Middle Theory

Conflict has erupted again between Israel and Palestine, resulting in Israel's controversial choice in striking a residential building where Hamas operations purportedly were taking place.

This week, we lead off with an update on the recent Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and why some media outlets have reported that the "business" of the hackers in question may be all washed up... or so they appear to be saying online. We also look at issues surrounding the CDC's updated advice about masks, and how this applies to children who have not been vaccinated.

Finally, we turn our attention toward Israel's controversial choice in striking a residential building where Hamas operations purportedly were taking place, why it has not offered evidence yet in support of the attack, and why the Associate Press has also received criticism in the aftermath of the events.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Connie Fletcher
• Shelly Orlandini
• Jonathan Taylor
• John Lipartito
• Douglas Davis

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

PIPELINE: FBI Statement on Ransomware Attack on Pipeline

Gas hits highest price in 6 years, fuel outages persist despite Colonial Pipeline restart

MASKS: CDC chief on mask wearing: Unvaccinated people need to be honest with themselves

Target, Starbucks updates mask policy for vaccinated customers

CLAPTON: Eric Clapton hits out at 'propaganda' over vaccine safety

ABORT COURT: Supreme Court to hear abortion case challenging Roe v. Wade

ISRAEL VS PALESTINE:

Israel-Palestinian conflict marks deadliest day as scenes of horror unfold in Gaza

Israel air strike targets Hamas leader - BBC News

AP president details evacuating staff from Gaza building

AP slammed for claiming it was unaware of Hamas presence

Who's to blame for reigniting the Israel-Palestine conflict? From Iranian plots to US weakness

Mitch Albom: We shouldn't blame Israel for surviving attacks — or defending against them

NUKE DEAL: Iran nuclear deal could weaken US efforts to end Israel-Gaza violence

UFOs: UFO reports should be taken seriously, Rubio says

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, we look at the problems arising from Facebook's Oversight Board refusing to make decisions for the company about the ongoing ban of Donald Trump from its platform. 

Following a ransomware attack that has left much of the Eastern U.S. with gas shortages, a State of Emergency has been declared in several states. Heading into the summer, will gas prices continue to rise about $3 per gallon, or even higher? We also look at this, as well as how the pandemic has resulted in an aluminum can shortage, the end of the combined comedy efforts of Seth Rogan and James Franco following misconduct allegations against Franco, and more.

Then turning our attention to other matters, the Facebook Oversight Board recently made the choice not to offer a decision regarding the platform's ban of former president Donald Trump, stating instead that the company should be required to have clearer rules and policies regarding such issues. The company has drawn criticism in the wake of the situation from both the left, and the right, as it highlights clear issues that Facebook will have to now face up to with relevance to everything from propaganda, to free speech. Will the company be able to recover, or are they now in the precarious position of finding themselves "zucked" at their own game? We analyze the story and its implications on this week's Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin 

* David Beavers

* Vicky Pinderski

* Robert Westfall

* Robert Walshe

* Daniel Richard

* Jennifer Williams

* John Lipartito

* James Malone

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* SPIKE: Gas prices: Pipeline shutdown sparks worries of $3 a gallon 

* FRANCO NO MORE: Seth Rogen Says He Won’t Work With James Franco After Sexual Misconduct Allegations

* BIG BILL: Bill Gates transferred $1.8B in stock to Melinda on day of divorce news

* APPEAL: A Chauvin juror participated in the 2020 March on Washington. Is it grounds for appeal?

* ZUCKED UP: Facebook tried to punt the Trump decision. That backfired

* Mark Zuckerberg can no longer deflect blame for Trump's Facebook suspension

* 'A total disgrace': ...

This week, we look at the problems arising from Facebook's Oversight Board refusing to make decisions for the company about the ongoing ban of Donald Trump from its platform.

