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2024

January 2023

[Ep 813] 2022 Predictions Review [2:24:18]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Jan-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Jan-09 13:22 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan comment a little on the recent Speaker of the House Drama before getting down to business reviewing their predictions from a year and a week ago about what would happen in 2022. What were they right on? What were they wrong on? Should you trust their prognostications ever? Did they improve on previous years, or just get worse? Listen and find out!

  • (0:01:11-0:40:22) Speaker Votes
  • (0:44:03-1:07:35) Politics
  • (1:08:42-1:20:36) International
  • (1:21:13-1:32:09) Economy
  • (1:35:03-1:55:52) Technology
  • (1:56:53-2:11:08) Hodgepodge
  • (2:11:58-2:23:57) Results


[Ep 814] Squeaky Things Inside [1:44:15]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Jan-13 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jan-15 22:50 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan get some preliminaries out of the way in the opening segment, then try to catch up on recent politics and such. The Speaker race, the new Republican House, George Santos, Biden's own classified documents scandal, and more!

  • (0:00:25-0:32:47) But First
    • Section 230
    • Editing Travails
    • NOTAM Outage
    • Following Processes
  • (0:33:31-1:40:10) Politics
    • Speaker Battle
    • Concessions to the Rebels
    • California Senate
    • George Santos
    • Biden Classified Docs
    • Inflation
    • Brazil
    • Slackaroo
  • (1:40:34-1:44:12) Hot Close


[Ep 815] But Thirsty [1:58:52]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jan-21 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jan-22 23:27 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend the most time talking about the current wave of tech layoffs. The other "serious" topics are Tesla cutting prices and Twitter cutting off the third party clients. But they also talk about a classic movie, and complain about the perils of sitting and sleeping.

  • (0:01:16-0:17:43) Lightning One
    • Sitting
    • Standing
  • (0:19:44-1:17:00) Lightning Two
    • Tech Layoffs
    • Tesla Price Cuts
  • (1:18:43-1:57:25) Lightning Three
    • Twitter Kills 3P
    • Sam Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)


[Ep 816] Cacophony of Assholes [2:00:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jan-28 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jan-29 19:43 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about stuff. Lots of stuff. On the serious side, the killing of Tyre Nichols, political violence, and the age old gun debate. Plus an update on Trump's social media and the classified docs stories. But on the lighter side, bees, sabertooth tigers, transcripts, and dreams.

  • (0:01:15-0:39:38) Part the First
    • Ivan and the Bee
    • Mating Patterns of the Sabretooth Tiger
    • Podcast Listening and Transcripts
  • (0:42:25-1:19:38) Part the Second
    • Killing of Tyre Nichols
    • Guns Guns Guns
    • Political Violence
  • (1:22:26-2:00:01) Part the Third
    • Ivan Needs a Massage
    • Trump's Social Media
    • Classified Docs Everywhere
    • CC Slack Highlights

February 2023

[Ep 817] What's The Number? [1:37:30]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Feb-04 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Feb-05 23:28 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan was not available, so Sam has his 13 year old son Alex as a cohost again. Alex doesn't have much to say when the topics are Twitter, the Chinese balloon, his father's trip back to the office, and how a driveway cam actually was useful. But he does have a handful of things to add in the back half of the show, when they talk about some movies and books. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:48-0:20:00) But First
    • Back to the Office
    • Driveway Prowl
  • (0:21:09-0:42:44) Newsy Stuff
    • Twitter API Paywall
    • Stupid Chinese Balloon
  • (0:43:24-1:36:35) Media Stuff
    • Stupid Balloon Update
    • Alex Book: ALeXMXeLA Book 2
    • Sam Book: History of Lewis County Kentucky (1912)
    • Alex Sound Effects
    • Sam Movie: Man of Steel (2013)
    • Sam Book: Reign of Terror (2021)
    • Sam Movie: Annie Hall (1977)
    • Sam Movie: Mater and the Ghostlight (2006)


[Ep 818] They Start With G [2:03:52]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Feb-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Feb-12 22:45 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Twitter's slow implosion again, the impending injection of AI Chatbots into search results, more on spy balloons, and Ivan goes on one of his trademarked epic rants, this time about Section 230. Plus some riffing on Minority Report type technology, and curmudgeonly complaints about aging. Fun stuff. Woo!

  • (0:01:09-1:13:54) First Part
    • Minority Report Tech
    • Ivan is old and so is Sam
    • Twitter Stuff
    • Section 230
  • (1:14:54-2:03:20) Second Part
    • AI Chatbots and Search
    • Shooting Balloons
    • Turkey Earthquake
    • Coast Guard Rescue


[Ep 819] Jumpin' Jumpin' [1:48:11]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Feb-18 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Feb-19 22:06 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan revisit the topics of balloons, chatbots, and Twitter. But there is also talk of Election 2024, the Fox News v. Dominion case, the toxic train derailment, and more. Plus bonus bell ringing, and the excitement of a mug being broken, live on tape! Well, not tape. There is no tape. And it isn't live. The mug did not survive. But you all understand. Right?

