It's the Growth Rate, Stupid!  That's the title of today's Video Monologue in which Andy explains why the growth rate is the right economic gauge, not the unemployment rate.  Apparently the unemployment rate is easily manipulated, whereas the growth rate is not.  He says that the bottom line is if the growth rate is 2.5% or better, businesses create jobs.  If it is less than 2.5%, businesses don't create jobs.  In 2011 the growth rate was 1.7% and the projected rate for 2012 is 2%.  Andy doesn't understand why in the third year of his presidency, Obama hasn't been more successful.  By comparison, when Regan was president and inherited a bad economy from Carter, the growth rate in his third year was 6%.  Jesse Jackson continues to fuel the fire about the Trayvon Martin case, encouraging people to wear hoodies when they go vote.  Marion Barry apologizes for his racist comments...with more racist comments?  Hugo Chavez's failed cancer treatments.  Next, the beautiful and talented Producer Miranda comes in studio for Bizarre News.  Together they cover all things bizarre from all around the world, including a prison escape attempt in Brazil where a man switched clothes with his wife during a visit.  Also a drunk woman tries to get it on with a cop in order to fulfill a "cop fantasy" and a gravy-wrestling model gets hit in the face with a monkey wrench.  The gravy being the most bizarre part of that story.  Sarah Palin wins in the intense battle for ratings over Katie Couric.

Matt DeBord of the DeBord Report comes on to talk about the latest economic news.  They cover the jobs report, why obese people may have to gain weight to save their jobs, troubles for the New York Times, and Keith Olberman.  The waitress who was given a $12,000 tip gets her money back from the police.  Next Wendy Feldman comes on to discuss criminal justice.  Andy asks her how drug dealers are treated in prison.  Does Charles Manson have a chance of getting parole?  They talk about the hate crimes indirectly related to the Trayvon Martin Case.  And Amanda Bynes gets a DUI after hitting a cop car.

Andy replays his interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson because he loved it so much.  If you missed it on Wednesday, here's your chance to catch it.  However, that Neil is so darn likeable, I could listen to it 10 more times!  Later, John Kubicek of Buddy TV calls in.  Find out which of your favorite TV shows will be renewed this season.  And lastly, Miranda rejoins him to analyze Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's new "relationship."

Hope you enjoyed the shows this week!  Have a great weekend! 

Yours,

Producer Michelle