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2022

January 2021

[Ep 709] Attack on the Capitol [1:34:28]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Jan-08 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Jan-10 12:59 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan throw the previous plan out the window, and spend the entire show talking about the January 6th attack on the Capitol and all the ramifications of that attack. There really was no other possible topic this week. They'll circle back around and do the review of their 2020 predictions some other time.

  • (0:00:22-1:34:07) Attack on the Capitol
    • 2020 Review delayed
    • Could have been worse
    • Security / Use of force / Arrests
    • Administration responsibility?
    • Counting the Electoral Votes
    • MAGAworld Reaction
    • What about the Inauguration?
    • Fleeing rats
    • 25th Amendment?
    • 2nd Impeachment?
    • Resignation?
    • Emotional impact
    • Not out of danger
    • Consequences


[Ep 710] Fully Half [1:48:39]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jan-16 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jan-18 14:17 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan continue blowing off the 2020 review in favor of discussing breaking news events. Trump is kicked off social media. The second impeachment. More on the insurrection at the Capitol. Security precautions for the upcoming inauguration. It has been another busy week. Maybe things will slow down once Biden is President? We'll find out soon enough. In the mean time, another busy show.

  • (0:00:22-0:37:47) First Part
    • Ivan's glasses
    • Still no 2020 review
    • Trump kicked off social media
    • Trump job approval
    • Ivan's car auction
    • Tech regulation
  • (0:39:30-1:47:10) Second Part
    • Capitol attack worse than it seemed
    • Was there a plan?
    • Profiles of the rioters
    • Republicans divided
    • Second impeachment
    • Trump's missed opportunities
    • Inauguration plans
    • The future


[Ep 711] Goodbye and Hello [2:05:18]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jan-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jan-25 12:37 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan mark the Presidential transition with one segment wrapping up the end of Trump's presidency, and another on the beginnings of the Biden administration. Before that though, they share a few thoughts on YouTube, corporate annual review processes, family members getting the Covid vaccines, and even the MegaMillions hitting a billion dollars. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:00:01-0:06:54) Cold Open
  • (0:07:17-0:36:36) But First
    • Annual reviews
    • Still no 2020 review
    • Vaccination updates
    • MegaBillions
  • (0:37:26-1:20:06) Goodbye Trump
    • Last pardons
    • Invisible Trump
    • Desperate Trump
    • Diminished Trump
    • Impeachment
  • (1:21:16-2:04:58) Hello Biden
    • Covid memorial
    • Inauguration
    • First Biden actions
    • Competence and honesty
    • Boring Biden


[Ep 712] Such A Relief [2:21:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jan-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Feb-01 18:50 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan finally get to reviewing their 2020 predictions. Because of the multi-week delay, they don't spend the whole show on it and don't review every prediction, but they get to the important bits. Then they get to the actual news of the current week, with segments on the GameStop nonsense, the pandemic, and goings on in Congress. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:22-0:39:56) 2020 Predictions Review
  • (0:41:17-1:23:13) GameStop Nonsense
  • (1:23:50-1:50:22) Pandemic
  • (1:51:07-2:21:00) Congress

February 2021

[Ep 713] Whoop-De-Doo [1:58:46]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Feb-05 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Feb-08 16:37 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, now that the news is slowing down a bit, and things are not quite as crazy... for now anyway... Sam and Ivan do something they haven't done in a long time... an all lightning round show! Of course, being who they are, the lightning isn't all that fast. But they cover a wide range of topics, from an update on how remote schooling is going, to a movie review, to the politics of the Republican caucus, the second impeachment, and the stimulus package, to protests in Russia. All in all, a nice full show. With a few appearances from Sam's son Alex as well. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:37-1:25:29) Round 1
    • Ivan: Update on how remote school is going
    • Sam: Movie: Blair Witch (2016)
    • Ivan: Cheney/Greene votes
    • Sam: Impeachment Stuff
  • (1:26:14-1:58:15) Round 2
    • Ivan: Stimulus and Such
    • Sam: Russian Protests


[Ep 714] Panda Mice [2:05:28]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Feb-12 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Feb-14 17:55 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan of course talk about the impeachment trial. This was recorded before it was over though, so "Sam from the Future" breaks in a few times with updates. Cause that is how it goes when there are breaking news events and you don't publish instantly after recording. The discussion is still highly relevant though! Aside from that, they discuss hybrid cars, the cryptocurrency bubble, the cat lawyer thing, Lou Dobbs, and of course the pandemic. Lots of good stuff! Tune in!

  • (0:03:28-0:59:40) Hybrids, Crypto Bubbles, Cats, and Dobbs
  • (1:01:41-1:53:43) Impeachment
  • (1:54:23-2:05:08) Pandemic


[Ep 715] Some Kind of Bird [2:03:02]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Feb-20 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Feb-22 10:14 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan once again do it lightning round style. Eight topics, averaging about 15 minutes each. This week we have the calming of the news cycle, the pandemic, impeachment, the crisis in Texas, Sam watching Back to the Future, the death of Rush Limbaugh, the Mars rover landing, and Ted Cruz. Plus some special contributions from Sam's son Alex. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:34-1:18:23) Round 1
    • Sam: The Calm
    • Ivan: Pandemic
    • Sam: Impeachment
    • Ivan: Texas
  • (1:21:38-1:58:53) Round 2
    • Sam: Movie: Back to the Future (1985)
    • Ivan: Rush Limbaugh
    • Sam: Mars Rover
    • Ivan: Ted Cruz