  • (0:00:22-0:43:19) Part 1
    • Bell Ringing
    • Fat Chewing
    • More Balloons
    • More ChatBot
  • (0:43:50-1:11:08) Part 2
    • Nikki Haley
    • Toxic Train
  • (1:11:51-1:47:38) Part 3
    • More Twitter
    • Fox News v. Dominion
    • Jira Conspiracy


[Ep 820] Small Recessed Areas [1:57:20]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Feb-25 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-Feb-25 22:45 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner your lovable curmudgeons Sam and Ivan talk about Ukraine on the anniversary of Russia's escalation. Plus MTG's national divorce proposal. Spoiler: It is a bad idea. Also, thoughts on car shopping, a visit to Olympia, and a discussion about social media. But mostly non-Twitter social media this time. So less Elon. So everybody should appreciate that.

  • (0:00:01-0:05:07) Cold Open
  • (0:05:30-0:44:26) But First
    • Car Shopping
    • Visiting Olympia
  • (0:45:03-1:11:18) Ukraine
    • Biden Visit
    • State of the War
    • What's Next?
  • (1:12:43-1:56:48) Other Stuff
    • National Divorce
    • Social Media

March 2023

[Ep 821] Boil The Frog [1:36:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Mar-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Mar-06 16:28 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan is out, so Sam, joined by his son Alex, talks about slow news weeks, and what hides behind them. And since it is indeed a slow news week there is talk of cleaning, dogs, books, and movies. And Sam "anchors" this in the right week, but recorded that little bit on his phone, which sounds awful. You'll all ignore that and pretend it was fine, right?

  • (0:00:01-0:01:40) Cold Open
  • (0:02:02-0:32:13) But First
    • Cleaning
    • Our Dog Jetski
    • Dr. Miss Pups Movie
  • (0:33:14-0:52:31) Slow News
    • No Must Talks
    • Incremental Developments
    • Non-Negotiable Issues
  • (0:53:15-1:35:31) Media Reviews
    • Sam Movie: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
    • Sam Movie: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
    • Sam Book: How to Read the Air (2010)
    • Alex Book : Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980)
    • Sam Movie: 2023-01-18: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010)


[Ep 822] Tangential Drift [1:56:41]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Mar-11 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Mar-13 03:21 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner podcast, Ivan is back, and he and Sam cover the usual hodgepodge of topics. There is the latest Trump and Fox News stuff. There is Silicon Valley Bank and how we've got several Senators out of commission. Also the time change, and Ivan sees some ice skating. Plus lots and lots of veering completely off topic in between. Because of course that happens.

  • (0:00:41-0:30:39) But First
    • Time Time Time
    • Hockey Night
  • (0:31:41-1:06:35) Lightning 1
    • Trump Stuff
    • Silicon Valley Bank
  • (1:08:36-1:56:10) Lightning 2
    • Fox News
    • Missing Senators


[Ep 823] Swap The Sky [1:33:52]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Mar-17 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Mar-19 08:29 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan cover the fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank thing. That is the biggest part of the show. Aside from that though, some Apple TV+ show reviews, the Samsung moon thing, a Ukraine update, superconductors, and a report on Election Graphs 2024 progress. Plus a bonus idea for a new podcast.

  • (0:00:21-0:28:58) But First
    • Ivan TV: Air Disasters (2011-Present)
    • Ivan TV: Ted Lasso (2020-Present)
    • Ivan TV: For All Mankind (2019-Present)
    • Ivan TV: Shrinking (2023-Present)
    • Ivan TV: The Morning Show (2019-Present)
    • Election Graphs Progress
  • (0:30:09-1:09:26) Bank Stuff
    • Reasons for Collapses
    • Missing Hedges
    • Regulation Seesaw
    • What's Next
  • (1:10:28-1:33:20) Curmudgeon's Choice
    • Samsung's Moon
    • Ukraine Developments
    • Room Temperature Superconductor?


[Ep 824] Glomming [1:30:18]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Mar-25 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Mar-27 02:18 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan couldn't find a quiet place, and Sam failed at finding an alternate cohost. So for the first time in awhile, you have a pure solo show. Main topics? Election Graphs now has real data on the 2024 race, so a first look at where things stand for Election 2024. Plus the drama of a pre-indictment Trump, and all the talk of a TikTok ban. And that's it. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:23-0:07:04) But First
  • (0:08:12-0:40:10) Election Graphs
  • (0:41:55-1:00:36) Trump Drama
  • (1:02:37-1:29:46) TikTok Ban

April 2023

[Ep 825] Tree Day [2:08:15]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Apr-01 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Apr-02 22:54 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about trees. Trees and home landscaping. Really. They actually do. But then they do also cover guns again in the wake of Nashville. And Disney outsmarting DeSantis. Oh. What's that? You expected something else. Yes, they cover the Trump indictment too.

