My thoughts on vinyl records versus various forms of digital music, considering both sound quality and overall listening and ownership experience.

Suggested Readings, if you want to get deep in the weeds:

• Is Vinyl Better Than Streaming? - simplest answer: yes

In this episode, Lee and I talk about the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683, and the battle that decided the question in September of that year. I was led to this event by the Sabaton song, "Winged Hussars," about the Polish heavy cavalry, led by King John Sobieski of Poland, credited with being the essential element for European victory in the last great invasion of Europe by the Ottoman Turks.

Suggested Readings:

• Turning the Ottoman Tide, John III Sobieski at Vienna 1683 - HistoryNet article

Ed and I talk about a great sub-genre of 80s Metal, defined by outstanding technical guitar-playing and swaggering guitarists. Take a nostalgic walk back to the 80s, or learn what you've missed over the last few decades of underwhelming music. And to clarify, the Chuck Mangione song we referred to is called "Feels So Good," so we were both incorrect.

Highly Recommended Listening:

• Ratt, Lay It Down - a ridiculous video for a great example of the genre, with the excellent Warren DeMartini on lead guitar

I spoke with my good friend Matt, who spends his days managing the technology for a medium-sized school district. In addition to maintaining and improving connectivity for its schools also does a lot of outreach to parents to help them make smart decisions for home connections. We talked about how to be a smart shopper for home Internet, starting with what you actually need, and moving to what's available in your area. I learned a lot and am going to reconsider my options based on what I learned.

Useful Links:

• Internet Connection Speed Test - a site where you can test your up and downstream speeds, latency, and jitter. Just hit "Start Test" and the site will do the rest.

In this episode I explain the constitutional issues related to Supreme Court nominations and confirmations, the rules created within that, and the traditions around the same. I describe and explain, then interpret and analyze, and even offer some commentary, staying neutral as much as possible.

Suggested Readings:

• The U.S. Constitution - Article II, Section 2

A short discussion of the contents and historical context around the U.S. Constitution, the oldest and longest-existing constitution in the world.

Highly Suggested Reading:

• The Constitution of the United States

Over 80,000 Americans are still listed as missing in action from WW2 through Operation Iraqi Freedom. The third Friday in September is set aside as POW/MIA Recognition Day, and this year I am taking some time to share my thoughts on some of the great organizations that are out there working to find and bring home the remains of these men, and even some women.

Suggested Readings:

• Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency - homepage

Read this great, relatively short book about a secret WW2 mission put on by a team of....middle aged businessmen and former soldiers promised neither money, nor fame, nor even help if things went sideways.

• Boarding Party, by James Leasor

The Federalists and Antifederalists were both concerned about power for government: how much? What should it do, and how far should it be able to go? How could and should it be restrained? The first and second essays by Brutus. who wrote in New York, and Federalist 51, all address these issues directly and indirectly, albeit from different angles.

Suggested Readings:

• Brutus I

In recognition of the 81st anniversary of the outbreak of World War 2 in Europe just a few days ago, I discussed the fall of Poland and U.S. attempts to stay neutral, at least initially.