Following a ransomware attack that has left much of the Eastern U.S. with gas shortages, a State of Emergency has been declared in several states. Heading into the summer, will gas prices continue to rise about $3 per gallon, or even higher? We also look at this, as well as how the pandemic has resulted in an aluminum can shortage, the end of the combined comedy efforts of Seth Rogan and James Franco following misconduct allegations against Franco, and more.

Then turning our attention to other matters, the Facebook Oversight Board recently made the choice not to offer a decision regarding the platform's ban of former president Donald Trump, stating instead that the company should be required to have clearer rules and policies regarding such issues. The company has drawn criticism in the wake of the situation from both the left, and the right, as it highlights clear issues that Facebook will have to now face up to with relevance to everything from propaganda, to free speech. Will the company be able to recover, or are they now in the precarious position of finding themselves "zucked" at their own game? We analyze the story and its implications on this week's Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• David Beavers
• Vicky Pinderski
• Robert Westfall
• Robert Walshe
• Daniel Richard
• Jennifer Williams
• John Lipartito
• James Malone

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• SPIKE: Gas prices: Pipeline shutdown sparks worries of $3 a gallon
• FRANCO NO MORE: Seth Rogen Says He Won't Work With James Franco After Sexual Misconduct Allegations
• BIG BILL: Bill Gates transferred $1.8B in stock to Melinda on day of divorce news
• APPEAL: A Chauvin juror participated in the 2020 March on Washington. Is it grounds for appeal?
• ZUCKED UP: Facebook tried to punt the Trump decision. That backfired
• Mark Zuckerberg can no longer deflect blame for Trump's Facebook suspension
• 'A total disgrace': Trump lashes out at big tech companies after Facebook ban is upheld
• Facebook's Oversight Board ban of Donald Trump is totally arbitrary and ideological
• Mark Zuckerberg must decide the fate of Trump's Facebook account. He should turn to the First Amendment.

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, we look at the phenomenon of the "celebrity politician", as well as how celebrity culture is influencing politicians who aren't famous before they enter office.

On the eve of his 100th day in office, President Biden addressed Congress and recapped what his administration has managed to achieve. We look at a few high points, before shifting our attention to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who has been unusually talkative as of late.

However, the real talk of the political world at the moment involves Caitlin Jenner's decision to enter the race for California Governor, as well as whispers about a possible run in Texas by actor Matthew McConaughey, and even a possible Presidential bid by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This, along with Andrew Yang's momentum in New York and other instances involving celebrity politicians raises the question, is America becoming more prone toward electing famous people, and is this good or bad? We look at the pros, and the cons, as well as how more traditional politicians are being influenced by celebrity culture this week on Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin 

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jessica Riley

* Jennifer Garland 

* Kevin Webb

* Mark Hankins II

* Stacia Schwartz

* Ali Buchan

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* BIDEN SPEAKS: Key takeaways from Biden's first joint address to Congress 

* THOMAS TALKS: Clarence Thomas, Long Silent, Has Turned Talkative

* COVID: Reaching 'Herd Immunity' Unlikely in USA, Experts Now Believe

* Scientists scramble to see why even vaccinated can get infected

* CELEBRITY IN CHIEF: Celebrity politicians test voter interest

* 'Trump effect' propels Hollywood political hopefuls

* Why Americans Can’t Resist A Celebrity Political Candidate

* The real problem with famous candidates, from Dwayne Johnson to Caitlyn Jenner (Opinion)  

*

This week, we look at the phenomenon of the "celebrity politician", as well as how celebrity culture is influencing politicians who aren't famous before they enter office.

On the eve of his 100th day in office, President Biden addressed Congress and recapped what his administration has managed to achieve. We look at a few high points, before shifting our attention to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who has been unusually talkative as of late.