  • (0:01:19-0:16:50) Trees
  • (0:17:54-1:01:14) Guns
  • (1:01:58-1:47:38) Trump
  • (1:48:45-2:07:43) Disney


[Ep 826] Such A Pickle [1:47:44]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Apr-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Apr-09 19:27 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about chicken sandwiches and a computer meltdown. And yes, Trump stuff. Cause Trump. You can't not. Plus some other politics from Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, and elsewhere. Have fun!

  • (0:00:54-0:37:31) But First
    • Chicken Sandwiches
    • Computer Disaster
  • (0:38:29-0:59:56) Trump
    • Anticlimax
    • Charges
    • Timing
    • Warning
  • (1:01:57-1:47:11) Other Politics
    • Wisconsin
    • Generational Culture War
    • Tennessee
    • Clarence Thomas
    • North Carolina


[Ep 827] Resucks It [1:29:27]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Apr-15 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Apr-17 08:21 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about rain. And chicken again. But do not worry, they get to the more serious stuff too. That big intelligence leak gets some time, as does Clarence Thomas, Fox News, and of course Trump. With a few other things for good measure.

  • (0:00:20-0:31:44) One
    • Florida Rain Storm
    • Chicken Update
    • Computer Update
  • (0:32:25-1:00:36) Two
    • Intelligence Leak
    • Clarence Thomas
  • (1:02:19-1:29:05) Three
    • Fox vs Dominion
    • Trumpy Stuff
    • Chess Popularity


[Ep 828] Who's Your Ernie? [2:11:39]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Apr-22 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Apr-23 22:23 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about abortion, Fox News, bad law enforcement, and the burst of coverage on people getting shot for innocent mistakes. But also car door handles, Elon's exploding rocket, Elon's exploding website, emergency alerts, and more! Fun fun fun! Tune in!

  • (0:02:48-0:49:13) One
    • Muppets
    • Car Door Handles
    • Rocket Go Boom
  • (0:50:03-1:24:20) Two
    • Abortion Pill Stay
    • Fox News Settlement
    • Nighttime Soaps
  • (1:26:05-2:11:08) Three
    • Problematic Law Enforcement
    • Doorbells and Driveways
    • Pillow Guy Payout
    • Twitter Implosion Continues
    • Emergency Alert Tests


[Ep 829] Patch My Hole [2:07:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Apr-29 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Apr-30 03:02 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Tucker's ouster, geographic sorting due to politics, and the debt ceiling. But also, annoying things about cars, a dog and his pup cups, and reviewing a movie about a video game. Join us!

  • (0:01:04-0:37:04) One
    • Annoying Car Systems
    • Dog Walks and Pup Cups
  • (0:38:07-1:32:02) Two
    • Bye Bye Tucker
    • Geographic Sorting
  • (1:32:39-2:06:16) Three
    • Ivan Movie: Tetris (2023)
    • Debt Ceiling

May 2023

[Ep 830] Long Way Around [1:37:19]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-May-05 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-May-08 05:59 UTC

On this week's exciting episode of Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan brings up travel planning woes, Tucker Carlson, and that drone that exploded over the Kremlin, while Sam chooses to discuss the movie 2010, corruption in politics, and the coronation of King Charles III. Plus some amusing technical difficulties! Great stuff!

  • (0:01:15-0:32:23) Uno
    • Travel Planning Woes
    • Sam Movie: 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
  • (0:34:05-1:11:48) Dos
    • Tucker Carlson Again
    • The Corruption
  • (1:12:51-1:36:36) Tres
    • Kremlin Drone
    • Coronation


[Ep 831] Health or Death [1:51:56]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-May-13 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-May-14 18:36 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, our fearless cohost Ivan had bad internet, so Sam does one of his infamous solo shows. Of course he talks about Trump stuff, but also the debt limit, and the end of the Covid Emergency. On the lighter side there are reviews of a book (Life, the Universe, and Everything) and a TV show (Better Call Saul). So there you go.

  • (0:00:53-0:21:40) First
    • Book: Life the Universe and Everything (1982)
    • TV: Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
  • (0:22:17-1:02:16) Second
    • Trump and the Media
    • Underestimating Trump
  • (1:03:56-1:51:06) Third
    • Debt Limit Once Again
    • End of Covid Emergency


[Ep 832] Assume the Position [1:56:15]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-May-20 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-May-20 23:25 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start out talking about YouTube TV and the movie Tolkien from 2019. After that they get more serious with discussion of Diane Feinstein's situation in the Senate, if Republicans in red states are overreaching and causing a backlash, how the debt limit talks are going, and Montana's TikTok ban. A nice variety as usual. Listen in!

  • (0:00:49-0:30:31) Onesies
    • YouTube TV
    • Movie: Tolkien (2019)
  • (0:31:11-1:16:16) Twosies
    • Dianne Feinstein
    • Republican Overreach
  • (1:17:58-1:55:19) Threesies
    • Debt Limit Talk
    • Montana TikTok Ban


[Ep 833] Amount of Early [2:08:39]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-May-27 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-May-27 23:50 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the Republican Presidential contenders and the Debt Ceiling situation as the 'newsie' topics. But that's not all! Ivan discusses his son's 5th grade graduation and Britney Griner's return to the WNBA. Meanwhile Sam reviews an old kid's movie, and talks about returning to the office.

