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2020

January 2019

[Ep 604] 2018 Predictions Review [2:08:50]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Jan-05 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jan-06 10:38 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan review the predictions they made a year and a week ago for 2018. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? Were they amazing prognosticators, or would you have done better tossing coins or reading entrails? Tune in to find out...

  • (0:02:05-0:18:00) But First
  • (0:18:39-0:52:58) Politics
  • (0:53:35-1:11:26) Economy
  • (1:13:27-1:24:13) Technology
  • (1:25:33-1:39:32) International
  • (1:40:13-1:59:03) Hodgepodge
  • (1:59:48-2:08:30) Results


[Ep 605] The Wheel is Still Good [1:45:43]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jan-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jan-13 04:01 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan get back to the normal format with the main topics being the Shutdown/Wall and Trump/Russia. Before that, a bit on the Mexican gas shortage and a movie Sam watched.

  • (0:03:38-0:17:31) But First
    • Mexican gas shortage
    • Sam Movie: The Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
  • (0:19:13-1:05:32) Shutdown / Wall
    • The walls themselves
    • Now what
    • Should the Dems take a deal?
    • The impact of the shutdown
    • National emergency?
    • Border neighbors
    • Live Address
    • Civility
  • (1:06:41-1:45:23) Trump / Russia
    • Manafort poll data
    • Improper redaction
    • Confirming conspiracy theories
    • Who knew what when?
    • Cohen testifying
    • Impeachable offenses?
    • Almost over?
    • Trump kids


[Ep 606] Meandering Around the Fields [2:02:28]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Jan-17 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jan-20 17:21 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan once again discuss the Shutdown/Wall and Trump/Russia. Before that though, a bit on the fast food feast at the White House, another movie Sam watched, and a story of a broken iPad.

  • (0:04:12-0:25:06) But First
    • Preparation
    • Agenda
    • White House Fast Food
    • Sam Movie: Sense and Sensibility (1995)
    • Manu's iPad
  • (0:25:42-1:07:02) Shutdown continues and repercussions:
    • Pelosi cancels SOTU
    • Negotiations
    • No emergency declaration?
    • Polls are hammering Trump on shutdown
    • McConnell strategy
    • Impacts of the shutdown
    • No deal in sight, how does this end?
  • (1:08:11-2:02:08 ) Trump Russia Corruption
    • Giuliani admits campaign colluded
    • Giuliani strategy
    • Putin meeting interpreter notes
    • Trump non-denial on Russia
    • FBI Counter-Intel investigation
    • Collusion with middle east
    • Trump vs Pence
    • Emoluments clause
    • Congressional prerogatives


[Ep 607] You Deserve It [1:56:18]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jan-25 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jan-27 21:29 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the Shutdown/Wall and Trump/Russia. Again. Then they squeeze in some international topics. Before that though, Ivan complains about the severe bone chilling 49 degree Fahrenheit cold spell in Southern Florida.

  • (0:01:54-0:13:58) But First
    • Agenda
    • Predictions show correction
    • Slack invites
    • Ivan and Cold
  • (0:14:38-0:52:57) Shutdown
    • Trump's first deal offer
    • Negotiating positions
    • Trump caves on the SOTU
    • The blame game
    • Trump on the ropes
    • A moral issue?
    • Ways out
    • Let them eat cake!
    • Escalating consequences
  • (0:54:40-1:29:09) Trump/Russia
    • Buzzfeed on Trump suborning perjury
    • Giuliani still an idiot
    • Russian asset?
    • Master plan vs stupidity
    • Clearances
    • Cohen testifying?
    • Open crimes vs hidden crimes
  • (1:29:46-1:55:57) International
    • NATO
    • Venezuela
    • Syria
    • Russia
    • Davos
    • Brexit

February 2019

[Ep 608] Personal Petri Dish [2:12:40]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Feb-01 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Feb-03 23:56 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan finally gets his Potpourri segments! In those, he and Sam talk about Ivan being cold, reports of Texas voter fraud, an update on the economy and markets, the Huawei fraud charges, and a bunch of other stuff. Including Sam getting blasted by a famous poll watcher. Oh, and of course they talk about the shutdown ending and the continuing Trump/Russia scandals.

  • (0:01:26-0:11:37) But First
    • Agenda
    • Sam is tired
  • (0:14:15-0:56:39) Potpourri! Part 1
    • Nate Silver calls Sam incompetent
    • Ivan in actual real cold
    • Economy and markets update
    • Huawei Fraud charges
  • (0:57:16-1:19:26) Potpourri! Part 2
    • Texas bullshit
    • Venezuela
    • Brexit
    • Howard Shultz
  • (1:20:46-1:39:14) Shutdown
    • Trump Caves
    • Negotiations
    • SOTU
  • (1:39:45-2:12:20) Trump Russia
    • Roger Stone
    • Capone model
    • Cohen testimony
    • Mueller almost done?
    • Cohen rigging online polls
    • Concord Group papers


[Ep 609] Lots of Hats [2:32:23]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Feb-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Feb-10 01:47 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about a phishing link Sam clicked on, the Bezos blackmail attempt, the Virginia mess, and the latest Trump stuff. They also do a run down of the Democratic field for the 2020 Presidential race. Oh, and they have news about a Seattle meetup, and more!

