​On December 27, 2018, during the middle of the government shutdown that continues, the EPA issued a proposed rule change that would revise the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, aka the MATS rule.  This rule put in place by the Clean Air Act of 2018 required air emissions from various places to be monitor and to have harmful substances removed from their exhaust.  During this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to dive into what that all means and how it affects us as well as what we can do about it.  

​EPA will accept comments on the proposed rule for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794 and may be submitted by one of the following methods.

Online: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for submitting comments to EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794.

Email: Comments may be sent to a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794 in the subject line of the message.

Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 28221T, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460.

Fax: Fax your comments to: (202) 566-9744. Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794. 

Hand/Courier Delivery: EPA Docket Center, Room 3334, EPA WJC West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0794.

​Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.

​September of last year the master returned with his latest project.  Michael Moore (love him or hate him) has been a very powerful figure politically and socially through his documentaries and this time he was taking aim at what seemed to be the very institutions of Political America.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen we are going to be diving into Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 11/9.

​On the 21st of December 2018, the First Step Act or S.756 was passed into law.  It was hailed as a landmark passage, one that was desperately needed and that would change the American Justice System for the better making it more equitable and more humane.  While it is just a first step as the name implies, it was treated with such fanfare and such excitement that many thought this was the law to end the discriminatory practices of the Justice System.  We took a few weeks, let that fanfare die down, and studied the text of the law to determine if it really was worth all the excitement.  On this Episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to be diving into the First Step Act of 2018.

​In April a documentary came out with a focus on the medical device industry.  An industry that is one of the fastest growing and least discussed industries in America.  The documentary takes a look at whether the industry is growing too fast, and whether or not the industry is serving the best interest of the people.  Interesting things to think about when you consider the vast amounts of medical devices available, everything from pacemakers to birth control inserts.  But while the documentary is focused on medical devices, we will do what we do here on Lessons from the Screen and focus on whether or not this documentary serves a purpose and adds anything worth its nearly 2 hour run time to the discussion.  

​A few days ago Netflix released a documentary detailing rise and journey of 4 social media stars.  The film showcases from the perspective of the stars themselves, the ups and downs of being a social star in the modern age.  What attracted me to this film was the idea that a conversation could be had and led by those that have achieved the fame and attention that so many people are craving on the internet.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to be looking at the film like we always do and talking about somethings that can be taken away from it.  

​In 2016 the BBC took a chance at creating a documentary on one of the most heated debates in American in the last 20 years, what really happened on September 11th.  We figured it’s time to take a show and just relax and enjoy after the doom and gloom of the climate change reports and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen we are going to be looking at 9/11: Truth, Lies, and Conspiracies.  

​Released in 2013 and this documentary looked at the sex trafficking business from various angles. While it is an old documentary, considering the fact that sex trafficking is still a problem the world over, it’s still a very viable and necessary conversation. In this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to be giving our take on this documentary and the conversation in general and letting you know if this documentary is something that you should add to your tool kit.

​  Today we finish up our series on the Climate Science Olympics focusing on the 4 National Climate Assessment Vol 2.  The 4 year report which gathers multiple scientist across multiple fields together to present climate science from multiple angles focusing both on causal factors and potential impacts.  The last show was on the first half of the report which primarily focused on the environment, this show is focused on the second half of the report which is more focused on its affect on communities and regions.        

​Volume 2 of the 4th National Climate Assessment was released Friday and like the NATO report released in July, it tells of a frightening future if we don’t do what’s necessary to reduce our negative impact on the climate.  The first volume of this report was released in November of 2017 a called the Climate Science Special Report (CSSR).  While Volume 1 focused more on the science behind climate change and how it is physically affecting the earth and everything on it, this report focuses on the impact of the science and analysis presented in volume 1.  On this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to be diving into this report in our typical LftS fashion, breaking it down were we can and making it a bit more digestible while also opening up the lane for conversations. 

​Released in 2015 and produced by Jon Whelon, Stink follows his journey to find out what chemicals were used on his daughters pajamas creating the smell that overwhelmed the house after they opened the package.  This search for the chemicals led him down a rabbit hole regarding the secrets of chemical use in corporations.  Today on Lessons from the Screen we are going to be talking about this documentary, what it means, if its good, and is it worth your time.

Earlier this year in July of 2018 Kimberly Reed released a documentary that takes aim at the dark money flowing in politics following the Citizens United Supreme Court Decision.  With a focus on the State of Montana as one of the last remaining bastions of hope for transparent campaign financing, this documentary dives into the fray of one of the most talked about subjects in politics.  On this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to be looking at the documentary in our traditional style of doing so.  I hope you enjoy it, and take the time to let me know what you thought by going to the website and leaving a comment.  