  • (0:00:00-0:06:57) Cold Open
  • (0:07:18-0:42:21) Washington
    • Manu's Graduation
    • Movie: The Great Discovery (2008)
  • (0:45:48-1:28:16) Adams
    • Republican Presidential Race
    • Debt Ceiling Situation
  • (1:29:21-2:08:08) Jefferson
    • Britney Griner Return to WNBA
    • Sam Return to Office

June 2023

[Ep 834] Smell the Flowers [1:37:48]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jun-03 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Jun-05 00:39 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is out again, so Ed joins Sam on the show. The news driven topics are Biden's pattern of wins and the reports of recordings of Trump implicating himself further on the documents case. But we also have a movie review, some talk about running, and discussion on home ownership and a teaching success in Mississippi.

  • (0:00:22-0:20:28) Cheetah
    • Running and Walking
    • Movie: Low Blow (1986)
  • (0:22:11-0:56:02) Puma
    • Wealth and Home Ownership
    • Biden Wins Again
  • (0:57:09-1:37:21) Jaguar
    • Teaching in Mississippi
    • Trump Tapes


[Ep 835] For A Living [2:03:01]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Jun-09 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-Jun-10 22:19 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner: Trump is indicted! Again! So of course Sam and Ivan discuss that, although this was recorded before the text of the indictment was unsealed. Aside from that, discussion of the new Apple eyeThing, or whatever it is called. Plus a movie review, some nostalgia about old tech, and more!

  • (0:00:59-0:02:54) Cold Open
  • (0:03:16-0:40:59) But First
    • Old Tech Nostalgia
    • Ivan is Busy
    • Movie: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
    • Bells and Kid Stuff
  • (0:41:59-1:18:53) Trump Indictment
    • Timing of Everything
    • Next Steps for Trump
    • Political Implications
    • Comparisons to Others
  • (1:20:54-2:02:30) Apple Goggle Things
    • What It Does Now
    • Future Potential
    • Like the Old Apple
    • Timeshare Fraud


[Ep 836] Skip Forward [1:58:38]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jun-17 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Jun-19 05:01 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner the main serious topic is of course the 2nd Indictment of Donald Trump, and that is the bulk of the show. But of course this show being what this show is, first Ivan talks about vacations, buying a new car, and Apple CarPlay, and then Sam reviews an old movie. But they get to the Trump stuff eventually!

  • (0:00:20-0:44:49) But First
    • Vacation Costs
    • Ivan bought a car
    • Movie: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
    • Apple CarPlay
  • (0:45:52-1:58:07) 2nd Trump Indictment
    • Indictment
    • Judge Cannon
    • Other Cases
    • The Documents
    • Republican Reaction
    • Trump Defense
    • The Valet
    • Giving Trump Rope
    • Two Levels of Justice
    • Russian Yachts


[Ep 837] Moist and Chewy [1:43:42]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jun-24 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jun-25 02:08 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan react to the start of the coup attempt in Russia, which was still in its early hours as the show was recorded. The other big topic was the OceanGate submersible incident, which, surprisingly, was actually the 3rd time this podcast has discussed OceanGate, not the 1st. Before both of these though, reviews of two movies!

  • (0:00:28-0:30:19) But First
    • Movie: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) [Director's Cut]
    • Movie: The Dark Knight (2008)
  • (0:32:37-1:04:40) OceanGate
    • Previous Shows
    • What Happened?
    • Safety Concerns
    • What Next?
    • Migrant Comparison
  • (1:06:41-1:43:12) Russia
    • Yevgeny Prigozhin
    • Story So Far
    • Fog of War
    • Risks and Chaos
    • Coverage
    • Landlines

July 2023

[Ep 838] Totally Socko [2:16:55]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jul-01 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Jul-03 01:58 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan have as their main topics Russia and SCOTUS. On Russia a followup on the short lived rebellion and the possible ramifications for what comes next. On SCOTUS a run down on the major cases decided in the last week of the term. Before that, the fun stuff, like talking about tipping, and of course another movie review.

  • (0:00:51-0:36:33) But First
    • Time is Moving
    • Tipping Prompts
    • Movie: The Stranger (1946)
  • (0:37:09-1:03:20) Russia
    • Situation Report
    • Just a Turf War?
    • Impact on Putin
    • Instability is Bad
    • What Next?
  • (1:04:24-2:16:24) SCOTUS
    • Independent Legislature Theory
    • Redistricting Cases
    • Affirmative Action
    • Religious Work Exemptions
    • LGBTQ Discrimination
    • School Loans


[Ep 839] The Glum Show [2:08:50]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jul-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jul-09 04:29 UTC

In a rare no politics show, this week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend the biggest part of the show talking about the wacky world of text based social media. Twitter. BlueSky. Mastodon. And of course the big newcomer, Threads. But also a couple movie reviews, a failed fireworks show, and thoughts on Return To Office. Plus timezones, lava cake, and even a little bit on Haiti. A full show!