  • (0:00:20-0:08:56) But First
    • Agenda
    • Bruce predictions
    • Seattle Meetup being planned
  • (0:11:09-1:21:12) Potpourri
    • Sam Clicked a phishing link
    • Bezos Blackmail
    • Virginia Mess
  • (1:21:53-1:49:09) Trump
    • Executive time
    • SOTU
    • SDNY Investigating Trump inaugural
    • New House investigations
  • (1:50:29-2:32:03) Democratic candidate roundup
    • The whole field
    • Joe Biden
    • Bernie Sanders
    • Beto O'Rourke
    • Kamala Harris
    • Elizabeth Warren
    • Cory Booker
    • The others


[Ep 610] Toe to Too [2:40:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Feb-16 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Feb-17 22:34 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner... lightning rounds! Sam and Ivan talk about a total of 17 different topics this time around. These include... the snow in Seattle, Roger Stone, the Green New Deal, Paul Manafort, a correction to something Sam said last week, food delivery, translating Trump into other languages, the National Emergency, an upcoming Seattle Curmudgeon's Corner meetup, and of course eight other things too. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:20-0:28:09) But First
    • Trump translations
    • Agenda
    • Curmudgeon's Corner Seattle meetup
    • Correction about Tucson
    • Seattle snow
    • Food delivery
  • (0:29:53-1:10:31) Lightning Round I
    • Ivan: Glenn Greenwald
    • Sam: Book: The Zimmerman Telegram (1985)
    • Ivan: Movie: Geostorm (2017)Sam: Green New Deal
  • (1:12:32-2:04:20) Lightning Round II
    • Ivan: Paper Bank Statements
    • Sam: Doing a "Clinton Email"
    • Ivan: Manafort
    • Sam: Stone
  • (2:05:29-2:39:42) Lightning Round III
    • Ivan: National Emergency
    • Sam: Bill Weld 2020
    • Ivan: McCabe and the 25th
    • Sam: Democratic debate rules


[Ep 611] Where It's Supposed To Be [1:48:15]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Feb-22 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Feb-24 08:57 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, first Ed joins Sam for a lightning round. They of course cover the latest Mueller developments, but also tax refunds, Venezuela, some books Ed read, and more. Then for the last part of the show, Sam is joined by his wife Brandy, who is attending the Power Rising conference and talks about her experiences there, including hearing from Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris.

  • (0:00:20-1:13:12) Lightning Round
    • Ed: Thwaites Glacier
    • Sam: Tax Refunds
    • Ed: Venezuela
    • Sam: Mueller Time
    • Ed: Books: Life on the Edge (2015) / Biocentrism (2009)
    • Sam: Foiled attack on politicians and journalists
  • (1:13:56-1:47:46) Power Rising
    • What is Power Rising about?
    • Movie: Amazing Grace (2018)
    • What is it like?
    • Stacey Abrams
    • Kamala Harris
    • Memorable highlights
    • New Orleans

March 2019

[Ep 612] Tug on the Thingy [1:46:54]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Mar-02 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Mar-02 21:53 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the Cohen hearings, the North Korean summit, Ivan's trip to Vietnam, the Florida sex trafficking ring, and the India/Pakistan conflict. Plus, a reminder of the upcoming Seattle meetup.

  • (0:00:20-0:22:38) But First
    • Agenda
    • Seattle Meetup
    • Ivan in Vietnam
  • (0:23:22-1:08:54) Cohen Testimony
    • Everything priced in?
    • Republican response
    • AOC performance
    • Cohen's receipts
    • Cohen denials
    • Democratic plans
  • (1:10:03-1:24:01) North Korean Summit
    • How not to do a summit
    • Trump trusting dictators
    • Credit for Trump?
  • (1:25:21-1:46:34) Mini Lightning Round
    • Ivan: Florida sex trafficking ring
    • Sam: India and Pakistan


[Ep 613] Pod Coast Pod Roast [1:47:44]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Mar-07 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Mar-10 08:20 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Cohen revealing there were talks about pardons, that long rambly Trump speech, Fox news acting as an extension of Trump, Representative Omar's comments, and a bunch more. Yes, it is a lightning round show! You even get Ivan ranting about tangled cables, Sam plugging his Election Graphs site, and another reminder about the Seattle meetup!

