While many small, neighborhood stores are fighting to keep their doors open, e-commerce giants like Amazon are seeing staggering growth. In fact, 2020 was the most successful year-to-date for the company. The pandemic has forced millions to buy more items online or through curbside pick-up. So, how has this shift in shopping habits changed the retail game for good? Business journalist Lawrence Ingrassia joins Viewpoints this week to break down the evolving e-commerce landscape.
21-03 Segment 2: Spies & Soldiers: The Women Of The Civil War
We know so much about the men of the Civil War, but the courageous women of this time and their contributions are seldom shown in history books. Historian Karen Abbott decided to change that. She tells the story of several women who helped their respective sides during the Civil War. These women were not just nurses and aides, but endearing female soldiers and spies disguised and embedded in the fight.
21-02 Segment 1: The Sketch That Solves The Crime
You’ve probably seen a black and white portrait of a suspect displayed online, broadcasted on TV or even printed in a newspaper back in the day. But how exactly does a forensic sketch artist create such a detailed and accurate profile based off a single, hour-long witness interview? Lois Gibson, a longtime police sketch artist in Houston, joins Viewpoints this week.
21-02 Segment 2: The Law Of Treason: Its Modern Use
To call someone a traitor or label an act as treasonous is a big claim. But what exactly does treason mean? What does it entail? We speak with constitutional law expert, Professor Carlton Larson about its limited use in modern courtrooms and the public’s perception of the law versus its actual scope and definition.
21-01 Segment 1: The Psychopath Inside
Who do you think of when you read or hear the word, psychopath? Rarely does anyone think of the mild-mannered neuroscientist next door. We speak to two experts about what the term actually means in the medical world, how it’s tested for in various people and why many people who have psychopathic tendencies are able to function in a non-violent, productive manner.
21-01 Segment 2: The Fascinating Science Behind Black Holes
Black holes have always intrigued and captured the imagination of millions since they were first theorized and coined by German physicist Karl Schwarzschild in 1916. For decades, scientists have worked to learn more about these mysterious objects in space. However, even today, there’s still much we have yet to learn.
20-52 Segment 2: Game Show History
Before the game shows of today, there were countless series of the past that defied our notion of showmanship. Full of grandiose props, charismatic hosts and the perfect, hand-picked contestants, these series kept viewers hooked till the very end and were (really) too good to be true. We discuss some of the most popular game shows in American history and how the industry has evolved over the last 70 years.
20-52 Segment 1: The On- And Off-Stage Benefits Of Practicing Improv
Getting on a stage in front of a crowd can be extremely daunting. But, taking a risk and trying something new may not only lead you to a new hobby but a renewed perspective on life. Improv comedy forces you to connect on a deeper level with others, as well as yourself through the collaboration, communication and confidence the performance art requires.
20-51 Segment 1: The Unending Toll Of Discrimination
Segregation not only divides cities but leads to divided people as well. It fuels biases against people who may look or act different than us, leading to generations of inequity and discrimination. Viewpoints speaks with social justice activist, Tonika Johnson about the many impacts’ segregation has had on the city of Chicago.
20-51 Segment 2: What Are You Grateful For?
Thank goodness 2020 is just about over. While this year has been full of many challenges, it’s also made more Americans realize what truly matters and the importance of being thankful for even the littlest of things. As we all look ahead to next year and the habits we hope to cultivate, we discuss the benefits of practicing gratitude through writing.
20-50 Segment 1: The Modern Diamond Business
The northwestern coast of South Africa & Namibia has been a mining hub for diamonds since the 1900’s. Local workers labor through long shifts and hazardous working conditions in order to feed their families. The pay? Roughly five cents per carat of rough diamonds found. While some may argue that the industry stimulates the local economy, once a company deems an area to be over-mined, it pulls out, leaving behind nothing for locals except ravaged land.
20-50 Segment 2: The Lasting Legacy Of Alex Trebek & Jeopardy!
Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy! for 37 seasons until his passing last month from pancreatic cancer. The trivia quiz series is unlike any other show on TV – and some would argue that a big part of what made it so entertaining was Trebek’s talent for leading the game. We explore his career legacy and what’s next for Jeopardy!.
20-49 Segment 1: Becoming Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, was hailed as a genius and master innovator during his lifetime, but his career wasn’t always a smooth, upward trajectory. He failed many times and was eventually sidelined at Apple. We speak with one of his biographers about how Jobs changed his ways during this turbulent time, and how his experiences working with NeXt Computer and Pixar helped develop him into a savvier, more understanding leader.
20-49 Segment 2: Liar, Liar: How To Get To The Truth
How do professionals question people to get the information they want? We talk to an expert in interrogation and lying on this subject, and how law enforcement and job interviewers use the same tactics to find out if someone may be lying to them.
20-48 Segment 1: The Early American Diet
Throughout history - war, famine, economic instability has affected what we choose to buy at the grocery store. Even today, the pandemic has shifted our grocery shopping and eating habits. This week, we rewind back to the Great Depression, which forced millions of Americans to find new recipes and get creative with the limited number of ingredients they could afford.
20-48 Segment 2: I Spy Delicious Pie
Boozy Pecan, Cranberry-Pear, Banana Crème. The many flavors and textures of pie are endless. Just because Thanksgiving and all-things pumpkin have passed, doesn’t mean an end to sugary holiday sweets. Viewpoints speaks with cookbook author Ken Haedrich about the prevalence of pie in American culture and how anyone – at any skill level – can bake a delicious pie in no time.
20-47 Segment 1: Surviving Parkland: The Perspective Of One Teacher
The 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida was the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. A teen gunman opened fire killing 17 students and faculty and injuring 17 others. Viewpoints speaks with high school teacher Jeff Foster who was there that day and is still an active voice in ending gun violence.
20-47 Segment 2: Relationships: The Human Experience In 2020
Technology has shaped the way we stay in touch, fall in love and even have kids. Dr. Debora Spar joins Viewpoints this week to share how innovation affects several different aspects of our lives and what the future holds in this space.
20-46 Segment 1: The History of Football as the NFL Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
The National Football League was founded in 1920 – and it’s no surprise that a lot has changed since then. Viewpoints speaks with three sports experts about the evolution of the football industry, its humble beginnings and why the NFL is still so pervasive and popular in American culture.
20-46 Segment 2: The State of Science
Before the pandemic, roughly 4 in 10 people across the world believed that if science didn’t exist their lives would be no different, according to a global survey conducted by 3M Corporation. We dig into this staggering statistic and how COVID-19 has altered people’s perception of the field.