  • (0:01:46-0:34:27) But First
    • Timezones
    • Movie: Apocalypse Now (1979)
    • Movie: Never Say Never Again (1983)
  • (0:36:10-1:35:29) Text Based Social Media
    • Twitter Fail
    • BlueSky Invites
    • Mastodon Onboarding
    • Threads Launch
    • Mastodon Growing Pains
    • Threads/Mastodon Federation
    • Curation vs Algorithms
    • Moderation and Privacy
    • Webcrawler Story
  • (1:36:35-2:08:17) But Last
    • Molten Lava Cake
    • Haiti Situation
    • Fireworks Fail
    • Sam RTO update


[Ep 840] Chicken Fish [2:13:57]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jul-15 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jul-16 19:42 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's main theme is climate change. Starting with gas milage, then on to how humans have responded to the challenge. Of course there is much more! On the serious side: Russia, Ukraine, Inflation, the Economy, and the impacts on Election 2024. On the less serious side: a couple of books, thoughts on cheese sandwiches, and this podcast now has transcripts! Yay!

  • (0:02:00-0:49:59) But First
    • Book: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (1984)
    • Book: The Road to Omaha (1992)
    • Fuel Economy Update
    • Podcast Transcripts
  • (0:50:48-1:24:12) But Second
    • Climate Change
    • Cheese Sandwiches
  • (1:26:13-2:13:23) But Third
    • Russia/Ukraine
    • Inflation/Economy
    • Election 2024
    • Business and Politics


[Ep 841] Too Many Hamburgers [2:04:55]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Jul-21 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-Jul-22 23:42 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is marooned on some island somewhere, so Bruce joins Sam to do the show, and picks the topics! They discuss Bruce's involvement in a local planning commission, the Durham Report, Threads vs Twitter, and the latest on the origins of Covid. Will you be able to tell the difference from Ivan? Tune in and find out.

  • (0:00:54-0:27:54) Planning Commission
  • (0:28:58-0:57:40) Durham Report
  • (0:58:30-1:30:04) Threads vs Twitter
  • (1:31:05-2:04:24) Covid Origins


[Ep 842] Femur Actually [1:58:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Jul-29 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Jul-30 02:04 UTC

For the second week in a row, Ivan is on vacation. So this time Ed joins Sam for the show. As is traditional, when there is a guest cohost, the guest picks the topics. For this week, Ed chose the writer/actor strikes, RFK Jr., the latest Trump charges, and some changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. All good choices! Woo!

  • (0:01:15-0:29:38) Writer/Actor Strikes
  • (0:31:22-1:07:12) RFK Jr.
  • (1:08:15-1:31:12) New Trump Charges
  • (1:33:13-1:58:07) UCMJ Changes

August 2023

[Ep 843] Early Maypril [2:07:39]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Aug-05 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Aug-07 16:51 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan was supposed to be back. But his computer exploded or something, so he wasn't. So Sam toughed it out to do a mostly solo show. The solo part was 100% on Trump's latest set of indictments in DC and looking at that from a variety of angles. For the last segment though, Alex joins in to talk about one of his latest projects via a broken microphone.

  • (0:01:48-0:05:14) Intro
  • (0:08:04-0:43:32) Indictment Part 1
  • (0:45:02-1:14:58) Indictment Part 2
  • (1:18:18-1:42:14) Indictment Part 3
  • (1:43:55-2:07:05) Tea- uh... CapsulePlayground!


[Ep 844] Quicker Slower [1:54:57]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Aug-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Aug-13 01:18 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan returns from his extended absence to join Sam once again. They start out with recapping the dramatic events that kept Ivan away, followed by a book review before jumping into politics with all four feet. On that side they have climate change, the latest Trump news, implications of the Ohio ballot results, and finally worries about political violence. And that be that.

  • (0:00:00-0:02:23) Cold Open
  • (0:02:40-0:38:31) But First
    • Lottery, Vacation, and Computer
    • Book: Young Zaphod Plays It Safe (1986)
  • (0:39:37-1:20:45) But Second
    • Hawaii Fires and Climate Change
    • This Week's Trump Stuff
  • (1:21:28-1:54:12) But Third
    • Ohio Ballot Implications
    • Political Violence


[Ep 845] Little Trap Doors [1:56:02]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Aug-18 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Aug-20 03:58 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do the Trump thing, cause there isn't really a choice, is there? Sometimes it would be nice to ignore it, but it really is important. Other than that, another review of the goings on in text based social media, discussion of the current wave of hype around AI, Ivan talks books, and Sam talks power tools. Which Sam should not be using. Nope.