  • (0:02:28-0:07:58) But First
    • Agenda
    • Busy Ivan
    • Seattle Meetup
  • (0:09:14-1:01:01) Lightning Round 1
    • Ivan: Cable Tangles
    • Sam: Election Graphs
    • Ivan: Rep Omar
    • Sam: Cohen Pardons
  • (1:02:22-1:47:23) Lightning Round 2
    • Ivan: Trade Deficit
    • Sam: Tracking journalists
    • Ivan: Long Trump speech
    • Sam: Fox News


[Ep 614] The Ratchet Effect [1:49:58]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Mar-14 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Mar-16 18:26 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about all things Manafort, Pelosi's comments on impeachment, and the problems with the Boeing 737 Max. Also, Ivan talks about some online dating statistics and a movie he watched, while Sam gives one last reminder about the Seattle meetup.

  • (0:01:50-0:12:45) But First
  • (0:13:24-0:46:30) All Things Manafort
  • (0:49:46-1:15:00) Pelosi on Impeachment
  • (1:16:10-1:49:38) Boeing 737 Max


[Ep 615] Live from Seattle [2:06:01]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Mar-21 UTC
Published: Fri, 2019-Mar-22 09:59 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam, Ivan, Jenn, and Brandy meet in person after the Seattle meetup to discuss how people suck, including the people in the college admissions scandal, and the people running for President, and many others. Basically, people suck. Plus a little on travel, and the Seattle meetup itself. And a movie review. Even a bit on circumcision. A packed show. If you missed the meetup, listening to the show is the next best thing.

  • (0:01:12-0:27:39) But First
    • Agenda
    • Seattle Meetup
    • Space Needle
    • Ivan's Flight
    • Ivan on Seattle
    • Sam Movie: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
  • (0:28:18-1:02:52) People Who Suck
    • Plant Killers
    • Tucker Carlson
    • Rep Omar Poster Maker
    • Christchurch Terrorist
    • Chelsea Clinton Accoster
    • Donald Trump
  • (1:03:32-1:29:23) College Admissions Scandal
    • What was done
    • Income inequality
    • The social status of schools
    • Grade inflation
    • Gifted children crashing
    • Helicopter parents
  • (1:30:43-2:05:41) Election 2020
    • 20/20
    • Andrew Yang
    • Biden and Sanders
    • Beto O'Rourke
    • Kirsten Gillibrand
    • Donald Trump


[Ep 616] Driven Snow [1:59:15]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Mar-28 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Mar-31 03:34 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend almost the whole show on discussing Trump/Russia, the end of the Mueller investigation, the Barr summary of the Mueller report, and the potential political fallout of all of the above. Before that, a quick recap on everybody catching the flu. Which was fun.

  • (0:00:20-0:11:45) But first
  • (0:13:45-0:41:07) What we know
  • (0:42:50-1:26:38) Barr summary
  • (1:27:23-1:58:53) Political fallout

April 2019

[Ep 617] It's a Monkey, OK? [2:16:52]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Apr-06 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Apr-07 19:03 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner to make up for last week's one topic show, Ivan and Sam do an all lightning round show. 12 topics total for the show. These include a Trump/Russia update, because, well, how could we not. But also a bit on Sam's dogs, the "border emergency", Joe Biden's issues with being too touchy, Brexit, nuclear power, and six other exciting things!

  • (0:00:20-0:42:00) Lightning Round 1
    • Sam: Sam's Dogs
    • Ivan: Herman Cain
    • Sam: Border Emergency
    • Ivan: Nuclear Power
  • (0:44:38-1:36:10) Lightning Round 2
    • Sam: Brexit
    • Ivan: Trump/Russia Update
    • Sam: Trump Taxes
    • Ivan: Mar-A-Lago spy arrest
  • (1:36:47-2:16:31) Lightning Round 3
    • Sam: Folding Phones
    • Ivan: 5Ge
    • Sam: Touchy Biden
    • Ivan: Trumpcare


[Ep 618] Penguins Taking Flight [1:37:55]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Apr-12 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Apr-13 23:35 UTC

This Week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan cover Mayor Pete, Avenatti, Assange, Brexit, accusations that Obama spied on Trump's campaign, the Democrats not being aggressive enough on investigations, bad sleep habits, and a book Sam read. Oh, and Alex contributes a song.

  • (0:03:00-0:06:56) Intro
    • The nature of lightning
  • (0:08:00-0:50:08) Lightning 1
    • Ivan: Sleep
    • Sam: Mayor Pete
    • Ivan: Brexit
    • Sam: Avenatti
  • (0:51:51-1:37:34) Lightning 2
    • Ivan: Assange
    • Sam: Book: The Bull from the Sea (1962)
    • Ivan: Spying on Trump?
    • Sam: Dems being weak


[Ep 619] Hitch a Star [2:30:34]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Apr-20 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Apr-20 22:54 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about, what else... the Mueller Report. They cover the collusion bits, they cover the obstruction bits, they talk a bit about the differences between the actual report and Barr's letter a few weeks ago, and of course,​ they talk about the potential political fallout. Oh, and Sam talks about universal time, and Ivan reviews a movie. Full show.