[Ep 716] Double Hosts, But Not Double Coes [2:37:02]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Feb-27 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Feb-28 06:51 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan ditches Sam, so Sam's 11 year old son Alex cohosts! Well, sorta. First Sam does a solo show, talking about the Democrats and how they are dealing with the Covid bill and other priorities, then the Republicans and how they are continuing to prove themselves to be solidly the party of Trump. But after that, Sam turns the show over to Alex, and so the rest of the show is Alex discussing his YouTube channel, answering a few questions from his Dad, and wrapping up with describing some of the things he has been doing in Minecraft and Terraria lately. If you're not into that kind of thing, you can of course skip the last part. But Alex would appreciate it if you didn't! :-)

  • (0:00:27-0:30:14) Sam A: Democrats
  • (0:32:15-1:06:50) Sam B: Republicans
  • (1:07:36-1:47:51) Alex A: YouTube
  • (1:49:08-2:11:48) Alex B: Interview
  • (2:13:11-2:36:42) Alex C: Video Games

March 2021

[Ep 717] Punt This Down The Wall [2:06:35]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Mar-05 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Mar-07 22:09 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do the six smaller topics thing again, although one of the topics is a multi-topic bundle, so you could perhaps say there were actually eight. In any case, they do talk a little bit about "serious" stuff like the Cuomo sexual harassment charges, Texas and other places lifting pandemic restrictions, and a little on Biden's Saudi Arabia and Syria actions. But they also spend time on lighter subjects like Sam getting a new phone, a movie that means a lot to Ivan, SpaceX explosions, reactions to weather changes, and even Daft Punk. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:02:02-0:42:16) Round 1
    • Ivan: Sam's phone
    • Sam: Sam Movie: Wall Street (1987)
  • (0:43:37-1:29:40) Round 2
    • Ivan: Cuomo sexual harassment
    • Sam: Loosening Covid restrictions
  • (1:30:49-2:06:15) Round 3
    • Ivan: Tidbits
    • Sam: Biden Saudi Arabia and Syria actions


[Ep 718] Garbage On My Mind [2:19:26]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Mar-12 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Mar-15 16:05 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the Biden stimulus bill that was just signed and the political implications of the bill. They also discuss the possible Manchin opening to reforming the filibuster rather than eliminating it, and what that might mean to Democratic policy options. And they discuss the one year anniversary of the WHO declaring a pandemic. But in addition to all the serious stuff, they also discuss dogs, cars, movies, and cartoons. So you've got all that too!

  • (0:05:32-0:30:56) Part the First
    • Ivan: Dogs and Cars
    • Sam: Sam Movie: To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
  • (0:31:46-1:31:55) Part the Second
    • Ivan: Stimulus
    • Sam: Filibuster
  • (1:33:57-2:19:05) Part the Third
    • Ivan: Canceling Cartoons
    • Sam: One Year of Pandemic


[Ep 719] Cooking Cookies [1:36:40]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Mar-19 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Mar-21 23:19 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan have two "heavy" topics: The Atlanta massage parlor killings, and worldwide covid trends heading upward again. But on the lighter side, Sam reviews a book, and the curmudgeons discuss the dynamics of video conferences versus audio conferences. Plus a couple of bonus mini-segments on Daylight Saving Time and Sam's email. All the usual sorts of fun things! But shorter this time! No cookies were harmed in the making of this podcast.

  • (0:01:12-0:38:47) Segment 1
    • Ivan: Atlanta Killings
    • Sam: Sam Book: Earth Awakens (2014)
  • (0:40:48-1:36:19) Segment 2
    • Ivan: Video Conferences vs Audio Conferences
    • Sam: Covid deaths increasing again


[Ep 720] Falling Debris [1:56:39]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Mar-26 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Mar-29 04:26 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's more serious topics are the Georgia voter law, chaos in Miami Beach, the most recent "border crisis", and the Suez Canal blockage. But before all that, an extended discussion about destroying the moon, and the results of Ivan's personality tests. So all kinds of fun stuff. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:52-0:32:21) Segment 1:
    • Sam: Destroying the Moon
    • Ivan: Personality Tests
  • (0:34:05-1:06:16) Segment 2:
    • Sam: Georgia Voter Law
    • Ivan: Miami Beach
  • (1:06:58-1:56:18) Segment 3:
    • Sam: Border Crisis
    • Ivan: Suez Canal Blockage

April 2021

[Ep 721] Crossover [2:02:51]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Apr-02 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Apr-04 21:39 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the pandemic and Matt Gaetz. Because of course they do. But also an initial discussion on how lame April Fool's Day is goes far afield into a discussion of 1970s calculators. And feedback on the Atlanta killer's religious beliefs leads to a wider ranging discussion of proscriptive and toxic cultures that feed into questions of privilege. They also talk a bit about a couple things they do not talk about. Whatever that means. And Alex promotes the Curmudgeon's Corner crossover episode on his ALeXMXeLA.com YouTube channel. There are bloopers at the end too! You can enjoy all of this... as long as you can get past the first 90 seconds or so of chicken noises. Yeah. Sorry bout that.

