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Most Recent Episodes

January 2024

[Ep 865] 2023 Predictions Review [2:23:03]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jan-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jan-08 18:56 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do what they do at the start of every year. They review their predictions for the year that just ended to see how they did. Most folks don't do this. They just let their failed predictions be forgotten. But here, they revel in their failures! But yes, they also celebrate their successes! Tune in to see how they did this year!

  • (0:01:59-0:38:18) Politics
  • (0:39:08-0:48:04) International
  • (0:48:47-1:06:00) Economy
  • (1:07:01-1:40:09) Technology
  • (1:41:17-2:12:12) Hodgepodge
  • (2:13:56-2:22:30) Grand Totals


[Ep 866] The Perils of Eyes [1:58:36]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jan-13 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jan-15 15:18 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan ditches the show to go to Disney. So Sam goes all election, all the time. Recorded immediately preceding the Iowa caucuses, how could he do anything else? So discussion of Iowa, New Hampshire, and if Haley has any chance at all. Plus the latest info from Election Graphs. And OK fine, there are a few non-election things at the start of the show too.

  • (0:00:56-0:25:19) But First
    • Updating Glasses
    • Computer Deficiencies
    • Movie: Falling Down (1993)
  • (0:28:02-1:02:24) 2024 Delegate Race
    • Dems Dethroned Iowa and New Hampshire
    • Haley's Ultra Narrow Path
    • Hints on Trump Poll Accuracy
  • (1:03:24-1:58:06) 2024 Electoral College
    • Has Trump Peaked?
    • Reasons to Doubt the Polls
    • Don't Underestimate Trump
    • Other Stuff to Mention


[Ep 867] Secretary of Toast [1:48:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jan-20 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jan-22 19:31 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan cover the politics you would expect for the show between Iowa and New Hampshire. But they also talk aviation accidents, solar power, Threads, Mastodon, and a movie. A well rounded show. You like round things, right?

  • (0:00:25-0:29:19) But First
    • Movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
    • Solar Power Options
  • (0:31:03-1:07:40) Primaries and Caucuses
    • Iowa Caucus Results
    • Trump's Mental State
    • Biden vs Trump Denial
    • New Hampshire Notes
  • (1:09:00-1:47:48) Other Stuff
    • The Door Plug
    • Other Aviation Issues
    • More Threads and Mastodon


[Ep 868] Outside Of This Donut Structure [1:55:38]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jan-27 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jan-29 14:20 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk primary politics, because duh. And Trump and E Jean Carroll, also duh. Plus Trump and the Immigration deal. More duh. But you also get guilty pleasure foods, a TV show review, remembering the Mac at 40, and the history of Michelin travel guides. So a super well rounded show!

  • (0:00:31-0:24:24) But First
    • Guilty Pleasure Foods
    • TV: Mater’s Tall Tales (2008-2012)
  • (0:25:08-1:06:42) Primary Politics
    • New Hampshire Results
    • What is Haley's Plan?
  • (1:07:47-1:55:03) Other Stuff
    • $83M for E Jean Carroll
    • Trump Killing Immigration Deal?
    • Macintosh at 40
    • Michelin Travel Guides

February 2024

[Ep 869] Genre of Expertise [1:43:26]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Feb-03 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Feb-05 14:53 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan are all over the place. They've got Trump and Taylor. They've got jet travel and ransomware. They've got a movie and Fani Willis too. A smorgasbord of scintillating subjects to satiate your something. There ya go.

  • (0:00:48-0:33:08) But First
    • Audio Stuff
    • Ransomware Attack
    • Movie: Dune: Part One (2021)
    • Language Lecture
  • (0:33:59-0:57:25) But Second
    • MAGA vs Taylor Swift
    • Private Jet Travel
    • Liberal Pop Culture
    • Party Visibility
  • (0:58:30-1:42:53) But Third
    • Trump Legal Stuff
    • American Ignorance
    • Fani Willis
    • MAGA Violence


[Ep 870] Hop on the Hubway [2:17:37]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Feb-10 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Feb-12 16:38 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan do a bit more non-politics than has been the norm basically, with some Apple Vision Pro talk, plus stories of stupid payments, dumb interfaces, and a movie review. After that you do have Trump news, and Congressional Republicans failing, and the Hur Report. Oh, and some Elon and economy stuff too.

  • (0:00:37-0:24:11) But First
    • Dumb User Interfaces
    • Stupid Payment Patterns
    • Movie: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
  • (0:24:49-1:19:20) Not Politics
    • Indiana 5G Sucks
    • Apple Vision Pro
    • Elon's Money
    • Economic Outlook
  • (1:21:05-2:17:04) Politics
    • Trump Immunity Case
    • Immigration Deal Failure
    • Mayorkas Impeachment Failure
    • Trump 14th Amendment Case
    • The Hur Report


[Ep 871] Cuhnick Shun Fit [2:27:27]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Feb-17 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Feb-19 16:35 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is AWOL again, so Sam is joined by his wife Brandy for the first part of the show. She's a state rep, so after some movie talk, for once the show dives into state politics rather than the national picture and we get a glimpse of the legislative process. Then after she leaves, the usual Trump and election content you all expect.