  • (0:01:15-0:35:58) But First
    • Ivan on Business
    • Book: Dead in the Water (2022)
    • Sam with Power Tools
  • (0:36:59-1:13:09) Trump
    • Crime Speech
    • Detailing the Plot
    • Federal vs Georgia
    • Pushing the Limits
    • Chances of Jail
    • Delay Delay Delay
  • (1:13:52-1:55:33) Split
    • Twitter
    • Threads
    • Mastodon
    • AI Hype


[Ep 846] Red Alert [1:54:10]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Aug-26 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Aug-27 01:54 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan discuss alcohol, caffeine, and other substances of interest. Plus Prigozhin's eventful flight, moon related stuff, and what happens when you stay at one company a long time. Oh, what is that you say? What about the politics? OK. Fine. They also hit the Republican presidential debate, signs of Trump weakness, and some updates on all the Trump legal cases. Happy?

  • (0:00:00-0:02:10) Cold Open
  • (0:02:25-0:41:53) But First
    • Selective Substances
    • Corporate Elders
  • (0:43:55-1:34:09) Republicans
    • Tucker Interview Fail
    • Republican Debate
    • Trump Weakness
    • Legal Maneuvers
    • Truth and Consequences
  • (1:34:59-1:53:35) Other Stuff
    • Prigozhin
    • Skipped Topics
    • Moon Shots

September 2023

[Ep 847] Control F [1:53:59]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Sep-01 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Sep-04 23:47 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner: Sam and Ivan Stuff. Trump Stuff. Other Stuff. But First Stuff. It is a show full of stuffiness. And stuff. Or something like that. In any case, all the usual things you expect on one of these shows. Thrills, chills, and madness. Or maybe your narrator just didn't feel like writing a real description. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:00-0:03:08) Frozen Open
  • (0:03:31-0:33:03) But First
    • Wet AirPods
    • Exercise
    • Ozempic
  • (0:33:33-1:11:56) Trump Stuff
    • Corporate Case
    • Financial Worries
    • Schedules
    • 14th Amendment
    • Weakness
  • (1:13:40-1:53:24) Other Stuff
    • Hurricanes
    • Climate Anomalies
    • Aging Politicians
    • Fyre Festival 2


[Ep 848] Automatic Truth [2:05:08]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Sep-09 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-Sep-09 22:09 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan give the usual dose of Republican legal drama, with updates on the Proud Boys, that Cheese guy, Meadows, Navarro, and yeah, Trump too. But they also discuss a movie, whale watching, state fairs, and world fairs. Plus some on portable displays, misleading polls, immigration, and even a couple imitation Curmudgeon's Corner shows. Super full. Super fun.

  • (0:00:00-0:02:21) Cold Open
  • (0:02:43-0:44:56) But First
    • Yamazaki Feedback
    • Movie: 97 Minutes (2023)
    • Whale Watching
    • Going to the Fair
  • (0:45:56-1:13:52) Part One
    • Proud Boys Sentences
    • Speedy Trials
    • Meadows Loses
    • The Non-Indicted
    • Navarro Conviction
  • (1:16:32-2:04:30) Part Two
    • Portable Displays
    • Immigration Situation
    • Misleading Polling Hype
    • Election 2024
    • Other Curmudgeons


[Ep 849] Flexibility Paradigm [1:54:45]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Sep-16 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Sep-17 20:22 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about strikes, shutdowns, Romney retiring, and the latest Trump stuff. On the lighter side, they discuss how workdays end, and how school days begin. With a few other things in passing as usual. Tune in and enjoy the ride!

  • (0:00:00-0:05:12) Cold Open
  • (0:05:35-0:31:43) But First
    • Quitting Times
    • School Mornings
  • (0:32:51-1:10:28) Economic Stuff
    • Multiple Labor Strikes
    • Government Shutdown?
  • (1:11:34-1:53:43) Hodgepodge
    • Romney Retiring
    • Trump Gag Order?


[Ep 850] Profiles in Ignorance [2:03:43]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Sep-22 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Sep-24 01:58 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan are sad that some people aren't completely obsessed by the details of the news like they are and Ivan gives in to the iPhone 15 hype. But the main topics are Rupert retiring and the implications for his news empire, the US House being in disarray, and Election 2024. Plus Sam is sorely tempted by something, but resists.

  • (0:00:00-0:03:11) Cold Open
  • (0:03:30-0:39:10) But First
    • Low Information Citizens
    • iPhone Upgrades
    • Popcorn Temptation
  • (0:40:13-1:03:19) Main One
    • Rupert Retires
    • Fox in Decline
  • (1:04:08-2:03:02) Main Two
    • House in Disarray
    • Election 2024
    • Using Words


[Ep 851] Holding It Wrong [2:13:21]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Sep-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Oct-02 10:07 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Biden Impeachment Inquiry and Trump Fraud Judgements. They talk Trump and Biden's mental decline or lack thereof. And of course they don't forget Senator Gold Bars. That's the newsie stuff. Before that, Ivan's computer and car chargers, a book review, and an acknowledgment of Curmudgeons all over the world.

