The San Francisco Experience

The majority of Americans get their news from social media sites like Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook rather than dedicated news sites like the BBC, The New York Times, Bloomberg. Often social media substitutes opinion for factual news. Our ability to seek out reliable information, analyze and critique it is essential to know what is happening in our world. Youngsters are especially at risk and there is a move to regulate their use of social media the same as we do for tobacco and alcohol, given its' similar addictive qualities.

By any standard, the CEO of Tik Tok, Shou Chew did little to shore up the credibility of the social media giant or his own image during the Congressional hearing. When the hearing was over Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said he would consider a ban on Tik Tok. It was a very bad day for the 40 year old millennial executive.

In addition to having served as Chair of the Federal Election Commission and California's Fair Political Practices Commission, Ann has also served as an International Election Observer in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Puerto Rico. Committed to the democratic process at home and abroad.

On March 10, 2023 Silicon Valley Bank collapsed . More than 90% of its' deposits exceeded the FDIC limit of $250,000 but the regulators acted quickly to assure the financial markets by extending the guarantee to all of SVB's deposits. Professor Admati dissects the SVB debacle - it is a cautionary tale. She also discusses her 2013 book The Bankers' New Clothes and the 2023 update to be published in the Fall of 2023.

Professor Danielsson discusses global banking turmoil and the role of Risk Management in banks. His new book, Illusion of Control, takes a fresh look at managing risk. Diversification of banks' business models should provide shock absorbers to financial markets, helping to lessen the impact of bank failures on the economy.

Irene recounts working with Elvis Presley, Jimmy Stewart, John Ford, John Wayne, Jeff Bridges and Doris Day. For two years, she dated Frank Sinatra. With 80 credits to her name she has been a presence in the entertainment world since the 1960s.

The 95th Oscar Award Show was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.  Everything, Everywhere All at Once swept the awards as expected. Shaun gives a frank review of the film and its' stars.

Though the United States and Cuba enjoy diplomatic relations, the US bans general tourism to the island.  To travel to Cuba the purpose of the trip must fall into one of twelve generally humanitarian categories. Bill relates the rules and regulations for compliant US travel to Cuba and his impressions of the country and its' people while on a recent visit.

Silicon Valley Bank, the 16th largest bank in the US, collapsed on Friday and its assets were transferred to the FDIC.  Market fears for contagion are of concern, since 95% of SVB's deposits exceeded the $250,000 limit. Will a large bank acquire the remains of SVB to keep all depositors whole ? And what about the ripple effects on the tech economy which is already contracting ?

The 76 million Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are retiring and putting pressure on Social Security and housing values. But the Millennials an equally large generation born between 1981 and 1996, have other social, economic and political priorities. Is generational tension likely to play out to the benefit of one or both generations ?