  • (0:00:01-0:02:04) Cold Open
  • (0:02:26-0:50:14) But First
    • Movie: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    • Washington State Legislative Session
  • (0:52:19-1:47:49) Trump Legal Stuff
    • Date for NY Criminal Case
    • GA Case Developments
    • Trump NY Judgement
  • (1:48:54-2:26:53) Election Polling
    • Democratic Overperformance
    • Election Graphs Thoughts


[Ep 872] Was Specific [1:54:30]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Feb-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Feb-26 10:41 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan hit Russian Intelligence Operations, along with Republicans, both unhinged and indebted. Those are the more newsy bits. But they also cover computer issues, travel, movies, and having young coworkers. All the usual tropes. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:39-0:33:40) But First
    • Computer Issues
    • Travel Complaints
    • Movie: Inspector Clouseau (1968)
  • (0:36:54-1:11:36) But Second
    • Young Coworkers
    • Russian Intelligence Ops
  • (1:12:40-1:54:02) But Third
    • Unhinged Republicans
    • Indebted Republicans

March 2024

[Ep 873] Longittivity [1:37:20]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Mar-01 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Mar-03 23:42 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan talks AirPods, migrants, and Mitch McConnell while Sam continues to catch up on movies, and of course goes over all the Trump legal cases. Between them, they fill up an exciting and eventful show, that surely you don't want to miss. Hit play now! Before it is too late!

  • (0:01:31-0:32:30) But First
    • Stereotypes
    • AirPods Usage
    • Scapegoating Migrants
    • Movie: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
    • Movie: Low Blow (1986)
  • (0:34:14-1:36:49) The Rest
    • Mitch McConnell Legacy
    • Doomed filibuster
    • Senatorial Replacements
    • Reading Into Primaries
    • Trump Civil Trials
    • Trump State Criminal Trials
    • Trump Federal Criminal Trials


[Ep 874] Like it or Not [1:35:46]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Mar-08 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Mar-11 18:01 UTC

On this week’s Curmudgeon’s Corner, Sam is traveling for a memorial service for his step-grandfather, so Ivan makes an appearance only as a recorded ghost. Because we couldn’t miss one of his rants. Otherwise, the main topics are the State of the Union speech and the fact that the Biden vs Trump rematch is almost official. Finally, some bits from the memorial for Jim Sunshine.

  • (0:00:50-0:20:22) State of the Union
  • (0:21:00-0:53:00) Rematch is Real
  • (0:54:04-1:06:21) Rant from Ivan
  • (1:07:12-1:34:43) Jim Sunshine


[Ep 875] Thumbs Northeast [1:59:34]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Mar-16 UTC
Published: Sat, 2024-Mar-16 23:57 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss lots of obsolete technology, Boeing's real issues, some more Boeing issues that aren't really Boeing's fault, Trump's many many legal issues, and the merits of the 1980 movie Raging Bull. So that's that.

  • (0:00:01-0:04:31) Cold Open
  • (0:04:53-0:35:14) But First
    • Obsolete Technology
    • Movie: Raging Bull (1980)
  • (0:37:13-1:07:32) Boeing Issues
    • Actual Boeing Issues
    • Not Boeings Fault Issues
  • (1:08:34-1:58:02) Trump Legal Stuff
    • SCOTUS 14th Amendment Ruling
    • Trump Bond Payments
    • Some Georgia Charges Dropped
    • New York Delayed Too
    • Willis and Wade
    • Presidential Immunity
    • Documents Case


[Ep 876] Go With Dumb [1:40:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Mar-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Mar-25 03:14 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk Trump and Congress. Because of course they do. But also travel complaints and a movie review. Cause of course they do that too. Pretty much the normal routine for this show. But it is what all of you like, right?
  • (0:00:54-0:28:50) But First
    • Ivan Travel Woes (Again)
    • Movie: The Maltese Falcon (1941)
  • (0:29:54-0:59:26) Trump Money Woes
  • (1:00:33-1:40:10) Congressional Shenanigans


[Ep 877] Under Rider [1:58:32]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Mar-29 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Apr-01 13:45 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about Trump's money and legal woes as well as more general discussion of Election 2024. But also shorter hits on DeSantis vs Disney, NBC vs McDaniel, dealing with holidays that aren't work holidays, V for Vendetta, and more!
  • (0:01:17-0:24:01) But First
    • Unofficial Work Holidays
    • Movie: V for Vendetta (2006)
  • (0:25:03-0:56:54) Trump Stuff
    • Money Stuff
    • Legal Stuff
  • (0:57:38-1:30:42) Election 2024
    • Has Donald Peaked?
    • More Money Stuff
    • Culture War Issues
  • (1:31:19-1:57:42) Quick Hits
    • DeSantis/Disney
    • Bridge Collapse
    • NBC/McDaniel
    • Transcripts
    • Supervised Self Driving