  • (0:00:00-0:04:17) Appropriate Note
  • (0:04:40-0:45:44) But First
    • Car Charging Infrastructure
    • Book: Robinson Crusoe (1719)
  • (0:47:46-1:28:07) But Second
    • Impeachment Inquiry
    • Senator Gold Bars
  • (1:28:23-2:12:49) But Third
    • Trump vs Biden Mental Acuity
    • Trump Fraud Judgement

October 2023

[Ep 852] X in the Thing [2:28:07]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Oct-07 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Oct-08 23:49 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan recorded before the big events in the Middle East, so the serious topics are the drama in the House of Representatives and the latest in the Trump legal cases. They also talk about booster shots and the latest Covid surge. Plus a special throwback bonus supercut at the end and some on haircuts and technical difficulties at the start. And feedback!

  • (0:01:34-0:09:39) Cold Open
  • (0:09:56-0:45:30) But First
    • Feedback
    • Booster Shots
    • Covid Surge
  • (0:46:13-1:38:24) But Second
    • Shutdown Averted
    • Motion to Vacate
    • Speaker Race
  • (1:39:30-2:19:07) But Third
    • Trump NY Civil Case
    • Trump Gag Order
    • Trump Dismissal Attempts
    • Trump FL Case Delays
    • Trump Submarine Talk
  • (2:19:36-2:28:06) Hot Close


[Ep 853] Expecting the Call [1:50:28]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Oct-14 UTC
Published: Sat, 2023-Oct-14 23:57 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the momentous events in Israel and Gaza. That is of course the largest part of the show. But you also get an update on the race for Speaker of the House, and a bit about Ivan's travels and some movie and TV stuff too. And that is the show.

  • (0:02:06-0:17:44) But First
    • New York City
    • Movie: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
    • TV: Law and Order (1990-Present)
  • (0:19:45-1:15:52) Israel-Hamas War
    • The Initial Attack
    • Israel's Response
    • Historical Lead Up
    • Repulsive Rhetoric
  • (1:17:21-1:49:50) Speaker Race
    • Scalise's Brief Win
    • Now Comes Jordan
    • What Next?


[Ep 854] Meticulously Produced [1:57:50]
Recorded: Fri, 2023-Oct-20 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Oct-23 10:38 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan once again tackle the Speaker race, Trump's legal issues, and war in the Middle East. Do they solve any of these issues? Of course not. But they do talk about them. So there is that. Also, some thoughts on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and ChatGPT too. And that will be that.

  • (0:01:25-0:44:39) But First
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max
    • Using ChatGPT
  • (0:46:22-1:22:39) US Politics
    • Speaker Race
    • Trump Legal Issues
  • (1:23:42-1:57:27) Middle East
    • Biden Efforts
    • Hospital Incident
    • Escalation


[Ep 855] Filler Words [1:50:01]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Oct-28 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Oct-30 13:45 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is out, and Sam goes wild! Uh, yeah. Well. Maybe not so much. In any case, we have discussion on the Trump Trials, the outcome of the Speaker race, Israel/Palestine, and an update on Election 2024 via Election Graphs! Enjoy!

  • (0:00:19-0:15:35) But First
    • Solo Show Again
    • Length Trimming
  • (0:16:35-0:57:07) But Second
    • Trump Trials
    • Speaker Race
  • (0:59:15-1:49:28) But Third
    • Election 2024
    • Israel/Palestine

November 2023

[Ep 856] Lovable Frog [1:59:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Nov-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Nov-06 13:01 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan are back to bouncing all over the place. Topics include Democratic Party politics, the attempt to oust Representative Santos, and of course the ongoing situation in Israel and Palestine. But also cell phone reception, home automation, and a bandit bear. Fun!

  • (0:01:25-0:44:05) But First
    • Home Automation
    • Visting Bear
  • (0:44:48-1:30:51) But Second
    • Dean Phillips
    • Anti-Biden Left
    • Israel/Palestine
  • (1:32:34-1:58:59) But Third
    • Cell Phone Reception
    • Santos Expulsion Vote
    • No Clean Hands


[Ep 857] Iridium Things [2:04:03]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Nov-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Nov-12 22:57 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend most of the time talking about elections. Both the results of the 2023 elections that just happened, and prospects for the 2024 elections yet to come. But as usual, there are other things too. The writer and actor strikes are both over, so movie reviews return! Plus food, drink, volcanos, and a few other things!

  • (0:01:23-0:34:40) But First
    • Food and Drink Pickiness
    • Movie: Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
  • (0:35:44-1:39:35) Elections
    • Election 2023
    • Election 2024
  • (1:40:31-2:03:31) Other Stuff
    • Iceland Volcano
    • Mayor Adams


[Ep 858] Mooing and Beeping [2:16:52]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Nov-18 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Nov-20 04:35 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start with a bit about a non-governmental election of sorts and a movie they both saw. Then they settle in to talking about Elon Musk and X/Twitter for the first time in a while. Finally, they finish things up with US Politics stuff, mostly Congress, but a little bit of Trump at the end. Because of course.

