Friends (the one with estrangement): Europe without the US
Feb 21, 2025
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Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the urgent need for Europe to enhance its security amidst shifting American foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. Alex Domash explores the controversial idea of implementing a tax on remote work, diving into the current tensions between employees and employers. John Fassman pays tribute to the late Pablo Johnson, celebrating his celebrated supper gatherings in New Orleans that emphasized community and connection over cuisine. This blend of insightful analysis and cultural appreciation makes for a captivating listen.
Europe must adapt independently in a changing global landscape as the prior American-led order begins to fracture.
The evolving work-from-home culture reveals employees' strong preference for flexibility, significantly impacting negotiations around salary and work arrangements.
Deep dives
Boost Mobile's Risk-Free Offer
Boost Mobile provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to encourage users to switch from competitors like Verizon or T-Mobile, making the transition risk-free. This promotion suggests that there is no significant downside to trying out Boost's services, as customers have the opportunity to reclaim their money if they are unsatisfied. The advertisement humorously questions why someone would opt to stay with higher-priced competitors, implying that such a decision might stem from self-punishment rather than practicality. By offering such guarantees, Boost Mobile aims to attract price-sensitive consumers looking for more affordable mobile options.
The Shift in Work Paradigms
The pandemic demonstrated that remote work is not only possible but preferred by many employees, leading to conflict as companies now mandate a return to the office. Workers favor flexibility and are willing to accept lower salaries in exchange for remote positions, highlighting a significant shift in workplace dynamics. Some studies indicate that employees value the option to work from home equivalently to a pay cut of up to 25%, underscoring its importance in job acceptance. Although companies have not widely adopted the concept of compensating workers for remote workwith lower wages, the labor market may force a reconsideration of this approach as conditions change.
Pablo Johnson's Culinary and Cultural Impact
Pablo Johnson, a photographer and New Orleans host, created a unique communal dining experience centered around red beans and rice, a dish deeply rooted in local tradition. His gatherings, which had simple rules to encourage social interaction, emphasized the importance of food in bringing diverse groups of people together. Born in New Jersey but permanently drawn to New Orleans, Johnson became a notable figure in local culture, known for his striking visual documentation of African-American communities and their vibrant history. His legacy continues, as friends and acquaintances gather to share meals in his honor, reflecting the impact of his culinary and creative endeavors on countless lives.
Europe must move boldly as the American-led world order shatters beneath it; we explain how. Many people view the freedom to work from home as a perk. Some academics reckon there should be, in effect, a tax on it (10:41). And we pay tribute to Pableaux Johnson, a New Orleans fixture who understood that supper was more about company than food (18:02).