April 2024

[Ep 878] Baguettes and Butter [1:57:16]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Apr-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Apr-08 13:33 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam do the routine discussion of Trump's current legal and financial woes. The other major newsy topic for the first time in a long time is the situation in Gaza. But before these things, a discussion of unexpected AI generated nudity, the phenomenon of cultural flattening between generations, and a look at the movie "Knock Down the House".
  • (0:00:54-0:41:49) But First
    • Unexpected AI Nudity
    • Cultural Flattening
    • Movie: Knock Down the House (2019)
  • (0:43:51-1:15:17) Trump Stuff
    • DJT Stock
    • Trump Bond Drama
    • Trump Financial Trouble
    • Trump Legal Developments
    • Covering Trump
  • (1:16:21-1:56:42) Gaza
    • Seven vs Thousands
    • War Crimes
    • Netanyahu
    • Biden
    • What's Next?


[Ep 879] It's Pouring [1:26:55]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Apr-13 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Apr-15 13:57 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan has travel issues, so Sam is joined by occasional guest cohost Ed. They cover the Iran/Israel developments as the big actual news story of the week, but they also talk taxes, and climate change, tech advancements, and ebooks. And this week's movie is Divergent from 2014. So that's that.
  • (0:01:59-0:43:20) But First
    • Supplements
    • Climate and Coffee
    • Tech Advances
    • Movie: Divergent (2014)
    • eBooks
  • (0:43:57-1:04:13) Iran/Israel
    • Israel Attacks Iran
    • Iran Attacks Israel
    • Successful Defense
    • What Now?
  • (1:04:57-1:26:20) Tax Stuff
    • Simplification
    • Witholding


[Ep 880] Mister Meter [2:02:03]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Apr-19 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Apr-21 22:10 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, the big topics for Sam and Ivan are Trump stuff and Congress stuff. You probably could have guessed that. What else would it be? But they also talk couches and charging tables. And this week's movie is the 1995 version of Escape to Witch Mountain. Enjoy!
  • (0:01:01-0:37:59) But First
    • Couches
    • Charging Cables
    • Movie: Escape to Witch Mountain (1995)
  • (0:39:02-1:25:43) Trump Stuff
    • NY Jury Selection
    • Court Behavior
    • Trial Stress
    • The Bond
  • (1:26:33-2:01:31) Congress Stuff
    • Ukraine Aid
    • Useful Idiots
    • Speaker Drama
    • Mayokas Impeachment


[Ep 881] Gotta Have The Buuk [2:26:29]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Apr-27 UTC
Published: Tue, 2024-Apr-30 04:43 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam cover the Gaza protests at US Universities, and of course all the latest Trump related drama. But first, the benefits of being a regular customer at certain establishments, tales of old fashioned business liquid lunches, and a cornucopia of movie and TV reviews. A very over stuffed over full show. Burp!
  • (0:00:03-0:05:58) Cold Open
  • (0:06:21-0:40:57) But First
    • Repeat Customers
    • 3 Martini Lunch
    • Movie: Mar Adentro (2004)
    • TV: Constellation (2024)
    • TV: Boss (2011-2013)
    • Movie: This is Where I Leave You (2014)
    • Movie: Ferrari (2023)
    • Movie: Whiplash (2014)
    • Movie: Anyone but You (2023)
    • Movie: Fast Charlie (2023)
  • (0:42:00-1:17:04) Gaza Protests
    • Heterogeneity
    • Common Components
    • A few bad apples...
    • ...spoil the bunch
    • Regional History
    • Overreactions
    • Anti-Education Movement
  • (1:19:08-2:25:51) Trump Stuff
    • Graduation Correction
    • Trump Bond
    • NY Trial
    • NY Gag Order
    • NY Predictions
    • Arizona & Michigan
    • SCOTUS on Immunity
    • Killing Puppies

May 2024

[Ep 882] Who's Your Daddy? [2:00:12]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-May-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-May-06 15:22 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about YouTube TV, Gremlins 2, Humane AI, Rabbit R1, and of course all the latest Trump stuff. So just about what you would expect on a week like this. So yeah. That's that. Please clap.
  • (0:00:00-0:01:52) Cold Open
  • (0:02:12-0:33:42) But First
    • May the Fourth
    • YouTube TV
    • Movie: Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
  • (0:34:26-1:14:14) AI Devices
    • Stuff AI Is Good At
    • Humane AI
    • Rabbit R1
    • Another Device?
    • Beta Testers
  • (1:14:52-1:59:39) Trump Stuff
    • Contempt Ruling
    • Testimony
    • The Defense
    • Hanging Juries


