See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a scathing critique of Colorado's education system, the speaker takes aim at the state's record-breaking spending on schools, revealing a puzzling paradox: despite a 59% increase in per-student spending over seven years, enrollment has been declining for six years in a row. This raises questions about where the money is going and whether it's actually benefiting students.

The speaker delves into the numbers, pointing out that while Colorado's spending is now in the middle of the pack nationally, the state's teacher salaries are still relatively low, and the pension system is eating up a significant portion of the budget. Meanwhile, the state's math scores have improved, but reading scores have flatlined. The speaker argues that the current system is not transparent enough, with districts often hiding behind a wall of spreadsheets to justify their spending.

The speaker also critiques the state's bond measures, pointing out that districts often promise to fix buildings but quietly steer the money to the schools that are already thriving. This lack of transparency and accountability is a major issue, as districts are not required to report how much of their spending actually goes into the classroom.

If you're concerned about the state of education in Colorado, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker offers a clear and compelling argument for why we need to rethink our approach to education funding and transparency. Join us as we explore the complexities of Colorado's education system and what it means for our kids.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a shocking turn of events, the tallest building in Colorado, Republic Plaza, has been taken over by a court-appointed receiver due to the owner, Brookfield, failing to pay the mortgage. But what does this say about the state of downtown Denver? The speaker takes us on a journey to explore the reasons behind the decline of the city's core, from the 16th Street Mall to the current state of affairs.

The conversation delves into the impact of the pandemic on office workers and the subsequent decline of retail businesses in the area. The speaker argues that while COVID-19 was a contributing factor, it's not the sole reason for the empty streets. They point to the privately-run neighborhood of Cherry Creek, which has managed to thrive despite the pandemic, as a contrast to the public spaces of downtown Denver. The speaker suggests that the key difference lies in the fact that people live in Cherry Creek and the street is privately owned and maintained.

The discussion also touches on the topic of campaign finance and the recent controversy surrounding Victor Marx, a Republican candidate for governor, who has been accused of accepting campaign contributions over the legal limit. The speaker raises questions about the party's ethics and the nomination of candidates who have been involved in questionable practices.

If you're interested in understanding the complexities of urban development, campaign finance, and the state of politics in Colorado, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and thoughts on how to move forward.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best part of the week... Taxpayer Relief Shots!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a wild ride, folks. The speaker takes a deep dive into the world of artificial intelligence, but it's not just about the tech – it's about the people behind it, and the power struggles that come with it. You'll hear a fascinating conversation about the intersection of politics, economics, and innovation, all centered around a very real and pressing issue: the future of AI.

This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the AI landscape, where the speaker challenges common assumptions and digs into the facts. You'll hear about the dangers of AI, but not in the way you might expect. The speaker argues that the real issue isn't the tech itself, but rather the power grab that's happening behind the scenes. You'll also hear about the fantasy of a deal between the US and China, and how it's being used to manipulate public opinion.

The speaker talks to a young expert in the field, who shares his concerns about the potential risks of AI, but also offers a glimmer of hope. You'll hear about the importance of understanding the information that's going into AI models, and how that affects the decisions they make. The speaker also delves into the world of politics, where you'll hear about a surprising alliance between a socialist senator and a Silicon Valley doomsayer.

If you're interested in staying ahead of the curve on the latest tech trends, and you want to understand the human side of the story, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and hear the speaker's take on the complex world of AI, politics, and power struggles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the speaker takes a critical look at the fear-mongering surrounding artificial intelligence and the efforts to regulate it. They argue that the people selling us fear are often motivated by their own self-interest, whether it's politicians, CEOs, or venture capitalists.

The speaker discusses how the Chinese Communist Party is also selling fear to the US, and how this fear is often used to justify giving them an advantage in the development of AI. They also touch on the topic of prediction markets, specifically the app Novig, which is being used to circumvent state laws on sports betting. The app's owner, Sidney Sweeney, has been at the center of a controversy over a commercial she appeared in, which some have criticized for objectifying women.

The speaker delves into the details of Novig's business model, including its use of federal oversight to operate in states where sports betting is illegal. They also discuss the company's valuation and the fact that many of its investors, including a movie star, stand to gain from its success. The speaker notes that the outrage over the commercial has actually helped to boost the app's marketing budget.

If you're interested in learning more about the intersection of AI, politics, and business, and how the people involved are using fear to further their own interests, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and discussion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a shocking move, Optiv, a cybersecurity company, has left its headquarters in downtown Denver, Colorado, and relocated to Leawood, Kansas. But is this a case of Colorado losing a valuable business, or is it a symptom of a larger issue? This episode delves into the world of leveraged buyouts, where private equity firms use borrowed money to buy companies, often leaving them with crippling debt and a high risk of bankruptcy.

The speaker discusses the case of Optiv, which was bought by a private equity firm, KKR, in 2017. The company's debt ballooned, and it was forced to sublease office space and lay off employees. But this is not an isolated incident - the speaker reveals that many companies have fallen victim to leveraged buyouts, including Toys R Us, Saks, and Forever 21. The numbers are staggering, with private equity-owned firms accounting for almost half of the largest bankruptcies in the country.

The speaker argues that the problem lies not just with the companies themselves, but with the system that allows private equity firms to use borrowed money to pay themselves dividends and advisory fees, while the companies struggle to stay afloat. The speaker also highlights the role of public pension systems, which invest in these firms and often fail to demand better terms.

If you're interested in learning more about the complex world of leveraged buyouts and how they're affecting businesses and communities, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and discussion of the issues at play.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.