With the election Tuesday, the American People had a chance to give their opinion in the most direct and influential manner possible within the American System of Government; voting.  The people voiced their opinions and what happened was somewhat expected, somewhat joyous, somewhat upsetting, and very much representative of the world we live in.  As has been the fallout from those upset that things didn’t go totally their way.  Renewed concerns about the irrelevance of voting especially amongst us Black Folk who found members of our race on the losing end of 3 Governors’ races; Florida, Georgia, and Maryland.     

While these loses were upsetting for many of the Black People hoping to be a part of history making in their respective states, the larger liberal movement, of which the majority of Black Folk consider themselves to be a part, did have an overall good election.  Democrats received the lion’s share of the votes taking control of the house in congress, and also improving their control locally.  They increased their control over total state governments, meaning having control over the governorship and both chambers of congress, from 8 states to 14.   They increased their control of legislatures in states from 14 to 18, and they increased their control of legislative chambers from 31 to 37 (legislative chambers are local houses and senates).  While these are all great gains, they are also modest gains falling below the average and on the lower end of midterm changes during which the controlling party usually loses control.  In this case, the Republicans maintained control of the senate and of the majority of state legislatures, and even though Republicans lost 6 governors seats, they still maintain control of the majority of them with 26 State Governors seats. 

So the results are a mixed bag, and while the majority of the news coverage has been explaining that mixed bag.  Today on lessons from the screen we are going to talk about what this mixed bag means for us as Black People.  We are going to be talking about the 3 governors races, what the difference between the house and senate are on the federal level, and what it means to be a race of people that live predominantly in red states while identifying politically with liberals.   We are also going to be talking about some of the common misconceptions surrounding voting and the American government.  We have a full plate on our return show, so let's dig in.

Because of an intense project I'm working on with Pacts Inc, I don't currently have time to prepare an adequate show.  With that being said, this show was a great show on the Middle East and it's major players that has renewed interest because of new developments regarding the actors.  The show post with the description can be reached by clicking here or by going to the website at www.freedomtrainradio.com.  It has aged out of the podcast directories that only carry the last 25 shows, but the website has all of the shows and much more.  

Also if you want to support the show the become a patron by going to www.patreon.com/LFTS.  Thanks again and I look forward to returning.  

​With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, Republicans have effectively consolidated power for the next few decades on the supreme court, effectively gaining control of the judicial branch far into the future.  At this point, they have control of all three branches of government on the federal level. The 33 governors mansions that are lived in by republicans effectively give them executive power at the local level in roughly 70% of the nation. 31 State Governments are controlled by Republicans, with 26 states being totally controlled by Republicans compared to just 8 for Democrats and the rest have a combination of mismatching governors and legislators. By these measures, they have near total control of the American Political Establishment with Democrats being opposition virtually in name only.  

While it is true that this could change next month and Democrats could take control of the legislative branch, Republican power has still been locked in and will take years to unseat.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen we are going to talk about how the Republicans managed to go from the party of Civil Rights to the party of States Rights (which has become code for having the personal freedom to mistreat and abuse others in a lot of circles).  The party that while only making up 25% of the population, controls the nation.

Go and become a patron of the show by subscribing through our Patreon Page.  Click here or go to: www.patreon.com/lfts 

​Back in January of this year, we got Fire and Fury from Michael Wolffe, a pretty entertaining and damning expose of the first year or so of the Trump White House along with his campaign leading up to his election.   It was viewed as an interestingly accurate picture of the administration, but that picture was viewed as more of a caricature than a portrait.  Since that time there has been a slew of administration books coming out, seems like everyone that leaves the administration writes a book and it seems like every reporter or journalist with a name has written a book.  None of them reach the level of detail and have the level of credibility as the book produced by Bob Woodward entitled Fear.  During this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to talk about that book a little bit and help you make the decision about whether you should read it or not.

​For the last 3 years, we have been engaged in an ongoing discussion about sexual violence.  What started with the popularization of the term rape culture moved into street harassment and then transitioned into the #metoo movement.  But it’s all still a part of rape culture.  Throughout all of this change, we have seen women coming forward in record numbers to talk about their experiences.  We have focused, rightfully so, on empowering women and removing the stigmas they face as they come forward.  But as with all movements, there are dark places hidden in the light, and rape culture is as deeply embedded into American Society as Racism.  Some of the very same tenets that potentially make someone a rapist also make them successful. 