[Ep 883] Neurotic Method [2:12:36]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-May-11 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-May-13 08:11 UTC
Loyal cohost Ivan is sick. So Sam got a substitute again. Long time listener Matt joins Curmudgeon's Corner for the first time to talk about the Tik Tok ban, the Gaza protests, rescheduling marijuana, and MTG’s motion to vacate. Plus movies. A bunch of movies. And a few other random things. Yay!
  • (0:00:01-0:03:39) Cold Open
  • (0:04:01-0:34:33) But First
    • Podcast Habits
    • Movie: The Godfather (1972)
    • Movie: The Godfather Part II (1974)
    • Movie: The Godfather Part III (1990)
    • Movie: Scarface (1983)
    • TV: The Diplomat (2023-Present)
    • Movie: Mr. Monk’s Last Case (2023)
  • (0:35:40-1:14:53) Section A
    • Canceling Services
    • Tik Tok Ban
    • Gaza Protests
  • (1:16:55-2:11:03) Section B
    • Rescheduling Marijuana
    • Motion to Vacate
    • Brandy Unopposed
    • Triple Bob Tactic


[Ep 884] Electric Shocks [1:32:53]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-May-17 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-May-20 15:48 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is back. Well, at least for most of the show. He is tired and his internet dies. So he and Sam have only one main topic. That is of course Donald's legal saga. Stormy and Cohen. Timelines and strategy. The gag order and other trials. Everything you expect. But first both cohosts have had recent "small world" encounters, and an update on unopposed Brandy.
  • (0:00:03-0:02:16) Cold Open
  • (0:02:39-0:31:38) But First
    • Small World Encounters
    • Write In Opponent
  • (0:33:23-1:31:47) Trump
    • Timeline
    • Defense Strategy
    • Stormy & Cohen
    • Not Televised
    • Other Trials
    • Gag Order


[Ep 885] Shove It Down [2:05:22]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-May-25 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-May-26 00:36 UTC
On this week’s Curmudgeon’s Corner, Sam and Ivan are all over the place, discussing everything from the death of the President of Iran, to the situation in Gaza, to the latest dumb uses of AI, with a bunch of other things in between. So settle in and enjoy the ride! And stay past the end for a couple pitches for a Curmudgeon’s Corner movie!
  • (0:00:36-0:39:58) But First
    • In Person vs Virtual
    • Pandemic Revisited
    • Masks Work
    • Book: Mostly Harmless (1992)
  • (0:40:59-0:59:00) A Block
    • Iranian President Dead
    • Helicopter Safety
  • (0:59:50-2:02:32) B Block
    • Trump Update
    • ICC/Israel/Gaza/Biden
    • Stupid Misused AI
    • Alito and Thomas
    • Dumb Phones


[Ep 886] Oddball Events [2:02:18]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-May-31 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jun-03 13:05 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon’s Corner, aside from a brief recorded note Ivan is traveling, so Sam brings on occasional guest host Bruce. There should be no surprise that the main topic is the Trump conviction. Because boom! Bruce also gives us a recap of the Libertarian convention, and revisits the OceanGate disaster. Plus a book. Woo!
  • 0:00:52 - But First
    • Job Changes
    • OceanGate Revisited
    • Book: Bible and Sword (1956)
  • 0:34:21 - Trump Verdict
    • Ivan's Thoughts
    • Sentencing Options
    • Possible Election Impact
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Possible Game Changers
  • 1:17:37 - Libertarians
    • Factions
    • Chase Oliver
    • Justification for 3P Voting
    • Trump and Kennedy
    • Prospects and Goals

June 2024

[Ep 887] Better or Worse [1:42:19]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jun-08 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jun-10 15:47 UTC
Once again Ivan is out, so this week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam is joined for the first time by Peter B for a rare politics light show. Instead of yet another riff on Trump, we cover video games, alternative schooling philosophies, relating to art with problematic creators, non-alcoholic cocktails, some notes about Japan, and all the problems with kids today! Enjoy!
  • 0:01:30 - But First
    • Old Video Games
    • Different vs Worse
    • Unschooling
  • 0:37:34 - Reviews
    • Movie: American Fiction (2023)
    • Problematic Creators
    • Problematic Works
    • Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
  • 1:02:53 - But Last
    • Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
    • Shifting Preferences
    • Japanese Norms
    • Shangri-La Dialogue