  • (0:00:40-0:19:34) But First
  • (0:21:35-0:40:59) What We Know
  • (0:42:03-1:07:26) Mueller Report Collusion
  • (1:09:33-1:52:06) Mueller Report Obstruction
  • (1:53:49-2:30:13) Political Fallout


[Ep 620] There's Everybody! [2:06:20]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Apr-26 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Apr-28 04:02 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan go lightning round style again. This time they cover Joe Biden's launch, the hollowing out of DHS, Trump's efforts to resist congressional investigations, the question of if the women running for president (specifically Harris and Warren) are getting enough attention, the failure of the Galaxy Fold, some feedback on previous Assange comments, and finally spam, of both the phone and email varieties.

  • (0:01:48-1:15:40) Lighting Round #1
    • Ivan: Joe Biden
    • Sam: Clearing out DHS
    • Ivan: Trump resisting investigations
    • Sam: Shortchanging the women running for president?
  • (1:17:00-2:06:00) Lightning Round #2
    • Ivan: The Galaxy Fold
    • Sam: Feedback on Assange
    • Ivan: Random foreign calls
    • Sam: Creative spam

May 2019

[Ep 621] Pure and Good [1:16:51]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-May-03 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-May-05 04:46 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam cover four topics: The 1965 movie Doctor Zhivago, the idea of sending migrants to sanctuary cities, the Mueller/Barr conflicts, and Venezuela. And at the start, Ivan sings! Enjoy!

  • (0:00:00-0:01:21) Jenny
  • (0:01:21-0:02:44) Agenda
  • (0:02:44-0:17:46) Ivan: Sam Movie: Doctor Zhivago (1965)
  • (0:17:46-0:29:55) Sam: Illegals to sanctuary cities
  • (0:29:55-0:56:03) Ivan: Mueller and Barr
  • (0:56:03-1:13:19) Sam: Venezuela
  • (1:13:19-1:16:51) Closing


[Ep 622] Better Than Coil [2:14:34]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-May-10 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-May-12 22:29 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed and Bruce join Sam to cover a wide variety of topics. Election 2020 updates. Discussions on Syria and Iran. Some thoughts on populists and on nuclear power. And finally economic stats and machine learning. We've got about everything this week!

  • (0:00:20-0:36:43) Intro
    • Agenda
    • Democratic Nomination
    • Election Graphs Update
  • (0:38:04-1:08:56) Round One
    • Ed: Civilian Casualties in Syria
    • Bruce: Iran escalation
  • (1:09:36-1:35:42) Round Two
    • Ed: Populists and why they get elected and want recounts
    • Bruce: Three Mile Island closing
  • (1:36:58-2:14:13) Round Three
    • Ed: Income and Employment
    • Bruce: Machine Learning everywhere


[Ep 623] Meandering Stream of Molasses [1:30:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-May-18 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-May-19 01:27 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the Trump administration stonewalling of any and all Congressional inquiries​, Trump's latest financial disclosures, and the rash of new anti-abortion laws across the country. Oh, and Ivan raves about a movie he saw.

  • (0:01:06-0:51:59) Round One
    • Ivan: Ivan Movie: Apollo 11 (2019)
    • Sam: Trump obstruction
  • (0:53:08-1:30:16) Round Two
    • Ivan: Trump's financial disclosure
    • Sam: New abortion laws


[Ep 624] March of Icons [2:14:44]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-May-23 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-May-25 08:00 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the latest "Infrastructure Week", the arguments on impeachment hearings, and Biden's "unity" posture. They also talk about trade wars, the economy, and Bill and Hillary's visit to Seattle. On the non-political front, a little bit on scheduling meetings across time zones, and a horrible scam about a bogus bleach cure that has been going around.

  • (0:01:00-0:35:25) Round 1:
    • Sam: Meetings Across Time Zones
    • Ivan: Infrastructure Week
  • (0:37:08-1:11:51) Round 2:
    • Sam: Impeachment
    • Ivan: Bogus Bleach Cure
  • (1:13:36-1:38:46) Round 3:
    • Sam: Biden "Unity"
    • Ivan: Abortion
  • (1:40:02-2:12:24) Round 4:
    • Sam: Trade Wars and Economy
    • Ivan: Bill and Hillary


[Ep 625] Slosh Back [1:50:22]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-May-31 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jun-02 19:27 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about politics in the US, UK, and Israel. They also riff on Julian Assange, Mexican tariffs, and Social Media disinformation. Plus some feedback and an Election Graphs update!

