Chinese and American diplomats met this week in China with more fiery talk and less productive discourse. As economists look at potential declines in the birth rates of the US and other countries, the alarm is sounded that more people need to have babies. Citizen Smith disagrees.

Simone Biles withdrew from the team event due to mental stress, and the US took silver, upset by the Russian team which won gold. The "heat dome" is causing shellfish poisoning, so don't eat raw oysters right now. Chinook salmon face collapse in California due to an overheated Sacramento River.

The Olympics are underway with the first weekend of sporting events producing drama and fascinating backstories. The city of Portland is battling numerous problems, including increased shootings -- some fatal, and the Mayor is clueless on dealing with these problems.

The Tokyo Olympics officially kicked off with the opening ceremony, however, the 68,000 seats in the stadium were all but empty, save for some VIP guests. No fans this year, but at least the athletes showed up. Let the games begin!

Extreme droughts, severe floods, raging wildfires, and a ravaging pandemic. It's time for the world to pull together, make drastic changes to curtail the downfall of society as we know it. But we can do it!

Games are underway at the Tokyo Olympic, but the Japanese citizens and athletes are wary of Covid outbreaks and a possible super spreader event. Movie reviews today: "Road Runner", the Anthony Bourdain documentary, and "Pig" starring Nicholas Cage, filmed in Oregon and Portland.

Jeff Bezos completed his dream today, blasting into space with three other civilians, leading America's privately funded commercial space program. Tokyo Olympic organizers introduce an innovative approach to beds for athletes, recyclable cardboard frames --- perhaps less inviting to athlete's having sex. 

In America the pandemic is under control, but in India, Africa, and parts of Asia countries are experiencing pandemic peaks with the Delta Variant. China's military is challenging America with war talk and hostile maneuvers in the South China Sea -- let cooler heads prevail.

A U.S. News and World Report placed Portland, OR, as the #10 best place to live in America. Well, let's take care of the homeless problem, trash, and political unrest before we jump into the top 10. Drug overdoses in America this year reached a three-decade high. And Facebook is going to start paying content creators -- but you have to be chosen.

An interview with a bike delivery guy in Portland sheds light on this innovative business that is growing. Job burnout is an issue for workers, a repercussion of the pandemic? It's time to address happiness in life and jobs.