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2023-06-22

What's cooler than a billion dollars? Queen's discography

A curious series of recent reports claim Disney, who owns Queen's music catalog, is considering selling it. Universal Music Group is said to offer the Mouse House one billion dollars for the music. Axios reports that the deal is dead. But everything about these stories are fascinating to me. First of all, I had no idea that Disney owns the rights to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We are the champions,” and of course “Fat Bottomed Girls”, you know they make your rocking world go round. About a year before Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen left Capitol records for Disney's Hollywood Records. The band is still signed there to this day. As part of the deal, Disney bought the band’s catalog for $10 million. Inflation is a powerful drug, which is one reason why Queen’s catalog may be worth a billion dollars. That valuation is the latest in a wave of sales and potential sales of music rights mostly. The likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Shakira, Bob Marley. Justin Bieber, and many others sold the rights to their catalogs for tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. Why? It's a great investment and so far a win win. With all the world's music in the palm of our hands we listen to more old music than new. While the artist get piles of money, as Rolling Stone reports 14 times what they make in a year in exchange for losing some control of their legacies and of course tax relief. Reach me at James@rochesteraccent.com or jamesbrowntv@gmail.com. Or leave me a message at 1-585-484-0339 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamesbrowntv.substack.com/subscribe

2023-06-22

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2 min
2025-10-10

Vending Machine or Pharmacy? The Future of Shopping is Here!

Convenience has taken the crown, folks, and today we're diving into what that really means for our future. I recently popped into a pharmacy for some relief from a migraine and found myself surrounded by machines instead of humans—talk about feeling like I was in a giant vending machine! Just me, a glowing screen, and a robot voice asking for my card. It made me wonder, if this is the now, what on earth does the future hold? We’re chatting about how the cold convenience of automated services might leave us feeling a little disconnected. So, grab your headphones and let’s explore the ups and downs of this brave new world together, because trust me, it’s a wild ride! Ever walked into a pharmacy and felt like you just stepped into a sci-fi movie? Well, grab your popcorn because I've got a story for you! Picture this: I’m at the pharmacy, battling a migraine like it’s the boss level of a video game. I stagger over to the checkout kiosk, and guess what? It's just me and this glowing monitor, demanding my card like it’s the bouncer at an exclusive club. Where's the pharmacist? Where's the friendly clerk? It’s like I’m inside a giant vending machine, and let me tell you, it felt as cold as a winter morning! I mean, if the future looks like this—stores without people and questions left hanging in the air—what's next? Are we all just going to be living in a world where convenience wins but humanity takes a backseat? I took my pill, pondering if this chilly, impersonal experience is the price of progress. I’d love to hear what you think about this brave new world—shoot me a message at jamesabrown.net or call in! Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

2025-10-10

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1 min
2020-10-09

Episode 25 - Regal cinemas will close for now

Regal cinemas is closing its theaters temporarily. This after the latest James Bond Film was pushed to spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 locations will be impacted. Regal, the second largest movie theater chain in the US, reported a one point six billion dollar loss in the first half of 2020. And they say they need to raise more money to survive prolonged shutdowns. The National Association of Theatre owners warns that “If the status quo continues nearly 70 percent of small and midsize movie theater companies will be forced to file for bankruptcy or to close permanently.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamesbrowntv.substack.com/subscribe

2020-10-09

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1 min
2025-11-20

Why Are So Many Young Adults Still Living with Mom and Dad?

Takeaways: Did you know that half of young adults are living with their parents today? That's wild! In the past, living with family was about survival; now it's all about budgeting and math. Today's housing market is a real head-scratcher, where independence feels like a luxury item. Rent is eating up 60% of our incomes, making it super tough to move out on your own. Three generations under one roof used to be the norm, but who knew it would be back? We thought affordable housing was here to stay, but it turns out we were just dreaming. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net