  • (0:00:25-0:27:22) Round 1
    • Ivan: New Israeli Elections
    • Sam: New Assange Indictments
  • (0:27:58-0:59:48) Round 2
    • Ivan: Mueller Statement
    • Sam: Teresa May Resignation
  • (1:00:27-1:40:46) Round 3
    • Ivan: Mexico Tariffs
    • Sam: Social Media Disinformation
  • (1:44:29-1:50:01) Round 4
    • Ivan: Feedback
    • Sam: Election Graphs Update

June 2019

[Ep 626] Going Bad [1:37:47]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Jun-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jun-09 23:56 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Brandy joins Sam to talk about dogs, raisins, impeachment, Mexican tariffs, propaganda, polls, and electability. A fun and exciting show!

  • (0:00:33-0:57:18) Round 1
    • Brandy: Raisin Dog
    • Sam: Impeachment
  • (0:58:55-1:37:27) Round 2
    • Brandy: Trump Soup
    • Sam: Electability


[Ep 627] The Road Your Horse Is On [2:16:13]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jun-14 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jun-16 16:35 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Trump and his administration and what they are doing, duh... but they also talk about kids being exhausting in the summer, anti-vax idiots, and WWDC. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:00:21-0:37:16) Round 1
    • Ivan: Summer exhaustion
    • Sam: Trump admin ignoring laws and ethics
  • (0:38:33-1:30:02) Round 2
    • Ivan: War with Iran?
    • Sam: Trump on taking foreign help
  • (1:31:45-2:15:53) Round 3
    • Ivan: Anti-vax idiots
    • Sam: WWDC


[Ep 628] Danger to the World [1:55:31]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jun-21 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jun-23 02:07 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the Iran situation, Cybersecurity, Joe Biden, and how Sam reacquired live television. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:04:52-0:56:30) Round 1
    • Ivan: Iran Situation
    • Sam: Live TV
  • (0:57:51-1:55:10) Round 2
    • Ivan: Cybersecurity
    • Sam: Joe Biden


[Ep 629] That Torch [2:19:04]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Jun-29 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jun-30 00:23 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan spend most of the show talking about the Democratic Debates, but they also spend some time on a movie Sam watched, Sam's adventures with streaming live TV again, and the situation with border detention camps.

  • (0:00:20-0:18:26) Ivan: Sam Movie - Apollo 11: First Steps (2019)
  • (0:19:10-1:31:14) Sam: Democratic Debates
  • (1:31:52-1:50:08) Ivan: Sam's Streaming Failures
  • (1:52:09-2:18:43) Sam: Border Camps

July 2019

[Ep 630] Played Locally [1:59:16]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Jul-06 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jul-07 20:03 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Brandy joins Sam to talk about earthquakes, preparedness, Congressional investigations, walking in a parade, running for local office, the redistricting SCOTUS case, and finally the census SCOTUS case. Then everything descends into chaos as Jetski (a dog), Miley (a dog), and Alex (a 9-year-old boy), all try to "help" with closing out the show. Enjoy!

  • (0:04:54-0:25:43) Brandy: Earthquakes and Preparedness
  • (0:26:53-0:52:09) Sam: Congressional Investigation Slowness
  • (0:52:45-1:05:44) Brandy: Walking in a parade, and running
  • (1:07:28-1:58:56) Sam: Redistricting and Census SCOTUS Cases


[Ep 631] Sitting in Your Closet [1:53:55]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jul-12 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jul-14 06:04 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed joins Sam to talk about how psychology and politics may relate, and wealth inequality in society. But of course, they also talk about the Epstein arrest. And Sam saw a movie!

  • (0:00:20-0:42:06) Ed: Intuitive vs Rational Thinkers
  • (0:43:09-1:17:56) Sam: Epstein Arrest
  • (1:21:11-1:41:20) Ed: Wealth Inequality
  • (1:42:36-1:53:35) Sam: Movie: Detective Pikachu (2019)


[Ep 632] Spread Those Memes! [1:54:30]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Jul-19 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jul-21 19:51 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend the bulk of the show talking about Trump's latest racist comments, and the reactions to them. But they also talk about the end of the SDNY campaign finance case, the whole FaceApp kerfluffle, and Sam read a book!

  • (0:00:20-0:54:59) Sam: Racist Trump
  • (0:56:42-1:21:06) Ivan: Barr and SDNY
  • (1:21:47-1:27:37) Sam: Book - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
  • (1:28:57-1:54:01) Ivan: FaceApp Controversy


[Ep 633] A Full Grasp [1:28:50]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Jul-25 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Jul-28 07:50 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan discusses the situation with the Governor of Puerto Rico, then reacts in real-time to the Governor's resignation, which happened during the recording of this episode. Then Sam and Ivan discuss the Mueller testimony, the reactions to it, and what comes next.