  • (0:01:56-0:48:36) Segment 1:
    • Ivan: April Fools Week
    • Sam: Atlanta killer and religion
  • (0:49:26-1:52:33) Segment 2:
    • Ivan: Pandemic
    • Sam: Matt Gaetz


[Ep 722] Hither, Thither, and Yon [1:45:41]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Apr-10 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Apr-11 07:34 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's serious topics are recurring favorites... the pandemic and voter suppression laws. But of course they start out with some lighter topics... This time a discussion of things they had to read in high school many years ago, and how Sam's old iPhone came back from the dead. Oh, and Ivan starts out by unleashing a torrent of profanities on Sam's son Alex to chase him away. So fun for everyone!

  • (0:04:16-0:38:39) Segment 1:
    • Ivan: High School Reading Assignments
    • Sam: Sam's Old Phone
  • (0:49:26-1:52:33) Segment 2:
    • Ivan: Pandemic
    • Sam: Voter Suppression Again


[Ep 723] Pedal to the Metal [1:57:55]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Apr-17 UTC
Published: Sun, 2021-Apr-18 23:43 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about Police Violence and Infrastructure. And of course the pandemic. Can't forget the pandemic. It is not over yet. Really. So they talk about it again. Oh, and Sam talks about a book he read. And as usual, they go on a few tangents along the way. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:23-1:02:57) Segment 1:
    • Sam: Sam Book with Alex: The Return of the King (1955)
    • Ivan: Pandemic Stuff
  • (1:04:07-1:57:34) Segment 2:
    • Sam: Police Violence
    • Ivan: Infrastructure Week


[Ep 724] Very Cool [1:38:47]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Apr-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Apr-26 03:04 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan go a little light and fluffy, mostly avoiding the serious topics, instead talking about the helicopter on mars, some other space stuff, a bit on internet scams and the effectiveness of paper junk mail, and even some talk about the new Apple stuff that was announced a few days ago. Oh. And the pandemic. They did talk about the pandemic. Less light and fluffy. Couldn't avoid it. But still a less news heavy show than usual. Also important, this week's episode was sponsored! By ALeXMXeLA.com! Yeah. So there ya go.

  • (0:00:38-0:55:03) Segment 1:
    • Sam: Mars Helicopter and Other Space Stuff
    • Ivan: Internet Scams and Physical Mail
  • (0:58:13-1:27:40) Segment 2:
    • Sam: New Apple Stuff
    • Ivan: Pandemic


[Ep 725] Greedy Horny Idiots [1:52:24]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Apr-30 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-May-03 16:17 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about the fake State of the Union, Rudy Giuliani's legal troubles, the Pandemic, and the Census. So all the usual sort of newsy things this week. Ivan also notes the passing of an old friend. And that's a show. Stay after the outro for some extra behind the scenes chaos. Anyway, enjoy!

  • (0:00:34-0:51:49) Seg 1
    • Ivan: In Memoriam
    • Ivan: Fake SOTU
    • Sam: Rudy!
  • (0:52:56-1:47:52) Seg 2
    • Ivan: Pandemic
    • Sam: Census

May 2021

[Ep 726] Kissing the Ring [1:59:47]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-May-08 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-May-10 12:14 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan spend the most time on the pandemic, cause well, it is still here. They talk about the international curves, how there are both people trying to get back to normal too quickly, and people trying to do it too slowly, and about how so much depends on getting enough people vaccinated. But aside from all that, they also talk about fun stuff, like Trump cultists, divorce, and alternative marriages. And Sam talks about a movie most everybody has seen, but perhaps you didn't know all the other places you've seen one of the main sets from that movie. So the usual sort of mix. Great stuff!

  • (0:00:22-0:28:56) Ivan: Trump Cult
  • (0:29:57-1:19:00) Sam: Pandemic
  • (1:21:01-1:39:40) Ivan: Divorce, Marriage, Alternate Arrangements
  • (1:39:59-1:59:27) Sam: Movie - Back to the Future Part II (1989)


[Ep 727] Some of this Stuff [1:55:22]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-May-15 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-May-17 16:07 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, the return of "But First"! That is, before they talk about their main topics, Sam and Ivan just ramble for a bit about a few random things. I guess you could say the whole show is like that, but this is "But First!" so this is different! But then they settle down for the more substantive things. This week that is the pandemic, the pipeline thing, the Israel/Palestine situation, and the economy. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:00:22-0:13:23) The Return of But First
  • (0:14:00-0:38:38) Sam: Pandemic
  • (0:39:39-0:58:11) Ivan: Pipeline thing
  • (0:59:18-1:16:03) Sam: Israel/Palestine
  • (1:17:46-1:55:01) Ivan: Economy


[Ep 728] Confounding Factors [2:39:01]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-May-22 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-May-24 13:39 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the pandemic, the back and forth surrounding having a January 6th commission, the Israel/Palestine situation, and the crypto crash. Somewhere along the way they talk about masks and a couple of movies too. Enjoy the show!

  • (0:01:49-0:30:41) But First
  • (0:31:19-1:01:29) Ivan: Pandemic
  • (1:03:13-1:24:33) Sam: 1/6 commission stuff
  • (1:25:28-2:01:59) Ivan: Israel/Palestine
  • (2:02:56-2:37:04) Sam: Crypto Crash


[Ep 729] Large Piece of Meat [1:52:48]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-May-29 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-May-31 10:10 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about the continuing negotiations on an infrastructure spending plan, the Ryanair incident with Belarus, and of course the pandemic. But first a little about Sam being tired, and Ivan having an expensive parking experience. So lots of fun. Take a listen!

