The chances of me winning the Nobel Peace Prize are slim and diminishing by the day. It would be hard to point to anything I’ve done to promote global harmony. I’m not proud of myself. Yet, who knows?

This is an expanded version of my 300th commentary over WAMC-FM (My first one aired back in 2005).In this version I revisit an issue that I introduced in one of my very first presentations --- the independence of the U.S. Central Bank, the Federal Reserve System or Fed for short.

Winterpills brings its gauzy, elegant chamber-pop to Buttonball Barn in South Egremont, Mass., on Saturday at 8pm. Based in Northampton, Mass., and known for their melancholic sound and sublime male-female vocal harmonies, the core of the band, formed in 2003, consists of singer-songwriter Philip Price and singer-keyboardist Flora Reed, who are also husband and wife.

The good news for Michael Zheng is that if he hurries, he might make it back in time for the start of class for the spring semester at Columbia University. Class technically started on Tuesday, but depending on the schedule for the second semester senior, hopefully he won’t miss much.

What kind of president threatens friends like Greenland and Denmark and complements enemies like Putin’s Russia?

Governor Hochul presented her State of the State address last week. The State of the State is an effort by governors to set the policy priorities of the upcoming legislative session. Usually, the speech focuses on topics that are sure to resonate with the voting public and with this year being one in which the governor faces the voters, it did not disappoint.

What you buy these days seems increasingly to be a reflection of your politics. At least, that’s what we learn in a report from Columbia University Business School research, which cites the polarization that has followed Donald Trump’s first election.

It’s no secret that January and February are the slowest months for the entertainment industry. Between weather, post-holiday blues and lethargy people have plenty of reasons to stay home.

This year’s Christmas tree didn’t survive as long as those in years past. What we’ve discovered is that tying them to the roof of the car and careening for a couple of hours down the Taconic State Parkway — a trauma-inducing ride under any circumstances — isn’t good for the sprig’s psychological or physical health.

Across New York, our public schools share a common problem hiding in plain sight: they are old. Very old.