  • (0:00:20-0:37:16) Ivan: Puerto Rico
  • (0:37:56-1:28:30) Sam: Mueller Testimony

August 2019

[Ep 634] The Mere Fact [1:55:44]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Aug-03 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Aug-04 04:53 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed joins Sam to discuss racism in America. Then, of course, Sam wants to talk about the Democratic debates and the Presidential race.

  • (0:00:20-0:45:59) Ed: Racism in America
  • (0:37:56-1:28:30) Sam: Democratic Debate


[Ep 635] Goes Into Standby [1:35:08]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Aug-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Aug-11 20:34 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam brings the weighty topics of mass shootings and white nationalism. Ivan is there to lighten things up though, bringing in talk of vacations and shopping for televisions.

  • (0:00:35-0:16:28) Ivan: Vacations
  • (0:17:08-0:42:07) Sam: Mass shootings
  • (0:43:16-0:52:02) Ivan: Televisions
  • (0:52:49-1:34:48) Sam: White Nationalism


[Ep 636] Clippy 2020 [1:59:02]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Aug-17 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Aug-18 07:52 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan cover ten separate topics, including recent developments in several countries, a movie Sam watched, the Congressional impeachment investigations, Joe Biden's latest gaffes, the Epstein suicide, and much more. Tune in for quite a full show!

  • (0:01:49-0:13:44) Ivan: Feedback
  • (0:15:30-0:24:36) Sam: Sam Movie: Double Indemnity (1944)
  • (0:25:56-0:36:57) Ivan: Epstein Suicide
  • (0:37:34-0:48:29) Sam: Impeachment Investigations
  • (0:49:45-0:59:19) Ivan: Steve King Comments
  • (1:00:04-1:09:00) Sam: Sam Book: The Ideas Industry (2017)
  • (1:10:10-1:20:32) Ivan: Biden Gaffes
  • (1:22:33-1:32:54) Sam: Election Graphs: Blue Texas
  • (1:34:37-1:44:49) Ivan: Argentina / Hong Kong / Moscow
  • (1:45:53-1:58:41) Sam: Greenland


[Ep 637] Hamilton Electors Revisited [1:19:15]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Aug-23 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Aug-24 23:35 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, something different. The whole episode is an interview with Bret Chiafalo. He is one of the co-founders of Hamilton Electors, a group of electors that mounted an effort to deny Donald Trump his electoral college victory in 2016. That effort failed, but the resulting court battles continue. Sam and Bret discuss how the efforts in 2016 played out, and the current state of the legal cases winding their way through the courts. If you are a presidential election junkie, don't miss this one!

  • (0:00:20-0:04:34) Intro
  • (0:05:18-1:15:04) Interview with Bret Chiafalo
  • (1:16:14-1:18:55) Outro


[Ep 638] Internal Analysis [1:52:38]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Aug-31 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Sep-01 17:05 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's topics include Biden's gaffes, the recent recession talk, Brexit, more impeachable offenses from Trump, immigration, and more. A nice variety this week. Enjoy!

  • (0:01:25-0:14:40) Ivan: His week
  • (0:15:43-0:26:38)Sam: Ivan book: The Chicken Runs at Midnight (2018)
  • (0:27:47-0:40:38) Ivan: Biden gaffes
  • (0:42:47-0:54:36) Sam: Economy
  • (0:55:12-1:06:00) Ivan: Brexit
  • (1:07:16-1:20:14) Sam: What if the Republicans dump Trump?
  • (1:20:54-1:36:10) Ivan: Immigration
  • (1:37:31-1:52:17) Sam: More impeachable offenses

September 2019

[Ep 639] Usually Just Cheese [1:45:25]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Sep-07 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Sep-08 23:17 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about feedback to the show, Gerrymandering, Brexit, and Hurricane Dorian first. The hurricane transitions naturally into Sharpiegate, and from there to more generalized Trump corruption, which of course leads to the expansion of the investigations being done by the House Democrats. And that's a show!

  • (0:01:48-0:45:00) Non-Trump Stuff
    • Feedback and structure
    • Gerrymandering
    • Brexit update
  • (0:45:45-1:45:03) Trump Stuff
    • Hurricane Dorian update and Sharpiegate
    • Trump corruption
    • Expanding congressional investigations


[Ep 640] Wrestling Pigs [2:06:48]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Sep-14 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Sep-15 05:59 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed joins Sam to talk about new iPhones, the ethics of donations from bad people, Brexit, Trump's aborted meeting with the Taliban at Camp David, and then, of course, the 3rd Democratic debate. Fun stuff!

