This year’s spooky festivities may look a little different on October 31st – and that’s okay. We share some of our favorite frightening films for the holiday.
Tag: Pandemic
Culture Crash 20-41: A Solid Oscar Contender
We discuss director Chloe Zhao’s upcoming film, Nomadland that’s already generating a lot of buzz ahead of its December release.
20-39 Segment 1: Inside The Grocery Industry
Americans spent 700 billion dollars on groceries in 2018. Across the U.S., there are more than 38,000 supermarkets, each stocking thousands and thousands of distinct products. But what is the human cost of this mass consumerism? Well, the burden largely falls on low-paid workers at each level of food production and distribution - and the pandemic has only exacerbated many of these problems.
20-36 Segment 1: A Violent Wildfire Season In The West
It’s only September and this year’s wildfires in California are already worse than last year with still months left in peak fire season. We explore the growing challenges facing Californians and what the future holds for The Golden State.
20-31 Segment 2: A Different Career: The Life Of A Professional Cuddler
Thousands of Americans are certified cuddlers. You might be asking - what does it mean to be a ‘certified cuddler’? Christina Hepburn joins Viewpoints this week to talk about this relatively new niche and how she’s working to dissolve the stigmas associated with the industry.
20-24 Segment 1: The Murder Of George Floyd: A Deepening Public Health Crisis
George Floyd was 46 years old when he was murdered on the street by ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The father of five moved to the Midwest city in 2014 where he worked driving a truck and providing security at a local restaurant. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Floyd lost his security job. On May 25, Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a local store and officers were called to the scene. The question remains: how can a simple police call lead to the killing of an unarmed and unresisting man? For weeks, protests and outrage have spread across the U.S. and internationally as the killing of Floyd brings racial inequality and police brutality into focus once again. Even in the midst of a pandemic, people are showing up to say they’re fed up with the lack of equal justice, rights and opportunities for all.
20-24 Segment 2: Navigating Peak Wedding Season During A Pandemic
In April, May and June of this year, 550,000 weddings across the U.S. were set to take place. As the threat of COVID-19 swept much of the U.S., many of these pre-planned weddings had to be rescheduled. Viewpoints speaks with Erika Hernandez-Fullerton, a recent bride herself and owner of a wedding planning company, to find out how couples in this predicament are making the best of this unusual situation.
20-23 Segment 1: One Country, Two Systems: The Deepening Political Crisis In Hong Kong
Tensions between the people of Hong Kong and the Chinese communist government are quickly escalating in recent months. With the proposal of a new national security law in late May further tightening the grip on the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong, the city is a tipping point as protesters risk their lives to fight for political democracy and civil liberties.
20-19 Segment 1: An Essential Industry: Construction In The U.S.
In most states, construction is deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic. With roadways fairly clear and schools temporarily closed, crews are getting to work while still adhering to social distancing rules. In effect, construction spending was up 4.7 percent in March 2020 compared to March 2019. Viewpoints speaks with two people working in the industry to get an inside view on growth and job opportunities as well as current challenges facing the sector.
Culture Crash: The Fate Of The Oscars
How will the upcoming award’s season be affected by COVID-19? We discuss the state of the film industry and how the Academy is changing its rules during this unprecedented time.
20-17 Segment 1: The Slow-Looming, Invisible Crisis of Climate Change
With billions across the world staying home right now due to coronavirus, air pollution in many major cities has cleared making way for blue skies and new views of nature. This week, Viewpoints speaks with journalist and author Thomas Kostigen about the role of geoengineering in tackling another approaching global crisis: climate change.
20-17 Segment 2: The Dire State Of Affordable Housing In America
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis as many millions of Americans can no longer afford to pay rent or their monthly mortgage. Viewpoints speaks with two housing experts about why so many people struggle to find affordable housing in the U.S. and one possible solution to the problem.
Culture Crash: Getting Lost In The World Of Videogames
Videogames are a great way to pass time. As many of us are trying to do exactly that these days, we delve into the fantasy world and discuss some of our favorite classic and new release picks.
20-15 Segment 1: Deploying School Meals To Those Who Need Them Most Right Now
On a typical day, the National School Lunch Program serves 20.2 million free lunches to students in need, according to the USDA. With sweeping school closures across the U.S. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of students are going hungry. Viewpoints discusses the new reality foodservice workers face and the balance between staying safe and serving meals.
Culture Crash: Taking The Time To Tuck Into A Good Book
During this period of social distancing, the constant screen time while working from home and watching Netflix can get to be a bit overwhelming. Viewpoints discusses some of our favorite classic reads by prominent authors.
20-14 Segment 1: Overcoming Uncertainty In The Midst Of COVID-19
With many unknowns hanging above our heads during this global pandemic, it’s vital to stay present and positive. We discuss small steps you can take each day to find structure and the importance of looking at the long-term picture.
Culture Crash: Hollywood Hitting Pause On Business
Coronavirus has affected nearly every industry across the globe, including the entertainment biz. We discuss how several facets of Hollywood, from production to movie theatres, have adapted to the new reality.
