There's no need to explain the name "Scrooge." It can be spoken playfully, but when someone uses that name seriously you know what it means: Heartless. Unforgiving. Spiteful in a season that calls for generosity. Yet for this Christmas season, Pop Trends Price Culture goes where even a "contrarian" might fear to tread -- by defending Ebenezer Scrooge.

Legalization: An influence for teens to smoke pot? The 'King of emotional arguments' goes up against a serious body of facts and evidence, as this episode of Pop Trends Price Culture considers whether the social mood trend will finish what it started.

Does news coverage of "threats" help you know what the threats really are? How DO you think about real vs. perceived threats -- to your safety, health, and life? And, what the heck do bookmakers have to do with these questions? Check out this episode for the answers.

When and where did a national audience first read about popular culture and the stock market? This episode of Pop Trends, Price Culture answers that question, and spells out why the insight about social mood is more relevant today than ever.

We don't think of The Pilgrims as "risk takers," but the fact is that they took risks on a scale few of us can even imagine. Yet the smartest risk the Pilgrims took is the one few people even know. Discover what it was in this episode -- plus a few thoughts on the risks of wise compassion.