  • (0:02:18-0:32:45) But First
    • Ivan's Election
    • Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (2023)
  • (0:33:27-1:20:57) Musk-X
    • Elon Jenga
    • Advertiser Exodus
    • Zombie Companies
    • Online vs Offline Collapse
    • The Stragglers
  • (1:23:10-2:16:18) Politics
    • No Shutdown!
    • Johnson's Future
    • Normalization of Violence
    • Santos Report
    • Trump Stuff


[Ep 859] Is That A Euphemism? [2:17:41]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Nov-25 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Nov-27 14:37 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the presidential election, but this time it is the one in Argentina! Plus a return to the situation in Israel and Palestine, and a discussion of the goings on at OpenAI. And for the less serious items, headlights and Black Friday. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:00-0:02:11) Cold Open
  • (0:02:31-0:44:29) But First
    • Headlights
    • Black Friday
  • (0:45:29-1:14:27) Argentina
    • Background
    • Using Dollars
    • Eccentricities?
    • Campaign Promises
  • (1:15:17-1:42:46) Israel/Palestine
    • Overview
    • Biden's Role
    • Bibi's Prospects
    • Paths Forward
  • (1:44:54-2:17:05) OpenAI
    • The Coup
    • The Reasons
    • The Risks
    • Full Steam Ahead

December 2023

[Ep 860] Still Here [2:01:53]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Dec-02 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Dec-04 18:14 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the possibilities of a non-Trump Republican pulling through, what the worst case scenario if Trump wins really is, the Santos ouster, Kissinger's death, and much more. Including, very critically, some amazing songs about a very famous duck!

  • (0:00:24-0:36:36) Ivan First
    • Cold War Fears
    • Total War
    • Remodeling
    • WRCT Radio
  • (0:37:36-1:24:42) Sam Second
    • Fireworks
    • SamGPT Song
    • Non-Trump Republican Scenario
    • Worst Case Trump Scenario
  • (1:25:32-1:58:26) Ivan Third
    • Goodbye Santos
    • Kissinger Dead
    • Other Deaths
    • Musk Interviews


[Ep 861] Is It A Horse? [1:24:48]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Dec-09 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Dec-11 14:45 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan has no office, so Sam goes solo. He is sick and complains about that and talks about an old movie before getting down to politics. Then you get the mandatory update on Trump, some stuff about Biden, and even a bit about Congress and other stuff. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:24-0:17:53) But First
    • Sick Complaining
    • Movie: Hocus Pocus (1993)
  • (0:18:57-0:45:22) Trump Stuff
    • EG picture still glum
    • Worst Case Still Bad
    • Court Cases
  • (0:46:05-1:24:17) Other Politics
    • Biden motivations
    • Congressional Stuff
    • Hunter!
    • US/Israel


[Ep 862] Two Different Animals [2:10:54]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Dec-16 UTC
Published: Mon, 2023-Dec-18 16:58 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan records from his car in the middle of a wind storm. Sam records from his warm, dry, and not at all windy office. They talk about Rudy, Donald, Bridget, and even Hunter. Plus movies and Mastodon. And more!

  • (0:01:51-0:26:40) But First
    • Renovation Drama
    • Movie: Alice in Wonderland (2010)
  • (0:27:31-1:22:47) But Second
    • Bridget Ziegler
    • Rudy! Rudy!
    • Trump Appeals
    • Missing Binder
  • (1:24:31-2:10:17) But Third
    • Announcements
    • Hunter Defies Subpoena
    • Impeachment Investigation
    • Threads and Mastodon


[Ep 863] Make An Egg [2:06:18]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Dec-23 UTC
Published: Sun, 2023-Dec-24 19:04 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan once again ask for suggestions for things to predict on next week's predictions show. So get on that! After a bit on workplace meeting culture, third places, and Dr. Strangelove, they get down to business with Rudy, Donald, Joe, and even Bo. Plus some economy stuff. And that be a show!

  • (0:02:00-0:47:06) But First
    • Need Things to Predict!
    • Work Meeting Culture
    • Third Places
    • Movie: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
  • (0:45:51-1:36:29) But Second
    • Rudy Bankrupt
    • Trump Immunity Review
    • 14th Amendment Case
    • Presidential Polls
  • (1:37:36-2:05:47) But Third
    • Economic Update
    • Boring Joe
    • MAGA Bo


[Ep 864] 2024 Predictions Show [2:51:43]
Recorded: Sat, 2023-Dec-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jan-01 01:04 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, we have the traditional end of year predictions show. Listen to Sam and Ivan speculate on Politics, International Affairs, Economy, Technology, and of course the ever popular Hodgepodge category. Be sure to listen, so as the year progresses, you can mock them when their predictions fail to come true!

  • (0:01:46-1:08:55) Politics
  • (1:09:59-1:38:24) International
  • (1:40:25-1:53:35) Economy
  • (1:54:13-2:23:51) Technology
  • (2:25:35-2:51:10) 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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