  • (0:00:23-0:24:23) But First
  • (0:25:01-0:43:09) Infrastructure week
  • (0:43:51-1:28:31) Pandemic
  • (1:29:34-1:52:27) Ryanair incident

June 2021

[Ep 730] Expanding Significantly [2:11:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jun-05 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jun-07 14:59 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan let the "but first" part of the show take over. They discuss some corrections and feedback, a marathon charity livestream Ivan was watching, morning routines, medications, surprising computer problems, and image hoarding. And then to round it out they do get to some Trump stuff, some thoughts on Election 2022, and of course the pandemic. So come on in!

  • (0:00:23-0:57:01) But First
  • (0:57:38-1:37:40) Politics
  • (1:38:26-2:11:02) Pandemic


[Ep 731] Really Basic Thing [1:41:02]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jun-12 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jun-14 06:12 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Ed joins Sam for some discussion of the whole thing with the Trump DoJ getting subpoenas of phone activity for some House Democrats and journalists, as well as the reactions to those revelations. Ed also provides some of his medical insight on the pandemic, as well as that new drug that was recently approved for Alzheimer's. Before that though, they talk a bit about movies and TV. Because of course they did.

  • (0:00:22-0:19:19) But First
  • (0:19:57-0:56:05) Trump DoJ
  • (0:57:06-1:40:30) Pandemic


[Ep 732] False Idols of Perfection [1:48:44]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jun-19 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jun-21 06:38 UTC

This week Sam and Ivan go into lightning round mode, with eight smaller topics rather than just two or three big ones. Everything from Biden's international meetings, to SCOTUS, to Ivan's broken phone, to Sam witnessing an egg theft. And lots of other stuff in between. What kind of stuff? You'll need to tune in and find out! Uh, or look at the full breakdown in the show details. Anyway, enjoy the show!

  • (0:00:51-0:24:08) But First
    • (Ivan) Cracked Phone
    • (Sam) Robin's Egg
  • (0:24:46-0:55:06) One
    • (Ivan) Bibi Gone
    • (Sam) History as Religion
  • (0:55:52-1:48:22) Two
    • (Ivan) Tokyo Olympics
    • (Sam) G7 and Putin
    • (Ivan) SCOTUS
    • (Sam) Billionaire Taxes


[Ep 733] So Obtuse [2:03:23]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Jun-25 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jun-28 05:00 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the Champlain Towers collapse, developments with the voting rights bills in congress, the potential infrastructure deal, some SCOTUS stuff, and even freeing Britney. Before all that, they also talk about a mouse, and Van Gogh exhibits. Once again a full, jam packed show!

  • (0:01:07-0:23:45) But First
    • Agenda
    • The mouse
    • Van Gogh exhibits
  • (0:24:52-0:50:49) Champlain Towers
  • (0:51:07-1:24:57) Legislative Process
    • Voting rights bills
    • Infrastructure week
  • (1:25:58-2:03:02) Legal Stuff
    • SCOTUS
    • Free Britney
    • The stuff at the end

July 2021

[Ep 734] Lost Their Marbles [2:29:45]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jul-03 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jul-05 11:38 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon’s Corner Sam and Ivan once again cover a huge variety of topics. Of course they cover the Trump Org indictment, Bill Cosby, and more about the building collapse in Florida. But they also talk about corporate documentation culture, the west coast heat wave, a delivery snafu, and even present Sam’s son Alex with a present. Come for the plethora of topics, stay for the miasma!

  • (0:00:01-0:01:43) Cold Open
  • (0:02:06-0:38:07) But First
    • Agenda
    • Alex present
    • Corporate documentation
  • (0:38:53-1:35:31) Lightning 1
    • Trump Org indictment
    • Building collapse update
  • (1:37:15-2:28:19) Lightning 2
    • Delivery snafu
    • Bill Cosby
    • Heat dome
    • Stuff at the end
  • (2:28:38-2:29:43) End Note


[Ep 735] Also Sticky [2:13:24]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Jul-09 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jul-12 16:09 UTC

On This week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's main topics are the pandemic, a brief dip into Afghanistan and Haiti, and a check in on a few politics issues. But first, they have a wide ranging segment on everything from how Facebook moderates groups, to electric car charging infrastructure, to Disney eliminating covid restrictions, to Twitter avatars, to EPIRBs. And more!

  • (0:00:01-0:03:02) Cold Open
  • (0:03:26-0:39:23) But First
    • 217 is not interesting
    • Agenda
    • Sam's new avatar
    • Ivan does TikTok
    • Facebook group moderation
    • Disney COVID precautions
    • Electric car charging
    • Almost running out of gas
    • EPIRBs
  • (0:40:01-1:07:08) Pandemic
    • Current numbers
    • Vaccinations work
    • Booster shots and variants
    • Worldwide trends
  • (1:10:28-1:34:26) International
    • Afghanistan
    • Haiti
  • (1:35:16-2:13:03) Politics
    • Trump lawsuit
    • Trump indictments
    • NYC ranked choice voting
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 736] Low Midnight [1:52:11]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Jul-16 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jul-19 07:57 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss the surge of Trump stories this week from the various new books coming out, and the Guardian reporting on leaked Kremlin documents. Then they discuss billionaires in space. Which of them are doing what and why? But before that, Ivan is involved in a rescue, and Sam talks about a book.

