Pop Culture

Our relationship with the terrorism threat 12 years after 9/11 and two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, with Midday contributorSheri Parks, associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland.

We all know that in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For information, press 4-1-1. But last year, more than 96,000 Maryland residents dialed 2-1-1. Sandy Monck, chief impact officer at United Way of Central Maryland tells us how UWCM's 2-1-1 Maryland is assisting residents in need.

April 3, 2013

Well, the Texans got Ed Reed, the Titans got Bernard Pollard, and…ESPN got Ray Lewis.

The women who died trying to shield first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary from a gunman’s bullets now share a place in American legend along with the first-responders of 9/11. The iconic images of women protecting children provide a reference point for our look at the steadily growing influence of women in not only the gun debate but a range of national and global issues beyond those that concerned the soccer moms. Midday’s American culture commentator Sheri Parks leads our discussion of women and politics, after Newtown and the 2012 election.

With Thanksgiving just about a week away, we thought we’d talk about shopping for the big meal central to the holiday, and survey the ever-changing supermarket scene in Baltimore and central Maryland. Food prices have climbed considerably in the last two years; at the same time, it seems shoppers have more choices than ever. We’ll speak with Phil Lempert -- the Supermarket Guru, as seen on TV. He follows the food industry and advises consumers on how to be savvy shoppers in the grocery store.

An exploration of the history, trends, and shifting perceptions of tattoo culture in America. While the wearing and acceptance of tattoos has grown in recent years, many still see body art as a display of deviance and rebellion. Also, from Ravens to Orioles to crabs to black-eyed susans, a look at Baltimore tattoo trends. Plus, the pains of removing something that lasts forever: an in depth discussion of laser tattoo removal.

In 2010, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.   The idea was to prevent another global recession. But has it worked?  We ask former regulator and University of Maryland law professor Michael Greenberger.

Stop: Emmy time!