  • (0:00:20-0:30:54) Random Stuff
    • New iPhones
    • Donations from bad people
  • (0:34:28-1:02:29) International Stuff
    • Brexit again
    • Trump's Taliban initiative
  • (1:03:05-2:06:27) Presidential Stuff
    • VPs of popular presidents running for president
    • Yang's $1000 a month contest
    • The 3rd Democratic debate


[Ep 641] Name Your Price [1:52:14]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Sep-21 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Sep-22 18:26 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk quite a bit about the Trump/Ukraine/whistleblower scandal, but before that, they also hit vaping, the economy, the Israeli elections, and the situation with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

  • (0:00:20-0:28:40) Domestic Stuff
    • Vaping
    • Economy
  • (0:29:56-1:06:39) Middle East Stuff
    • Brexit again
    • Trump's Taliban initiative
  • (1:07:23-1:51:53) Trump/Ukraine/whistleblower Stuff


[Ep 642] Ultra Speed Again [1:59:49]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Sep-27 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Sep-29 09:28 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, there really wasn't much choice about what Sam and Ivan would talk about. With the crazy pace of developments in the last week, the whole show is about the Trump/Ukraine scandal, and the related developments on the impeachment front. Could it really have been about anything else?

  • (0:01:53-0:36:16) Ukraine Call
  • (0:38:01-1:11:18) Coverup
  • (1:11:55-1:59:28) Impeachment

October 2019

[Ep 643] Furrowing His Brows [1:57:47]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Oct-05 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Oct-06 19:29 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner: Sam and Ivan talk about the things you know they would talk about. Almost all of the show is on the latest crimes and misdemeanors... and the corresponding developments with the impeachment process. They do manage to get a few minutes in on some random tech things as well to balance it off. But really, it is mostly Trump scandals again.

  • (0:00:42-0:22:34) Tech Odds and Ends
  • (0:24:35-1:18:28) Crimes and Misdemeanors
  • (1:19:37-1:57:27) Impeachment Process


[Ep 644] Stupidity, Incompetence, and Corruption [2:05:36]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Oct-12 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Oct-13 07:49 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start with the situation with Turkey and the Kurds. Then they move on to Rudy. This week lots of things just seem to center around Rudy. Finally, they round up some of the other scandals of the week.

  • (0:00:43-0:10:32) Intro
  • (0:12:32-0:41:46) Trump, Turkey, and the Kurds
  • (0:43:07-1:28:04) Rudy, Rudy, Rudy
  • (1:28:41-2:05:14) Other Scandals


[Ep 645] Three Brown Sheep [2:48:43]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Oct-19 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Oct-21 08:58 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Brandy joins Sam, and they get a bit carried away with an almost three-hour show. Oops. Maybe consider it three separate shows and take it in bits. First, they talk about the latest Turkey/Syria developments. Second, a review of this week's Trump scandal news. And finally, a review of the Democratic primary race in the wake of the fourth debate.

  • (0:01:32-0:36:16) Turkey and Syria
  • (0:38:51-1:32:17) Trump Scandals
  • (1:33:26-2:48:13) Democratic Primary


[Ep 646] Manipulating the Rubes [2:00:39]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Oct-25 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Oct-28 09:50 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss weddings and anniversaries. Oh, and of course also Turkey, Syria, the Ukraine Scandal, and the investigation of the oranges, yes oranges, of the Russia probe. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:00-0:05:09) Cold Open
  • (0:05:34-0:17:22) Weddings and Anniversaries
  • (0:19:23-0:47:03) Turkey and Syria
  • (0:48:07-1:19:41) Ukraine Scandal
  • (1:21:13-2:00:19) Investigating the Investigators

November 2019

[Ep 647] Half the Chance [1:28:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Nov-02 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Nov-03 20:30 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam goes solo for the first time in years. He talks about the state of the presidential election race at the one year away mark. And of course, the latest impeachment developments are not ignored. Then some thoughts on Facebook and Twitter's differing responses to political advertising, and the use of their platforms for social manipulation in general. Finally, a few thoughts on local elections, specifically the one Sam's wife is running in.

  • (0:00:27-0:35:55) Election 2020
  • (0:36:40-0:58:40) Impeachment
  • (0:59:50-1:15:19) Political Ads
  • (1:15:57-1:27:37) Local Election


[Ep 648] Gone Quackers [2:03:28]
Recorded: Thu, 2019-Nov-07 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Nov-11 07:08 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan starts out with a couple of select rants on things that have been bugging him. Then Sam and Ivan discuss Election 2019, Election 2020, and the polls. And of course, they don't miss the latest impeachment developments. Also, at the insistence of Sam's son Alex, this week's show has been cleansed of the usual salty language. Instead, you get ducks. Enjoy!

