me – although there are plenty of reasons why Bitcoin is poised for a precipitous decline.

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Homage to MLK – Ep 15 – Tola Talks Texas

Today we’re paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a national holiday in the United States and time to honor a great man who stood for never ending equality and justice for all. MLK was also the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and a civil rights leader who inspired a nation with his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of 250,000 people gathered around the Lincoln Memorial during their peaceful march upon our nation’s capitol. We’re also talking about the Wolf Moon, a full moon that illuminates to its fullest tonight at 6:48p EST. Plus more fitness tips and inspiration as well as three more steps to everlasting youth from my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Have an awesome holiday everyone…and get your workout in!