A new study by the American Journal of Public Health takes a look at how certain social factors contribute to early deaths. Looking at just the year 2000 - the study found that 245000 Americans died from causes directly related to low education. In comparison, according to FBI crime data - just over 15000 Americans were murdered in the year 2000. That means nearly 15 times as many Americans died because they failed to achieve adequate levels of education than were killed in acts of homicide. And out of the 34 OECD nations - American high school students currently rank 14th for reading skills - 17th for science - and 25th for math skills. Yet - Republicans don't hesitate to gut public education with spending cuts and by waging war on teachers unions nationwide. But Finland's educations system has consistently ranked number one in world. So what are the Fins doing right - and what can we learn from them? Joining Thom to answer these questions is documentary filmmaker Bob Compton, whose new film "The Finland Phenomenon" offers a fascinating look into the world's best education system.

While Congress prepares to cut senior's medical care, the leader of the "anti-medicare" pack is caught sucking back bottles of wine priced at 350 bucks a pop! Thom talks to economist, Susan Feinberg who caught Paul Ryan in the act!

The clock continues to tick closer to August 2nd's debt ceiling deadline and the GOP is holding firm on their "My Way or the Highway" approach to tax hikes. So if a deal is not reached in time, how severe will the repercussions be for you and me?

Best-selling author and scientist, Dr. Jared Diamond joins Thom in the first half hour for "Conversations with Great Minds". He discusses his latest books which focus on how humans have evolved and how our societies succeed or fail. Later in the show, Thom's guest panelists Erikka Knuti, Heather Cirmo and Amanda Carey join in the weekly rumble debate.