[Ep 888] Happily Ever Backily [2:11:49]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jun-15 UTC
Published: Tue, 2024-Jun-18 02:21 UTC
Returning from his latest travels in triumph, Ivan joins Sam for a robust discussion of Hunter Biden, Trump's incoherency, SCOTUS, and some international politics too. But first, some politics and AI from Puerto Rico, and one of the hosts upgraded their home computer setup. Finally! Can you guess which one?
  • 0:00:59 - But First
    • Puerto Rican Elections
    • AI Political Parodies
    • Sam's Upgrades
    • Productive Days
  • 1:02:29 - Politics
    • Hunter Biden
    • Joe's Reaction
    • Incoherent Trump
    • SCOTUS
    • UK/France/EU Elections
    • Mexican President Elect


[Ep 889] Poli-Tickle [2:13:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jun-22 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jun-24 04:42 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend more time than usual on TV and Movies, plus for once a bunch of time on music too. But do not fear, they cover their more typical content too, with a segment on economic issues, and then one on US politics. So all your usual curmudgeonly goodness!
  • 0:01:13 - But First
    • Current Songs
    • Movie: The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
    • Movie: Wrong is Right (1982)
    • More Current Songs
    • TV: House of Cards (UK Version) (1990-1995)
    • TV: House of Cards (US Version) (2013-2018)
  • 0:49:46 - Economy
    • New Tech Bubble?
    • AI Landrush
    • Bidenomics
  • 1:25:25 - Politics
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Trump Veepstakes
    • Flipped Democrats
    • Where's W?
    • Upcoming Debate


[Ep 890] Rock Bottom [1:52:41]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jun-29 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jul-01 15:11 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan discuss the Biden underperformance at the big debate, and the massive reaction, including many people calling for Biden to drop out. They also discuss visiting the office, remote webinars, some website upgrade updates, SCOTUS decisions, and more. Not the presidential immunity decision though. That happened after recording, so that will be next week!
  • 0:00:23 - But First
    • Weather Report
    • Office Visits
    • Webinars & Training
    • Website Upgrades
  • 0:33:55 - The Debate
    • Underperformance
    • Overreaction
    • Short Attention Span
    • Bad Preparation
    • Head vs Heart
    • Replacing Biden
  • 1:29:40 - Other Stuff
    • SCOTUS Chevron Decision
    • SCOTUS Bribery Decision
    • Migrant Fight League
    • Trump Sentencing
    • British Election

July 2024

[Ep 891] Class of Idiots [2:21:01]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jul-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jul-08 22:17 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan cover the two big stories of the week, namely Presidential Immunity, and continuing drama over calls for Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race. But also Star Trek stuff, and how often is too often to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey anyway? Join in the fun!
  • 0:02:23 - But First
    • Wrong Direction
    • TV: Star Trek: Picard (2020-2023)
    • Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
  • 0:38:57 - Presidential Immunity
    • Decision Overview
    • Evidentiary Rules
    • Official and Unofficial
    • Future Abuse
    • Presumption of Defeat
  • 1:18:34 - Old Biden
    • Election Graphs Upgrades
    • West Coast Interview Feed
    • Actual Decline vs Pile On
    • Joe Not Going Anywhere
    • NY Sentencing Delayed
    • UK Election


[Ep 892] Guest Licking [2:49:14]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jul-13 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Jul-15 13:38 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, a special insert by Sam and Ivan at the start of the show about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, which happened after the show itself was recorded. In the original show that follows, the main conversation was the now overshadowed Joe Biden drama. Plus the usual smattering of other random things. The show is super long with everything. Sorry!
  • 0:00:00 - Trump Assassination Attempt
  • 0:25:07 - But First
    • Flooded Galley
    • Movie: Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
    • Pay at the Pump
    • Self Check Out
  • 0:56:48 - But Second
    • Replacing iPhones
    • Water Damage
    • Julian Assange
    • UK & France Elections
  • 1:18:57 - Joe Biden
    • Media Attention
    • Dewey Defeats Truman
    • The Keys
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Week of Drama
    • Continued Concerns
    • Other Effects


[Ep 893] Elephant in a Lineup [2:14:30]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jul-20 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Jul-21 07:59 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan cover the Republican National Convention and the continuing drama over Joe Biden's future, and the motivations of those trying to influence it. Plus some discussion about the big Croudstrike caused outages and the plight of the Boeing Starliner. Probably more stuff too. You never know!
  • 0:01:15 - But First
    • Hating People
    • Croudstrike Outage
    • Boeing Starliner
  • 0:37:39 - The RNC
    • News Aggravation
    • Convention Speakers
    • Conspiracy Theories
    • Grindr 4 Delegates
    • Trump Speech
    • Projection
  • 1:20:37 - Biden's Troubles
    • More Pressure
    • Anti-Kamala Scheming
    • Political Shivving
    • Downsides of Switching
    • Circular Firing Squad
    • No Better Plan