We also have to reconcile that even with all this focus on sexual assault, plenty of known perpetrators are still moving seamlessly through the halls of power.  Donald Trump was elected president even after he admitted with his own mouth to being a sexual assaulter.  Now Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s supreme court nominee is facing sexual allegations of his own.  However, it looks like he will still ascend to the highest court in the land regardless of whether he did it or not.  As with Trump, a slew of women support Kavanaugh and they too are making their voices heard. 

Then, further in the back, we have men who have been assaulted, these men find themselves in the same space that women found themselves in decades ago.  Afraid to come forward, ridiculed and teased when they do, and very often met with disbelief.  These shades are all part of what we call rape culture, and in this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we are going to dive right in. 

​Earlier today China released a white paper regarding its position on the trade frictions with the United States.   The Information Office of the State Council for the People's Republic of China released the report In order to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations, clarify China’s stance on trade friction with the US, and pursue reasonable solutions.

With America and China having the largest economies in the world and with China’s Economy on pace to pass the American Economy in the next 10 to 15 years what we are seeing could be a structural realignment of global markets.  During this episode of Lessons from the Screen we will look at this report, what does it say, and what does it potentially mean.

​Earlier this month a new documentary appeared on Netflix entitled Reversing Roe.  Having seen a slew of documentaries on abortion I went into it very sarcastically expecting to be bombarded with pro-life rhetoric and biblical messages.  I hadn’t heard of the documentary and judging from the title I fully expected it to be a pro-life endeavor.  What followed in the next hour and a half is what we are going to spend the next half hour talking about.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen we are going to be looking at the documentary by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg entitled, Reversing Roe. 

​Here in North Carolina, we are continuing to recover from Hurricane Florence.  A 400-mile wide behemoth that crawled across the Carolinas at a whopping 10 miles per hour.  The storm dropped records amounts of rain and here in Charlotte we experienced rain fail for nearly 30 hours straight, people died and the flooding is catastrophic.  Not to be outdone by Americans, China and Hong Kong experienced even more brutality at the hands of the weather over the same period as Typhoon Mangkhut ripped through Asia (Typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones are all the same thing receiving their label based on where they originate).

But the commonality of both of these storms besides them both being the same thing was how we heard about them and how much stock we placed in the person delivering the news.  Meteorologists are the scientist involved in weather forecasting and understanding, they are also tasked with delivering the bad news about a 400-mile wide force of nature carrying 150+ mph winds and tons of gallons of water directly towards you and your family.  But they aren’t always accurate according to many and things are almost never as bad as they make them out to be, again, according to many.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen we are going to take a look at weather forecasting, when did it start, how did it become a part of the news, what they are actually doing, and why they seem to be hyped for nothing.

With the hurricane pending here.  We are preparing to evacuate and as such there will not be a show this week from Lessons from the Screen.  Thank you for your listener-ship and support.  Keep us in your prayers and we look forward to returning next week. 

​Congress has a duty to advice and consent.  This duty of Congress to Advice and Consent has been and will probably continue to be under the limelight with every appointment made by a president following President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.  A nomination that the Senate simply refused to Advice and Consent on leading to him not even getting a hearing.  Today on lessons from the screen we are going to be looking at Advice and Consent and the history of confirmation hearings in the United States.  Which is again creating interest with the fast-moving appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the supreme court by Donald Trump.

Since 2013 Ipsos has been releasing a yearly report on how well informed people are about the societies they live in.  It’s a yearly survey of over 50,000 people from 38 different countries being asked to give their opinions on various issues and situations within their country.  The last one was done in November of 2017 and a composite book being released about the surveys and the data that is due to come out September 6, 2018, which would be Thursday.  But we thought it would be a good time to just look at the survey from last year and talk about the questions and where America stood in understanding the realities of the societies we live in.  In this episode of Lessons from the Screen, we will look at the Ipsos Ignorance Index.

This show is just Patrick talking candidly about mental health in the community.  It's a short off the cuff monologue to bring the month to a close.  

​Last show we talked about stress and its impact on us and throughout the month we have gone through various components of mental health.  But one still remains, Biology.  Sometimes your mental health fails or begins to deteriorate and there actually is a biological component causing it.  During this show we are going to be talking about what that could be, and if there is anything that we can do about it.   

​Having talked about some of the more common mental disorders and what it means to be healthy, it becomes necessary to also talk about the most critical factor in health: stress.  Stress management should be at the core of everyone's attempt to get healthy and remain healthy.  Most of the mental health disorders we talked about are exacerbated by stress, many physical ailments are caused or made worse by stress, and in our modern world, it is nearly impossible to live a life that is stress-free.  In this episode of lessons from the screen we are going to spend the entire time talking about stress, what is it, what does it do, how does it affect you, and how can you manage it.