  • (0:00:01-0:03:45) Cold Open
  • (0:04:10-0:38:56) But First
    • Flashing beeping agenda
    • Manu for Inclusion 5k
    • Ivan finds a cop
    • Sam Book with Alex: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
  • (0:39:42-1:12:05) Trump Stuff
    • Kremlin docs
    • Anti-coup precautions
    • Reaction to 6-Jan
    • Attention
  • (1:13:26-1:51:50) Space billionaires
    • Flight costs
    • Comparisons
    • What's the plan?
    • What's really new?
    • Risks
    • End stuff


[Ep 737] The Problem We've Got [1:53:58]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Jul-23 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Jul-26 04:12 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's corner the main topic, as it so often has been over the last year and a half, is the pandemic. Current trends, how to encourage more vaccination, all that sort of thing. But there are a lot of smaller topics too. Everything from nick names to infrastructure week (again) to how some MAGA folks think they will get Trump back well before Election 2024 to various other things in between. Have fun!

  • (0:00:01-0:01:46) Cold Open
  • (0:02:09-0:36:08) But First
    • Names
    • Agenda
    • Rich people
    • Campaign signs
  • (0:37:55-1:08:57) Pandemic
    • Worldwide stats
    • The unvaccinated
    • Vaccine mandates
    • Combating hesitancy
    • US numbers
  • (1:09:42-1:53:36) Lighting
    • Ivan: Cuba
    • Sam: Barrack indictment
    • Ivan: Infrastructure week
    • Sam: Reinstating Trump?


[Ep 738] All The Time In The World [2:58:55]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Jul-31 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Aug-02 08:37 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, two shows in one! Sort of! First off, since Ivan couldn't make it, Sam essentially does a full length solo show. He discusses Covid stuff, Trump stuff, and Congress stuff. All the usual sort of news stuff. But then, since when he found out there was an opening, Sam's son Alex immediately volunteered, there is also a second half of the show, where Sam and Alex discuss, what else, Alex's YouTube channel, video games, and "Why Daddy is stupid." So yeah. Stay tuned after the first few segments for the bonus Alex segments!

  • (0:00:01-0:01:52) Cold Open
  • (0:02:15-0:05:45) Agenda
  • (0:06:17-0:35:34) Sam: Covid Stuff
  • (0:38:09-1:03:17) Sam: Trump Stuff
  • (1:03:54-1:41:55) Sam: Congress Stuff
  • (1:43:02-2:10:04) Alex: ALeXMXeLA
  • (2:11:48-2:36:28) Alex: Video Games
  • (2:38:29-2:58:34) Alex: Why Daddy Is Stupid

August 2021

[Ep 739] Linguistic Revelations [1:47:33]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Aug-06 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Aug-09 06:24 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's main topics are the pandemic and Andrew Cuomo. But they also talk about Brandy's run, old wine, and the possibility of drinking emoluments. A nice little show. Tune in!

  • (0:00:23-0:36:28) But First
    • Agenda
    • Brandy's run
    • Old wine
    • Drinking emoluments
  • (0:37:29-1:22:49) Pandemic
    • Current stats
    • Anti-vaxxer reversals
    • DeSantis
    • Rules against mask rules
    • Permanent changes
    • The under 12s
  • (1:24:51-1:46:18) Andrew Cuomo
    • The situation
    • Republican comparison
    • Due process
    • Brother Chris
    • The end stuff


[Ep 740] Buy A Farm [1:55:12]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Aug-14 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Aug-16 13:42 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the Pandemic, Afghanistan, Infrastructure, Voter Rights Legislation, and the Census/Redistricting for their serious topics. On the lighter side, they engage in some chatter about school drop offs and a movie. This was recorded before the fall of Kabul though, so you'll have to wait until next week for any discussion specifically on that.

  • (0:00:01-0:02:27) Sam from the Future
  • (0:02:51-0:31:12) But First
    • Agenda
    • Ivan: School Drop Offs
    • Sam: Movie: High Noon (1952)
  • (0:32:19-1:08:27) Segment One
    • Pandemic
    • Afghanistan
  • (1:10:13-1:54:51) Segment Two
    • Infrastructure
    • Voter rights bills
    • Census/Redistricting
    • Listener Question
    • Stuff at the End


[Ep 741] Secret Formula [1:54:18]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Aug-21 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Aug-23 12:25 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan and Sam's main topics are Afghanistan and the Pandemic. Would you expect anything else? But Ivan also talks about his car, Sam talks about a book, and, oh yeah, Ivan talks about prepping for a medical procedure and being sick with a virus that is not Covid! Enjoy the show!

  • (0:00:22-0:27:46) But First
    • Agenda
    • Ivan: Colonoscopy prep!
    • Ivan: Car update
    • Sam: Book: Call of the Wild (1903)
  • (0:28:46-1:03:03) Afghanistan
    • Collapse
    • Evacuations
    • Taliban 2.0?
    • Resistance to refugees
    • Kobayashi Maru
  • (1:05:04-1:53:55) Pandemic
    • Stats
    • Florida
    • Hospitals
    • Schools
    • Mandates
    • Closing


[Ep 742] Big Purple Guy [1:49:31]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Aug-27 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Aug-30 14:22 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan once again concentrate on Afghanistan and the pandemic. On Afghanistan, everything from the aftermath of the bombing at the airport, to the political implications for Joe Biden. On pandemic, a bit on horse dewormers, ventilation, and mask quality. But first, Sam reviews a book, and Ivan shares some news.