[Ep 894] Nice Slot [1:55:56]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Jul-27 UTC
Published: Sat, 2024-Jul-27 21:07 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend most of the show on this week's seismic political events. Biden drops out and endorses Harris. Harris's campaign takes off like a rocket. The reactions of both Ds & Rs to the new candidate. The search for a VP for Harris. Etc. Etc. Etc. First though, bits on the Olympics, Celine Dion, tech support adventures, and a couple of movies too!
  • 0:01:50 - But First
    • Paris Olympics and Celine Dion
    • AirPod and Laptop Malfunctions
    • Movie: The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
    • Movie: Capricorn One (1978)
  • 0:22:02 - Politics
    • Biden Out!
    • Biden Endorses Harris
    • Harris's Rapid Launch
    • Instant Enthusiasm Shift
    • Outflanked Biden Opponents
    • JD Vance Issues
    • Flailing Republicans
    • Kamala vs Harris
    • Harris Veepstakes

August 2024

[Ep 895] Dot Matrix [1:52:09]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Aug-03 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Aug-04 09:30 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed substitutes for Ivan, bringing up the prisoner exchange with Russia, tariffs, and school lunches. While Sam of course can't leave alone the politics. Veepstakes and weird Republicans. Polling update. Excited Ds and flailing Rs. With the usual movies and stuff first.
  • 0:01:09 - But First
    • Welcome Back Ed
    • Movie: Longlegs (2024)
    • Ed Health Scare
    • Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
  • 0:12:23 - Ed Stuff
    • Russian Prisoner Exchange
    • Trump's Tariff Obsession
    • School Lunches
  • 0:38:09 - Sam Stuff
    • Editing Question
    • Harris Veepstakes
    • Trump NABJ Performance
    • Weird Republicans
    • Flailing Republicans
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Democratic Excitement


[Ep 896] Neck Biter [1:37:27]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Aug-10 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Aug-11 16:15 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam goes solo. No Ivan to distract him. After the usual movie review, it is all Election 2024. First the Democrats, including Harris's Walz pick and the end of "when they go low, we go high". Then the Republicans with Trump laying low and questions on his mental state. Finally rounding things out with an update on polls from Election Graphs.
  • 0:00:23 - But First
    • Movie: The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
  • 0:14:06 - Harris and Walz
    • Harris picks Walz
    • Going Low
    • Mantle of Normalcy
  • 0:47:15 - Trump and Vance
    • Quiet Quitting?
    • Helicopter Story
    • Mental State
  • 1:07:47 - Elections Graphs Update
    • Has Harris Peaked?
    • Trump Still Favored (Barely)
    • Ukraine Update


[Ep 897] Big Waves [2:10:44]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Aug-17 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Aug-18 01:54 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Ivan makes a triumphant return, joining Sam for the usual shenanigans. This week this includes a deep dive into recent economic trends and concerns, about look at all the recent developments in the Presidential election race. But first, Covid, Howard the Duck, and personal airbags!
  • 0:03:25 - But First
    • Covid Again
    • Movie: Howard the Duck (1986)
    • Water Warnings
    • Personal Airbags
  • 0:37:05 - Economy
    • Online Payments
    • Recent Market Swings
    • Bidenomics
    • Implications
  • 1:10:41 - Politics
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Trump Flailing
    • Senate Races
    • Crazy Scenarios


[Ep 898] Completely Flummoxed [2:06:10]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Aug-24 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Aug-25 02:56 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about all the goings on and implications of the DNC in Chicago. So lots about vibes and how they were different than the RNC, the approach and strategy of the campaign. All that kind of stuff. But before that, repairing glasses, the sinking of the Bayesian, dinosaur movies, and even fried chicken! Oh, and RFK Jr is done. But does anyone care?
  • 0:00:00 - Cold Open
  • 0:02:37 - But First
    • Glasses Repair Travails
    • Sinking of the Bayesian
    • Movie: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
    • Fried Chicken
  • 0:49:16 - DNC
    • Convention Vibes
    • Tear Down and Belittle
    • Freedom and Patriotism
    • RNC Comparison
  • 1:27:48 - Everything Else
    • Gambling
    • Talking about Policy
    • Family Values
    • RFK Jr Out


[Ep 899] More Plaques [1:41:38]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Aug-31 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Sep-01 04:53 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, a sick and tired Ivan valiantly joins Sam to produce a show full of scintillating discussions. Beyond his illness, they discuss Ghostbusters. And since that is now 40 years old, they talk about 80 year old movies too. Plus of course all the latest Election 2024 developments. And more!
  • 0:01:59 - But First
    • Sick Ivan
    • Theater Gimmicks
    • Movie: Ghostbusters (1984)
    • Movies from 1944
  • 0:32:59 - Politics
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Harris/Walz Interview
    • Superseding Indictment
    • Arlington Incident
  • 1:08:47 - Potpourri
    • Brazil Bans X
    • Telegram CEO Arrested
    • Stranded Astronauts
    • Return to Office Dead