2025-11-20

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1 min
2025-08-04

We’re All Just Coins in the Same Machine: The Cost of Friendship

Let’s dive into a topic that really gets under our skin: income inequality and how it shapes our friendships. So, here’s the kicker—research shows that your income can predict your friends' income too! If you’re on the lower end of the financial spectrum, chances are your buddy list looks pretty similar. But if you’re rolling in the dough, you might be hanging with other high-flyers. It’s like we’ve all sorted ourselves into little cliques based on cash flow, and honestly, nobody signs up for this segregation. It’s all these tiny, everyday choices that we don’t even notice—where we live, where we work, even what hobbies we pick—that end up shaping our social circles. Let’s unpack this phenomenon of “homophily”—the fancy term for liking similar people—and discuss how it’s creating two separate Americas that might as well be living on different planets! Let's dive into a topic that probably keeps you up at night—friendship and finances! We’re chatting about a chart that has haunted me, James A. Brown, like a ghost that just won't quit. Picture this: a simple line graph that reveals a not-so-pretty truth about America. It shows a direct link between your income and your friends' incomes. If you’re on the lower end of the income spectrum, chances are your buddies are too. But hey, if you’re rolling in the dough, there’s a good chance one in three of your friends is also living the high life. It’s like we’ve all sorted ourselves out, but not in a fun, organized way—more like a vending machine that only spits out similar coins! What’s really wild is that none of us consciously chose to live this way. No one wakes up and decides, 'I’m only gonna hang out with folks who make the same cash as I do.' Instead, it happens through a series of small, almost invisible choices we make every day. Where you live determines your kid's school, which influences their friends, who may stick around into adulthood. Your job? Well, it just so happens to define the social circles you roll in too. Whether you’re into golfing or shooting hoops, your hobbies often come with a price tag that reflects your income. Scientists have a fancy term for this phenomenon called 'homophily,' which means we tend to like people who are similar to us. Sounds harmless enough, right? But when that similarity is tied to money, we’re not just making friends; we’re creating two separate Americas that barely communicate. So, what do you think about all this? Let’s chat about it! Hit me up in the comments or check out more at jamesabrown.net. Until next time, take care! Takeaways: Income levels play a huge role in who our friends are, which is pretty wild! If you're poor, chances are your friends are also in the same boat as you. We don’t consciously choose our friends based on money; it’s more of a situational thing. Our neighborhoods and jobs essentially dictate our social circles without us even realizing it! Homophily is a fancy word that means we like to hang out with folks just like us, but it can create divides. When money decides our friendships, we risk building separate worlds that hardly communicate. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

2025-08-04

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2 min
2025-10-03

Hope Springs Eternal: Is This Our Year for Victory?

Football fandom is a rollercoaster of emotions, and we’re diving right into that wild ride today! I mean, who doesn’t feel that eternal optimism each autumn, convinced that “this time will be different”? From heartbreaks like the infamous “wide right” to the magical thinking that keeps us dreaming, we chat about what it really means to root for your team, even when the odds are stacked against you. Join me as I share my own story of enduring hope through the ups and downs of being a Buffalo Bills fan—because let’s face it, it’s the beautiful torture of sports that keeps us coming back for more! So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s unravel the delightful madness of being a sports fan together! Takeaways: Football fandom is driven by an eternal optimism that somehow overlooks the odds stacked against us. Every autumn brings a fresh start, filled with hope that this season will be the one where everything changes. Our experiences as fans often lead to heart-wrenching moments, yet we cling to the idea that it could be different this time. Sports fandom is a beautifully torturous journey, where magic and disappointment dance hand in hand through every game.

2025-10-03

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1 min
2025-10-01

Is It Okay to Not Be Okay? Let's Dive In!

