3 chapters across the catalog
The hosts pause to discuss the recent proliferation of the word "conflate" in American media and public discourse. They observe that the term has been adopted by both news anchors and the general public over the last two years. The conversation shifts to how social trends like "bullying" have evolved into the current focus on "hate crimes" and the potential impact on First Amendment rights.
Peace Academy, Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping Force
The Department of Peacebuilding Act's proposal for a "Peace Academy" is examined. Modeled after military service academies, it would require graduates to serve five years in an unarmed civilian peacekeeping force. The hosts express concern over the bill's provisions for government oversight of media awareness and the creation of a domestic "Brownshirt" army.
Burson-Marsteller has trademarked the term "E-fluentials" to describe a segment of online users who drive public opinion through email, blogs, and social networks. Despite the industry hype surrounding "mom-fluentials" and "youth-fluentials," a UK study suggests that traditional brand familiarity and search engine results remain far more influential on consumer behavior than social media interactions or blogs.
