The End of the Middle Class

Get Use to Eating Beans

That’s one suggestion in Tyler Cowen’s new book, Average Is Over: Powering America Beyond the Age of the Great Stagnation. Cowen creates a stark image of a future U.S. economy in which most people either rocket toward the top or drift toward the bottom. A thinning middle class doesn’t mean people can’t work their way up any more, but it does mean it will be harder to muddle along with marginal skills or a soft work ethic, since a hollowed-out middle will no longer be able to shelter those who don’t have what it takes to make it to the top.

Americans will adapt. “Many of society’s lower earners will reshape their tastes...toward cheaper desires,” Cowen writes in Average Is Over. That’s where the beans come in, since they provide all the nutrition of fancier food at a fraction of the cost. “Don’t scoff at the beans,” Cowen encourages readers who might feel unsettled by his dystopian view of America’s future. Cooked with freshly ground cumin and pureed chili peppers, he insists, they can be quite tasty.
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Weekly Events in Salt Lake City and Beyond...

Weekly Event Update

October 29, 2013

EVENT SPOTLIGHT:

A Superhero Halloween October 29, 2013 Abravanel Hall- Salt Lake City Spooky music! Crazy costumes! Tricks and treats for you eyes and ears. Come join the Utah Symphony for Salt Lake City's favorite Halloween tradition! You and your family can compete in one of the state's largest costume contests with categories for groups, adults, children & orchestra members.   < More Info

FEATURED EVENTS:

Trick-or-Treat Halloween Party October 31, 2013 Public Safety Building - Salt Lake City Experience fun games, trick-or-treat, win prizes and witness creepy crawlies and the birds of prey show at the annual Trick-or-Treat Halloween Party hosted by the Salt Lake City Police and Fire Departments. Festivities will take place on Salt Lake City's Civic Campus, stretched between the new Public Safety Building plaza and the City Library and The Leonardo plaza. The event is free and open to the public. < More Info

Juicy J October 31, 2013 The Depot - Salt Lake City A Halloween Special at The Depot!  Presented by LNE. < More Info

Fairly Potter  October 11-November 2, 2013 The Ziegfeld Theater - Ogden 7 Books. 2 Hours. ONE hilarious musical parody!   The Ziegfeld Theater is proud to present Fairly Potter, written by Rick Rea, the creator of "May the Mouse Be With You." There may not be a "Potter" musical on Broadway, but the music from hit Broadway shows combines with new lyrics and an original script to create the most magical night of laughter you will find this Halloween season! We lovingly parody both the classic book series and Broadway musicals in this night of comedy and music you WON'T want to miss. < More Info

Weekly Events in Salt Lake City and Beyond...

Weekly Event Update

October 8, 2013

EVENT SPOTLIGHT:

Josh Groban October 11, 2013 EnergySolutions Arena - Salt Lake City Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (25 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. < More Info

FEATURED EVENTS:

14th Annual Latin American Dance Spectacular October 12, 2013 Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center - Salt Lake City   The Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance (UHDA) invites you to attend our 14th annual Latin American Dance Spectacular on Saturday, October 12th, at 7:00 pm at the Rose Wagner Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. Colorful costumes, authentic music, and especially our native dancers combine to take the audience on a cultural tour of Latin America. The UHDA has dazzled audiences from Europe to South America and looks forward to performing for its hometown friends and neighbors. Tickets are only $10 and are available by calling Arttix at 801-355-ARTS or online at www.arttix.org. < More Info

Travis LeDoyt as Elvis October 9, 2013 Peery's Egyptian Theater - Ogden Growing up Travis was exposed to a broad variety of musical styles, from Country to Swing, to Rock & Roll, as well as Classical. His fascination with music and instruments led to formal piano lessons at the age of 9. Before long, Travis was writing his own songs. Over the years, Travis LeDoyt has developed into a truly remarkable talent; singer, performer, songwriter, and musician (piano, keyboard, guitar), but most of all he is fast becoming one of America's most convincing, jaw-dropping tribute acts to ever grace the stage. < More Info

Thirty Seconds to Mars  October 9, 2013 The Great Saltair - Magna Saltair will be rockin' when Thirty Seconds to Mars and guests New Politics hit the stage. < More Info