  • (0:00:01-0:03:39) Cold Open
  • (0:04:02-0:39:32) But First
    • Agenda
    • Ivan news
    • Sam Book: Grimus (1975)
  • (0:40:33-1:08:00) Afghanistan
    • Bombing aftermath
    • Biden's performance
    • Political implications
    • Could it have been done better?
  • (1:08:46-1:49:10) Pandemic
    • Statistics and trends
    • Horse dewormers
    • Ventilation
    • Mask quality
    • Stuff at the end

September 2021

[Ep 743] Said By Hand [1:37:16]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Sep-04 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Sep-06 19:05 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam goes solo. Mostly. He discusses the big Texas abortion case at SCOTUS and the implications thereof. He discusses the pandemic, especially the latest on masks. Round it out with a bit on Afghanistan, a little on Hurricane Ida, a bit on a movie, and just a smidge about CPAPs, and you have a show!

  • (0:00:22-0:13:51) Segment the First
    • Agenda
    • CPAP recall
    • Sam Movie: Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
  • (0:15:50-0:45:01) Segment the Second
    • Canine cohost?
    • SCOTUS and Texas
    • Democrats vs Republicans using power
    • Doom and gloom or backlash coming?
  • (0:46:06-1:03:40) Segment the Third
    • Mask quality
    • New mask effectiveness study
    • Tragedy of the commons
  • (1:04:41-1:36:55) Segment the Fourth
    • Vaccine population effects
    • More on masks
    • Afghanistan
    • Hurricane Ida
    • Proactive vs reactive
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 744] Real Paper Letter [2:16:34]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Sep-10 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Sep-13 16:46 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do talk about the pandemic. You still can't really avoid it. But the rest of the show is more random. Everything from Ivan's neighbors having a fire, to Roombas, to Sam cutting his finger, to Gremlins, to a printer toner scam. Oh yeah, and there is a new website for the podcast. Yay!

  • (0:00:23-0:46:50) But First
    • Ivan: Fire
    • Ivan: Job Searching
    • Sam: Website migration
    • Sam: New CC website
  • (0:48:15-1:25:07) Pandemic
    • Stats
    • Worldwide vaccinations
    • Partisan divide on Covid outcomes
    • New Biden plan
    • School plan for Alex
  • (1:26:14-2:16:13) Lightning Round
    • Ivan: Roomba enhancements
    • Alex: Sam's fan finger
    • Ivan: Printer toner scam
    • Sam Movie: Gremlins (1984)
    • The stuff at the end


[Ep 745] Slow Walk It [2:12:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Sep-18 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Sep-20 15:10 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about all kinds of things. From Facebook to General Milley, from Apple to Afghanistan. From Trump continuing to be a sore loser, to fun with unauthorized computer network access. And of course the pandemic. And a TV show.

  • (0:00:22-0:33:51) But First
    • Agenda
    • Ivan: Unauthorized network access
    • Sam TV: Broadchurch (2013-2017)
  • (0:34:18-1:13:52) Pandemic
    • Trends
    • Boosters
    • Hospitals and schools
    • Regional differences
    • Changing guidance
    • Politics
  • (1:14:33-2:12:02) Four Pack
    • Ivan: Facebook interactions
    • Sam: General Milley and Trump
    • Ivan: Apple stuff
    • Sam: Collateral damage
    • Sam: Trump on Georgia
    • The stuff at the end


[Ep 746] Demolished the Roof [1:06:35]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Sep-25 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Sep-27 11:06 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam is joined by his 12 year old son Alex for the entire show. But for the first time, rather than talking exclusively about video games, his YouTube channel, and things like that as he has done before, he actually joins his dad in discussing a couple of movies and how the pandemic impacts him. He then pretends to fall asleep during a segment on the January 6th memo released this week, and the results of that pseudo-audit in Arizona. Oh, and Sam discusses a little incident relating to the original opening segment of this week's show, and how a little burst of static keeps us from breaking a really long streak.

  • (0:00:01-0:06:30) Explanation
  • (0:06:53-0:09:54) Alex's Mini Show
  • (0:10:19-0:23:47) Movies
    • Corpse Bride (2005)
    • Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)
  • (0:24:32-0:45:58) Pandemic
    • Trends
    • Alex vaccination
    • Alex and school
  • (0:47:51-1:06:14) Politics Stuff
    • January 6th memo
    • Arizona pseudo-audit
    • Alex style end stuff

October 2021

[Ep 747] Paste Paste Confirm [1:39:46]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Oct-02 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Oct-04 12:31 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss some recent Apple software updates, Ivan rants about people who say they take climate change seriously, but still don't make personal choices that align with that, they discuss all the latest pandemic trends (spoilers, things are getting better at the moment!), and finally they discuss all the latest congressional goings on with government shutdowns, debt limits, and the two big trillion plus dollar bills. Enjoy!

  • (0:00:23-0:43:32) But First
    • Agenda
    • Sam: Apple software updates
    • Ivan Climate hypocrites
  • (0:44:18-1:14:57) Pandemic
    • Stats
    • Acute locations
    • New developments
    • Mandates
  • (1:16:41-1:39:26) Congress
    • Government shutdown averted
    • Debt limit still pending
    • Infrastructure week again
    • End stuff


[Ep 748] Second Tongue [1:54:54]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Oct-08 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Oct-11 15:08 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about Europe a bit. Specifically mostly about European energy concerns. And they talk about Facebook. The outage. The leak. The perils of optimizing for engagement. And the possibilities of government regulation. But first the usual random stuff and some pre-show hijinks. Have fun!