We're diving into the intriguing world of small talk and the masks we wear in casual conversations. The main dish today? How our standard responses, like “It’s going,” are more about keeping the social wheels greased than sharing the real scoop. I mean, let’s be honest—nobody’s really asking how you are because they want to know if your back is killing you or if you're worried about your mom. It's like we’ve all agreed to play this game of polite distance, where the truth feels too heavy for a quick chat. So, are we just protecting ourselves, or is there something deeper we’re missing out on? Join me as we unpack this and explore the fine line between honesty and social niceties—trust me, it’s going to be a fun ride! Ever found yourself in a conversation where the usual "How's it going?" feels more like a scripted line than a real question? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today! Our host, James A. Brown, kicks things off with a casual reflection on how our everyday exchanges have transformed into polite performances. Imagine this: you’re at a party, someone asks how you are, and instead of spilling the beans about your back pain or your worries about your mom, you reply with a breezy "It's going!" This response, while socially acceptable, begs the question: are we really connecting, or just going through the motions? As James unpacks the nuances of these polite interactions, he invites us to consider what we might be sacrificing when we keep our truths under wraps. Why have our conversations become so predictable? It’s like we’ve all agreed to wear masks that say “fine” while our hearts might be shouting something else. This episode encourages us to reflect on whether we’re safeguarding ourselves with this polite distance or if it’s merely a way to avoid the awkwardness that can arise from true vulnerability. Who knew a simple greeting could hold such profound implications? So, whether you’re a fan of small talk or someone who prefers the deeper dives into life’s messy realities, this episode has something for everyone. James encourages listeners to break free from the scripted norms and embrace authenticity, even in the most casual of settings. Who knows? You might just find that sharing your real feelings can lead to richer, more meaningful connections with those around you. Takeaways: In our fast-paced world, standard answers like 'It's going' have become our go-to, masking deeper feelings. We've created a social environment where honesty feels inconvenient, leading to scripted connections. Digging deeper into casual interactions can reveal hidden truths about our well-being and relationships. Polite distance in conversations might protect us, but at what cost to genuine connection? Are we sacrificing authenticity for comfort? Let's explore the impact of our casual exchanges. Share your thoughts with me, because I'm all ears and love to hear from you! Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net

2025-10-01

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1 min
2025-10-02

Lost and Found: A Heartwarming Encounter on the Streets of Rochester

Ever found yourself in a moment that leaves you scratching your head and wondering, "What just happened?" Well, that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! I share a story about a chance encounter with an older Asian woman who was utterly lost, armed with nothing but a hand-drawn map and a smile. For twenty minutes, we played the ultimate game of charades, trying to help her find her way. It’s funny how some people flicker in and out of our lives, leaving us with more questions than answers, right? So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s chat about those fleeting moments that stick with us long after they’re gone! A year ago, I found myself taking a casual stroll near the Freddie Sue Bridge in downtown Rochester, New York, when an unexpected encounter turned my day into a mind-bending puzzle. There she was, this older Asian woman, waving at me with a look that screamed, "Help!" Now, as someone who considers themselves a decent human being, I couldn't just ignore her. But here's the kicker: her English was more limited than my ability to resist a slice of pizza, and she had this hand-drawn map that looked like it came straight from a treasure hunt! For twenty solid minutes, I was like a GPS on caffeine, pointing and tracing routes in the air, trying to guide her home. But despite our best efforts, she was as lost as I am when I try to find a matching sock in my drawer! She smiled, thanked me, and drove off, leaving me with a million questions swirling in my head. Did she make it home? What was her story? It's funny how some people can flicker into our lives, leaving us with more questions than answers. Got a similar story? Hit me up at jamesabrown.net or call me at 585-371-8865! Takeaways: In life, we encounter fleeting moments with strangers that leave us pondering their stories. Helping someone in need, like the lost woman I met, can create lasting questions. It's fascinating how brief interactions can spark curiosity and connection with others. If you've ever helped a stranger, you know the feeling of wondering about their journey. Sometimes, a simple gesture of kindness can lead to a lifetime of unanswered questions. Sharing experiences and stories can build bridges between us, even if just for a moment. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net

2025-10-02

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1 min
2025-09-25

Meetings After Dark: The New Normal?

Meetings after hours? Yeah, they’re a thing now—like that weird uncle who shows up to family gatherings uninvited. According to a recent report from Microsoft, one in five meetings now happens beyond the 9-to-5 grind. And it gets even wilder: a staggering 16% of those meetings kick off after 8 PM, and more than half of them weren't even on the calendar! It’s as if our work lives decided to throw a surprise party, but forgot to tell us we were invited. This episode dives deep into the blurred lines between our job life and our personal life, making us question just how flexible our work really is. We chat about the implications of these late-night meetings—are we really being productive, or are we just filling up time slots like a game of Tetris? We also discuss the idea that flexibility should flow both ways—if you’re asking me to work late, then I want my evenings back too! So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and let’s unravel the modern workday together. The conversation flows as we explore the concept of work-life balance—or the lack thereof. The speakers break down the implications of these after-hours meetings and what they mean for our mental health and personal relationships. Are we sacrificing our evenings for the sake of productivity? Or is this just the new normal? We share some relatable anecdotes about our own experiences and how we’ve navigated the tricky waters of work encroaching on our personal time. Plus, we sprinkle in some playful banter and puns because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a laugh when discussing work stress? We want to hear from you too! What’s your take on this whole ‘always-on’ culture? Hit us up and let’s keep the conversation going! Takeaways: Did you know that one in five meetings now happens after the clock strikes five? Crazy right? According to Microsoft, over half of these late-night meetings weren't even planned. Talk about surprise work! The boundaries between our job life and personal life are becoming super blurry these days, and it's a wild ride! Flexibility in the workplace should go both ways; if they pull us late, we deserve that daylight back! A whopping 16% of meetings kick off after 8 PM, which might just be the new norm for office life! If you think about it, every meeting after hours chips away at that work-life balance we all crave. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net Companies mentioned in this episode: Microsoft

