EPISODE 22: This week, The Zeitgeist discusses #FlintWaterCrisis, Bernie Sanders, the RZA, Stacey Dash, and more. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK’S TOPICS

(Bonus topic: Since the East Coast is snowed in, the Moderator starts this episode with a history lesson on the origin of french toast. Hah!)

The Sizzle

For almost two years, the water supplied to residents of Flint, Michigan has contained alarming levels of lead. We discuss the origins of the contamination, the political response, and the long-lasting effects of lead poisoning: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/11/health/toxic-tap-water-flint-michigan/

Politics

Bernie Sanders is calling for a political revolution. But does he want that revolt to address slavery reparations? (Uh oh!) Find out: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/01/bernie-sanders-reparations/424602/

Odd News

The RZA, the iconic producer-rapper-actor who came to prominence as one of the founding members of the “Wu-Tang Clan,” says that all lives matter (including animals) and that black youths should dress properly to not be threatening to the cops. Remember the days when people invited police officers into their homes for some milk and cookies? Huh? http://thegrio.com/2016/01/07/rza-all-lives-matter-black-men-properly-dressed/

Health & Science

Molly Galbraith, a strength coach, rebuts the body-shaming she experienced via a Facebook post. But is her experience relevant for women who aren’t personal trainers? Is her experience simply a result of being a part of the fitness industry? http://www.today.com/health/i-am-worthy-strength-coach-shuts-down-facebook-body-shamers-t67441

Business

Professional landlords are making lots of money via Airbnb. Is that OK? And what are the ramifications? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-20/study-professional-landlords-generate-500-million-per-year-on-airbnb?cmpid=BBD012016_BIZ 

Also, don’t forget about this Airbnb horror story: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/15/your-money/airbnb-horror-story-points-to-need-for-precautions.html?action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&module=MostPopularFB&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article&_r=0

What We Don’t Care About

Anything that Stacey Dash has to say: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/01/21/what-stacey-dash-neglects-when-she-calls-for-ending-bet-and-black-history-month/ AND http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/stacey-dash-bet-comments-fox-friends-lies-article-1.2503973

The Tomfool of the Week

Some recent college gra