  • (0:00:01-0:06:48) Pre-show Hijinks
  • (0:07:10-0:37:54) But First
    • Agenda
    • Ivan: Job update
    • Ivan: Tax stuff
    • Sam: Whose podcast?
    • Sam: Movie: Apollo 11 (2019)
  • (0:39:48-0:57:40) European Energy
    • UK fuel crisis
    • How's Brexit working out?
    • European dependency on Russian gas
  • (0:58:07-1:54:34) Facebook
    • Mini pandemic round
    • The outage
    • The leak
    • Optimizing for engagement
    • Government regulation?
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 749] Angle Of Your Finger [1:45:51]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Oct-15 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Oct-18 15:49 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan's main topics are the supply chain problems, and various aspects of the political situation for Democrats. All kinds of meaty stuff in there, but they also talk about Captain Kirk in space, and the NFL and Netflix scandals.

  • (0:00:23-0:32:21) But First
    • Agenda
    • Sam: Captain Kirk in space
    • Ivan: NFL and Netflix scandals
  • (00:32:49-1:01:40) Supply Chain
    • Cascading ripples
    • Breaking Just-In-Time
    • Economic impacts
    • Labor shortage
    • Consumer impact
  • (1:03:41-1:45:30) Democratic Politics
    • Popularism
    • Deliverism
    • Scaring people
    • Bannon contempt
    • Not looking back
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 750] See All About It [2:00:10]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Oct-22 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Oct-25 21:17 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan are joined by Bruce who joins us to discuss his adventures in helping to build and deploy a submarine. Not the military kind, but the deep see research kind, but one you can buy tickets on! If you have the cash. Oh, and after that they discuss the pandemic and congress. But they do that all the time.

  • (0:00:22-0:39:40) Submarine
    • Agenda
    • Episode 750
    • Background
    • Apollo 13 moment
    • The dome
    • The experience
    • Tickets
  • (0:40:11-1:15:30) Pandemic
    • Trends
    • Masks
    • Vaccines vs natural immunity
    • Lockdowns and mandates
    • Individual decision?
  • (1:16:02-1:59:49) Congress
    • Alec Baldwin
    • Bannon contempt
    • Jan 6th investigations
    • Voting rights and the filibuster
    • Infrastructure negotiations
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 751] Moo Woof Fish Dog [1:43:43]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Oct-30 UTC
Published: Tue, 2021-Nov-02 05:57 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Ivan couldn't make it. So Sam does a "Serious Stuff" segment with things like discussing his wife's run for local office, the January 6th plot, and the Infrastructure negotiations. After that though, Sam's 12 year old son Alex joins in for a "Fun Stuff" segment including discussion of the history of Halloween, a project Alex is working on, and Mike the Skink. Oh, and a little bit from the car at the start, but that doesn't last.

  • (0:00:01-0:02:05) Cold Open
  • (0:02:28-0:06:55) Introduction
  • (0:07:26-0:52:05) Serious Stuff
    • Brandy's Race
    • Greg's Legal Reply
    • Jan 6 War Room
    • Infrastructure
    • Virginia
  • (0:52:37-1:43:16) Fun Stuff
    • History of Halloween
    • Alex's Car Project
    • Let's Mike

November 2021

[Ep 752] We Got This [2:04:18]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Nov-06 UTC
Published: Tue, 2021-Nov-09 00:59 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about a bunch of pandemic stuff, including some good news! For the first time since this whole thing started, less people are dying worldwide than were dying a year earlier. And they of course talk politics. Virginia. New Jersey. CRT. BIF. BBB. All the acronyms you could want, and some you probably don't! Oh, and Brandy lost, and Ivan gives some first impressions of his new job.

  • (0:00:22-0:33:49) But First
    • Brandy lost
    • Ivan's new job
  • (0:35:50-1:16:27) Pandemic
    • Trends
    • Kids 5-11
    • New pills
    • Aaron Rogers
    • OSHA vaccine mandate
    • Work from home
    • Morning school
  • (1:17:18-2:03:57) Politics
    • Virginia and New Jersey
    • Messaging on CRT
    • BIF mechanics
    • Losing leverage on BBB
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 753] Space for Rent [1:57:45]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Nov-13 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Nov-15 22:19 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan talk about the economy, including INFLATION… and commercial real estate, business travel, the labor shortage, and more. And then there is political stuff… Bannon, Trump stuff, and even Rittenhouse, because yes, that is political too. But before that, the traditional complaints about the time change, and some thoughts on the attempts companies are making to get people back into the office.

  • (0:00:22-0:29:53) But First
    • Time change
    • Offices
  • (0:30:39-1:15:52) Economy
    • Commercial real estate
    • Business travel
    • Inflation
    • Spending
    • Labor shortage
  • (1:17:54-1:57:21) Political
    • Bannon
    • Trump on Pence threats
    • Trump legal MO
    • Rittenhouse
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 754] This Must Be What The Sea Pigs Are Smelling [1:44:05]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Nov-19 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Nov-22 21:44 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan do most of the show lightning round style. The longest topics are the fluffy things at the start, including discussion of Ivan's air conditioner situation, and a continuation of last week's discussion on time changes and time zones. But then they hit a bunch of other stuff. Like space debris, Gosar's cartoon thing, economic psychology, what's up with Beto's run for Governor of Texas, and much, much more!