2025-09-25

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1 min
2025-09-23

The Great AI Debate: How Do We Make it Fair and Square?

September is here, and it’s a big deal for everyone, especially those in the AI world! We’re diving into the interesting—and sometimes murky—waters of how we use AI in our everyday lives. Did you know that usage of these nifty tools drops faster than a hot potato in summer? But come fall, it’s like everyone’s back in the game, writing papers and resumes with a little help from our AI pals. The main takeaway? It’s not the technology that’s the problem; it’s the secrecy around it! We’re all using AI, but nobody wants to admit it, which makes it tough to set honest standards. So let’s chat about it and figure out the rules of the road together—because, hey, if we’re all in this ride, why not enjoy the journey and keep it transparent? September has rolled in, and you know what that means—it's the start of the school year! Our buddy, James A. Brown, kicks things off with some juicy insights about how AI usage spikes during this time. Picture this: summer rolls around, and suddenly everyone is off enjoying the beach, the sun, and the sweet, sweet freedom from homework. But come September, it’s like a light switch flips, and we’re all back to the grind, tapping away on our keyboards. James dives into an OpenAI chart that lays it all out—the correlation between the academic calendar and our reliance on AI tools. It’s a wild ride, and he digs into how we’re using these tools to write papers, spruce up resumes, and churn out reports. But here’s the kicker—no one seems to want to admit it. It’s like we’re all part of a secret club where the password is “AI-enhanced productivity.” James doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty, pointing out that the real issue isn’t the technology itself; it’s the culture of secrecy surrounding it. Why is it that everyone’s using AI, but no one’s talking about it? It’s a bit like everyone knowing the secret to the best chocolate chip cookie recipe but refusing to share it. He calls for transparency and honesty in our interactions with these tools. If we’re all in the same boat, then why not chart the waters together? Let’s establish some ground rules for what’s considered ethical use of AI in our daily lives. It’s high time we break the silence and start a conversation about the boundaries we need to set. So, how about it? Let’s spill the beans and figure out what’s fair play in this new landscape of technology! Takeaways: September brings a surge in AI usage as students head back to school, making it peak season for tech tools. The summer sees a dramatic drop in AI tool usage, kind of like how I drop my ice cream cone on a hot day! Secrecy around AI usage is more problematic than the technology itself; honesty is the best policy, folks! We live in a gray area where everyone’s using AI but nobody's admitting it; let’s change that, shall we? If we’re using AI tools, let’s be upfront and create some clear guidelines for fair usage. It's essential to talk about AI openly so we can establish fair standards and navigate this tech landscape together. Links referenced in this episode: jamesabrown.net Companies mentioned in this episode: OpenAI

2025-09-23

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1 min

At Modern Fire Studios, we take a look at the world from a heterodox perspective. We focus on the big ideas that unite us, not those that divide us. We create shows and episodes about life, death, marriage, family, children, divorce, jobs, money, our media and so much more.

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Modern Fire Studios

Meilleures émissions

What's cooler than a billion dollars? Queen's discography

Vending Machine or Pharmacy? The Future of Shopping is Here!

Episode 25 - Regal cinemas will close for now

Why Are So Many Young Adults Still Living with Mom and Dad?

We’re All Just Coins in the Same Machine: The Cost of Friendship

Hope Springs Eternal: Is This Our Year for Victory?

Is It Okay to Not Be Okay? Let's Dive In!

Lost and Found: A Heartwarming Encounter on the Streets of Rochester

Meetings After Dark: The New Normal?

The Great AI Debate: How Do We Make it Fair and Square?

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