September 2024

[Ep 900] Episode 900! [1:40:47]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Sep-07 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Sep-08 23:50 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan celebrates the 900th episode of the podcast with a wild night in Vegas, thoughtlessly leaving Sam behind. But they manage to talk about the Chase Glitch, Election 2024, and Ghostbusters II anyway. Someone MAY have fallen asleep though.
  • 0:01:37 - But First
    • What Happens In Vegas
    • Movie: Ghostbusters II (1989)
  • 0:24:34 - Chase Glitch
    • What is it?
    • Stupidity
    • Check Kiting
    • Consequences
  • 0:50:40 - Election 2024
    • RFK Jr Ballot Removal
    • Russian Influence Ops
    • Trump Legal Cases
    • Upcoming Debate


[Ep 901] Confirmed! [2:18:11]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Sep-14 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Sep-15 07:55 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan eventually get to talking about the Harris vs Trump debate and all developments cascading from that, but first they cover difficult sleeping arrangements, the difficulties of flat tires, Donald's pet public stock, and the difficulty of knowing what is true. So packed show!
  • 0:01:02 - But First
    • Sleep Arrangements
    • Changing Tires
  • 0:24:58 - Ivan Stuff
    • DJT Shenanigans
    • Flooding the Zone
  • 1:01:06 - Sam Stuff
    • Polling Update
    • The Debate
    • Nuggets of Truth
    • Laura Loomer


[Ep 902] Really Nailing [2:01:43]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Sep-21 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Sep-23 00:39 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start off with Seinfeld, Ferris Bueller, and self driving. With the fun stuff out of the way though, it is time for exploding pagers in Lebanon, and finally the latest on Election 2024. Jump in and enjoy the show!
  • 0:02:35 - But First
    • Most Viewed Television
    • Stupid Self Driving
    • Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
  • 0:42:04 - Exploding Pagers
    • What Happened?
    • Complexity
    • Criticisms
    • Why Now?
  • 1:08:12 - Election 2024
    • Election Graphs Update
    • 2nd Assassination Attempt
    • Campaign Rhetoric
    • Senate Races


[Ep 903] Repelling the Ninjas [2:11:43]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Sep-28 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Sep-30 03:36 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan argue about polls. But also there is of course more Election 2024 talk. But before that, some on Hurricane Helene and more generally about disaster preparedness, a look back at the book "Big Data" from 2013, and a discussion on the need to actually pay people a decent wage. Oh, and some celebration of the team's YouTube success!
  • 0:01:50 - But First
    • YouTube Success
    • Paying People
    • Book: Big Data (2013)
  • 0:55:18 - Hurricane Helene
    • Size of Storm
    • Building Standards
    • Preparedness
    • Power Outages
  • 1:22:58 - Election 2024
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Sanewashing
    • Trump Watch
    • Other Notes

October 2024

[Ep 904] Carrier Pigeons [2:02:58]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Oct-05 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Oct-06 23:44 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan start out by chatting more about Hurricane Helene and then some discussion of AI assisted coding. After that they settle in to the "big" topics for the week, namely the escalations in the Middle East, and all the latest updates on Election 2024.
  • 0:01:27 - But First
    • Inland Helene Impact
    • AI Coding and Scripting
  • 0:45:17 - Middle East
    • Escalations
    • Dead Peace Talks
    • The Ottomans
    • Keeping the Lid On
  • 1:14:27 - Election 2024
    • The Purge
    • Election Graphs Polling Update
    • Special Counsel Filing
    • Persuasion vs Turnout


[Ep 905] Great Plan [2:02:17]
Recorded: Fri, 2024-Oct-11 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Oct-13 04:14 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam's big topics are Hurricane Milton, and of course Election 2024. Because what else would they talk about? Oh yeah, finding lost things, Columbus Day, and auroras are back, but aren't they old news now? Fun show, there you go.
  • 0:00:00 - Cold Open
  • 0:03:41 - But First
    • Microphone Found
    • Vacation Time
    • Aurora Borealis
  • 0:18:20 - Hurricane Milton
    • Forecast Quality
    • Tampa Near Miss
    • Historical Trends
    • Damage Summary
  • 0:56:16 - Election 2024
    • Election Graphs Update
    • Polls Missing Voters?
    • Double Standards
    • Trumpy Generations


[Ep 906] Thumb on the Thing [1:54:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Oct-19 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Oct-21 11:44 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan is a last minute scratch, so Sam does a solo show. And well, that means it is almost 100% election stuff this time around. But come on, there are just barely more than two weeks left. What do you expect anyway? Well, he does talk a little bit about taking time off from work... to do election stuff. Uh. So fine. All election. All the time.
  • 0:00:27 - But First
    • No Ivan
    • Taking Time
    • Relaxing Stuff
    • Smaller Stories
  • 0:23:36 - Election Graphs Update
    • Reading Noise
    • Red Wave Pollsters
    • Poll Error Direction
    • Win Odds
  • 0:58:50 - More Election 2024
    • Trump Racism
    • 3P Spoilers
    • Harris Targeting
    • Trump Decline