  • (0:00:01-0:00:51) Cold Open
  • (0:01:14-0:40:36) But First
    • Ivan's AC
    • Time Zones
  • (0:41:22-1:04:18) Politics Lightning
    • Harris
    • Beto
    • Gosar
    • Gerrymandering
  • (1:04:59-1:43:43) Porari Lightning
    • Trampling
    • Space debris
    • Rittenhouse
    • Economy
    • End stuff


[Ep 755] Cute Little Face [1:39:45]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Nov-27 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Nov-29 21:23 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner, Sam and Ivan discuss some serious things like the Rittenhouse and Arbury verdicts, as well as pandemic trends and what Omicron might mean for them. But they also hit some lighter themes, like Taylor Swift's new versions of her albums, Ivan's impressions of life on Florida's Space Coast, and a little on what may become Sam's small new furry friend. Or not. Probably not.

  • (0:00:22-0:34:15) But First
    • (Taylor's Version)
    • Sam's rat
    • Space Coast
  • (0:35:16-0:59:02) Trials and Tribulations
    • Rittenhouse
    • Arbury
  • (0:59:22-1:39:22) Pandemic
    • Trends
    • Omicron
    • Totals
    • End

December 2021

[Ep 756] Warding Off A Vampire [1:37:23]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Dec-04 UTC
Published: Tue, 2021-Dec-07 04:54 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam goes solo! One round on pandemic related stuff, from the current trends, to Omicron, to travel bans, to Trump going to the debate after a positive test. Then a second more wide ranging round, with everything from abortion at SCOTUS, to Twitter policy changes, to this week's school shooting… and even more!

  • (00:00:48-0:36:32) Round 1
    • Beginning stuff
    • Pandemic trends
    • Stupid travel bans
    • Omicron update
    • Trump Covid back then
  • (0:37:18-1:36:58) Round 2
    • Additional Covid notes
    • Abortion at SCOTUS
    • Dem pessimism
    • Twitter image policy
    • School shooting including parents
    • Brandy politics
    • End stuff


[Ep 757] Best Since the 60s [2:06:17]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Dec-10 UTC
Published: Tue, 2021-Dec-14 01:03 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan talk about the economy and the various Trump related investigations that are currently going on. But also some book reviews, and discussion of the word 'queue'. So you can't possibly miss this! Right?

  • (0:00:23-0:37:04) But First
    • Ivan: Queues and other spelling words
    • Ivan Book: What Made Maddy Run (2017)
    • Sam Book: The Art of War (5th Century BC)
  • (0:37:46-1:06:57) Economy
    • Inflation
    • Unemployment
    • Labor shortage
    • Worker leverage
    • Prospects
  • (1:07:47-2:05:56) Trump Investigations
    • New York
    • Obstruction
    • Norms
    • Jan 6
    • End stuff


[Ep 758] All Flusticated [1:50:00]
Recorded: Sat, 2021-Dec-18 UTC
Published: Mon, 2021-Dec-20 22:30 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam celebrates a victory for his wife, and a victory for overcoming inertia and bureaucracy. Aside from that, there is "news news" too. Sam talks Manchin, BBB, Voting rights, and Trump investigations. Oh, and of course pandemic stuff. There will always be pandemic stuff.

  • (0:01:15-0:32:53) Part 1: Personal
    • Brandy wins
    • Alex birth certificate
  • (0:33:54-1:13:33) Part 2: Politics
    • Manchin, BBB, and voting rights
    • Investigations
  • (1:14:23-1:49:39) Part 3: Pandemic
    • Omicron wave
    • Current precautions


[Ep 759] Ride the Yet [2:00:54]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Dec-24 UTC
Published: Tue, 2021-Dec-28 02:56 UTC

This week on Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan do a full segment on the pandemic because, yeah, that is still happening. Rounding out the serious stuff, a bit on Wayne LaPierre, the situation in Ukraine, and the prospects for a zombie version of BBB. Not everything is serious though, and we get Ivan on Wheel of Fortune and adapting to a new job, and Sam on holiday shopping and the lull white collar folks who don't officially take time off feel this time of year.

  • (0:00:23-0:42:58) But First
    • Ivan: New job stuff
    • Sam: Holiday lull
    • Sam: Holiday shopping
  • (0:43:16-1:15:49) Pandemic
    • Old podcasts
    • Trends
    • Holiday precautions
    • Covid cancellations
    • Covid messaging
    • Pro-vax Trump
  • (1:16:39-2:00:33) Lightning
    • Ivan: Wayne LaPierre
    • Sam: Russia/Ukraine/US
    • Ivan: Wheel of Fortune
    • Sam: Zombie BBB
    • Stuff at the end


[Ep 760] 2022 Predictions Show [2:10:41]
Recorded: Fri, 2021-Dec-31 UTC
Published: Tue, 2022-Jan-04 16:53 UTC

On this week's Curmudgeon's Corner Sam and Ivan do their annual predictions show! Predictions on Politics, International, Economy, Technology, and of course Hodgepodge. Listen to what they think will happen in 2022. Then come back in a year and a week to find out how they did!

  • (0:00:23-0:13:07) But First
  • (0:14:13-0:55:17) Politics
  • (0:57:00-1:09:14) International
  • (1:10:15-1:20:59) Economy
  • (1:21:40-1:47:10) Technology
  • (1:47:48-2:10:21) 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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