  • (0:01:05-0:27:04) A couple of rants
  • (0:28:20-1:29:24) Elections and polls
  • (1:30:33-2:02:41) Impeachment


[Ep 649] Stunned and Speechless [2:24:43]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Nov-15 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Nov-18 08:58 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, the ducks are gone. I know you are all sad. Ivan gets Sam to talk about his crashed computer for way too long, then they get into the Democratic side of Election 2020, and of course the latest impeachment developments.

  • (0:00:34-0:32:01) Computer Crash
  • (0:32:41-1:16:25) Democratic Nomination Race
  • (1:18:08-2:24:22) Impeachment


[Ep 650] Need A Note [1:30:14]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Nov-22 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Nov-25 11:29 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan’s main topic is, of course, the continuing impeachment drama. But they also discuss Trump's health, the proliferation of protest movements across the world, Israeli gridlock, Stephen Miller, and the Democratic debate.

  • (0:00:29-0:48:08) Thing The First
    • Agenda
    • Impeachment
    • Trump's Health
  • (0:49:25-1:29:52) Thing The Second
    • Worldwide Protests
    • Israeli Gridlock
    • Stephen Miller
    • Democratic Debate


[Ep 651] Worse with the Curbs [2:19:26]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Nov-30 UTC
Published: Sun, 2019-Dec-01 07:47 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the latest ups and downs in the race for the Democratic nomination, this week's developments in Trump scandal land, and the fallout from the trade war with China. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:40-0:13:09) But First
  • (0:14:52-1:06:03) Democrats 2020
  • (1:07:12-1:50:16) Trump Stuff
  • (1:51:19-2:17:19) China Trade War

December 2019

[Ep 652] There Will Be Pain [2:08:21]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Dec-07 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Dec-09 03:26 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan of course talk about Impeachment and the race for the Democratic Nomination. But they also hit a few other things. The UPS truck shootout in Florida, Trump's reception in Europe, Trump and toilets, and Trump's phone security. Oh. Most of those were Trump-related too. Oops.

  • (0:00:20-0:55:57) Six Smaller Things
  • (0:56:42-1:27:25) Impeachment
  • (1:28:03-2:07:57) Democrats 2020


[Ep 653] Fizzled Dark Sheep [2:16:53]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Dec-14 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Dec-16 07:35 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed joins Sam to talk about all sorts of things from Greta Thunberg, to the USMCA, to pardons in Kentucky, to the UK elections, to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. As well as impeachment, the IG report on the origins of the Russia probe, and the 2020 presidential race. Don't worry, we would never forget those.

  • (0:00:20-0:41:43) Segment One
    • Greta Thunberg
    • USMCA
    • Kentucky
  • (0:43:00-1:34:07) Segment Two
    • Impeachment
    • IG Report
  • (1:34:45-2:16:32) Segment Three
    • UK Election
    • 2020 Democrats
    • Kilimanjaro


[Ep 654] Various Malfeasances [1:30:06]
Recorded: Sat, 2019-Dec-21 UTC
Published: Sat, 2019-Dec-21 23:23 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, of course, the main topic is the Impeachment of Donald Trump and all the surrounding issues and politics. But Ivan does take some time to discuss his thoughts about Star Trek. Not Star Wars, because that would actually be timely. But Star Wars. Plus just a tad about the Democratic Debate. And a bit about Betelgeuse. Because, why not?

  • (0:00:01-0:04:48) Cold Open
  • (0:05:10-0:26:33) But First
  • (0:28:34-1:29:44) Impeachment


[Ep 655] 2020 Predictions Show [2:59:21]
Recorded: Fri, 2019-Dec-27 UTC
Published: Mon, 2019-Dec-30 07:36 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do their traditional annual predictions extravaganza. Nearly three full hours of predictions for 2020. Since it is a presidential election year there is, of course, quite a lot about that. But since we have Trump, there are also impeachment predictions. And then a bit about international politics, some on the economy, some on technology, and a few other random things too. Listen, and then tell us your own predictions!

  • (0:00:20-0:14:24) But First
    • Slow Weeks
    • Remembering Y2K
    • Agenda
  • (0:15:41-1:14:08) Politics Part 1
    • Democratic Nomination
    • Republican Nomination
  • (1:16:09-2:08:00) Politics Part 2
    • Impeachment
    • General Election 2020
    • Potpourri
  • (2:08:38-2:59:00) Everything Else
    • International
    • Economy
    • Technology
    • Hodgepodge

Credits

The Curmudgeon's Corner theme music is generously provided by Ray Lynch.
Our intro is "The Oh of Pleasure" (Amazon MP3 link)
Our outro is "Celestial Soda Pop" (Amazon MP3 link)
Both are from the album "Deep Breakfast" (iTunes link)
Please buy his music!

These podcasts are produced by Abulsme Productions.
They are released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Creative Commons License

Abulsme Productions also produces the Wiki of the Day family of podcasts.
Check those out too!


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