[Ep 907] Maxadon [1:24:41]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Oct-26 UTC
Published: Sun, 2024-Oct-27 16:05 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, it is less than two weeks before the US presidential election, so what do you think Ivan and Sam are going to be talking about? If you said diverticulitis and season one of Law & Order, then you guessed correctly. Congratulations! Well, ok, yeah, and that other thing too.
  • 0:01:22 - But First
    • Diverticulitis
    • TV: Law & Order Season 1 (1990-1991)
  • 0:20:54 - Election Graphs Update
    • Static Race for Months
    • Too Close to Call, Slight Trump Advantage
    • Impact of Junk Pollsters
    • Reasons for Harris Optimism
  • 0:58:58 - More Election 2024
    • Reaction to Trump Stories
    • October Surprise?
    • World News

November 2024

[Ep 908] Top Tip [1:34:03]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Nov-02 UTC
Published: Sat, 2024-Nov-02 23:35 UTC
This is the last Curmudgeon's Corner before we start seeing results for Election 2024. Sam and Ivan will be doing a live stream on election night as the votes come in. Listen to the episode for more details. In the mean time, they go over the polling situation one more time and discuss recent campaign developments. Plus some discussion of the worldwide propaganda environment, and Alex builds a train!
  • 0:01:09 - But First
    • Election Omnipresence
    • Avoiding Election News
    • Propaganda Wars
    • Alex's Train
  • 0:40:38 - Election Graphs Update
    • Election Night Live Stream
    • Pollsters Overcompensating?
    • Women and Under 30 Voters
    • Patriarchal Conservatives
    • Impact from MSG Rally
  • 1:10:11 - More Election 2024
    • Still Too Close To Call
    • House and Senate
    • MSG Rally Lowlights
    • Other Developments


[Ep 909] Election 2024 Special [3:56:33]
Recorded: Wed, 2024-Nov-06 UTC
Published: Sat, 2024-Nov-09 03:35 UTC
So Sam and Ivan hosted a special Curmudgeon's Corner reacting to the Election 2024 returns live as they came in. If you tuned in on election night, thank you. If you are listening later, be glad that all the umms, ahhhs, and silences have been removed, reducing the show from over six hours to under four. But you can still relive all the ups and downs of this historic evening. If you really want to.
  • 0:00:00 - Intro
  • 0:03:38 - Live Stream Replay


[Ep 910] Roll Over [1:49:47]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Nov-16 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Nov-18 02:56 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do a bit more digesting of the election results. First off, more on what actually happened leading to Trump's win, how the polls did, and how this fits into worldwide trends. Then a look forward to the transition and the impending start of four rocky years of Trump 2, The Revenge.
  • 0:00:33 - The Past
    • Election Reactions
    • Information Bubbles
    • Democratic Turnout
    • Harris Tonal Shift
    • Democratic Messaging
    • Lack of Civics Knowledge
    • Worldwide Election Trends
    • Polling Accuracy
  • 0:03:38 - Live Stream Replay
    • Limited Options
    • Surprised Trump Voters
    • Exhaustion
    • Trump Staffing


[Ep 911] Mow the Hair [1:49:51]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Nov-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Nov-25 04:01 UTC
On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan think about how many non-news things they would probably rather talk about, but after some discussion of ear hygiene, rescheduling travel due to illnesses, and the story of a car spider, they do end up talking about how the business world is reacting to Trump and a few other topical things. Enjoy!
  • 0:01:05 - But First
    • Ear Care
    • Sick People
    • Rescheduled Travel
    • Spider Story
  • 0:32:32 - Ivan Stuff
    • Business Reacts to Trump
    • Bribery Opportunities
    • Transactional Dealing
    • Elon Musk Involvement
  • 1:04:13 - Sam Stuff
    • Disconnecting from News
    • Talking to Trump Folk
    • Non-News Topics
    • Job Hunting


[Ep 912] The Effort [1:50:17]
Recorded: Sat, 2024-Nov-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2024-Dec-02 07:39 UTC
This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan has an excused absence, so Sam goes solo. We've got a riff on a bad experience trying to replace some faulty equipment, discussion of holiday gift giving patterns, and then a hodgepodge of semi-topical things to round things out. Woo Woo!
  • 0:00:31 - Part One
    • No Ivan This Week
    • Microphone Issue
    • Used Products as New
    • No Returns for Sam
    • Holiday Gift Patterns
  • 0:43:07 - Part Two
    • Election Conspiracy Theories
    • Blue Sky and Other Social Media
    • Trump Legal Cases Wind Down
    • Trump Policies and Cabinet
    • Harris Campaign Interview

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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