However, the real talk of the political world at the moment involves Caitlin Jenner's decision to enter the race for California Governor, as well as whispers about a possible run in Texas by actor Matthew McConaughey, and even a possible Presidential bid by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This, along with Andrew Yang's momentum in New York and other instances involving celebrity politicians raises the question, is America becoming more prone toward electing famous people, and is this good or bad? We look at the pros, and the cons, as well as how more traditional politicians are being influenced by celebrity culture this week on Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• Jennie Vongvith
• Jessica Riley
• Jennifer Garland
• Kevin Webb
• Mark Hankins II
• Stacia Schwartz
• Ali Buchan

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• BIDEN SPEAKS: Key takeaways from Biden's first joint address to Congress
• THOMAS TALKS: Clarence Thomas, Long Silent, Has Turned Talkative
• COVID: Reaching 'Herd Immunity' Unlikely in USA, Experts Now Believe
• Scientists scramble to see why even vaccinated can get infected
• CELEBRITY IN CHIEF: Celebrity politicians test voter interest
• 'Trump effect' propels Hollywood political hopefuls
• Why Americans Can't Resist A Celebrity Political Candidate
• The real problem with famous candidates, from Dwayne Johnson to Caitlyn Jenner (Opinion)
• Politics Podcast: Celebrity Candidates Are Here To Stay

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, as former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is found guilty of all charges related to the death of George Floyd, we look at the impact this case has had on society, its cultural significance, and the variety of responses to the verdict appearing in the media. 

The battle against the coronavirus continues into 2021 as a recent surge in daily infection rates has put India into the spotlight. This, along with controversial statements made by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson which have landed him in hot water, and the Supreme Court's announcement that it will look at a controversial case in New York related to the Second Amendment.

Then we look at the aftermath of the court's verdict which found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges related to the death of George Floyd. While many do feel that justice has been served, we look at the impact this case has had on society, its cultural significance, and the variety of responses to the verdict appearing in the media.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin 

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jessica Riley

* Jennifer Garland 

* Kevin Webb

* Mark Hankins II

* Stacia Schwartz

* Ali Buchan

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* INDIA: Indian Covid cases for a fifth straight day with more than 350,000 new infections

* BORIS: Boris Johnson said let 'bodies pile high' rather than lockdown: report

* US: New U.S. cases still at a ‘precarious’ level, Fauci says, amid slowing vaccination rates

* 2ND AMENDMENT: Supreme Court agrees to take up major Second Amendment case

* GUILTY: Chauvin trial verdict is guilty on all three counts. Here's why the prosecution won.

* Chauvin's guilty verdict is a major milestone in America's reckoning with racial justice

*

This week, as former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is found guilty of all charges related to the death of George Floyd, we look at the impact this case has had on society, its cultural significance, and the variety of responses to the verdict appearing in the media.

The battle against the coronavirus continues into 2021 as a recent surge in daily infection rates has put India into the spotlight. This, along with controversial statements made by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson which have landed him in hot water, and the Supreme Court's announcement that it will look at a controversial case in New York related to the Second Amendment.

Then we look at the aftermath of the court's verdict which found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges related to the death of George Floyd. While many do feel that justice has been served, we look at the impact this case has had on society, its cultural significance, and the variety of responses to the verdict appearing in the media.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• Jennie Vongvith
• Jessica Riley
• Jennifer Garland
• Kevin Webb
• Mark Hankins II
• Stacia Schwartz
• Ali Buchan

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• INDIA: Indian Covid cases for a fifth straight day with more than 350,000 new infections
• BORIS: Boris Johnson said let 'bodies pile high' rather than lockdown: report
• US: New U.S. cases still at a 'precarious' level, Fauci says, amid slowing vaccination rates
• 2ND AMENDMENT: Supreme Court agrees to take up major Second Amendment case
• GUILTY: Chauvin trial verdict is guilty on all three counts. Here's why the prosecution won.
• Chauvin's guilty verdict is a major milestone in America's reckoning with racial justice
• 'The right thing': Obama hails verdict in George Floyd's death
• Tucker Carlson says protests intimidated Derek Chauvin jury into guilty verdict
• At George Floyd Square, verdict relieves tensions of a long year
• The Chauvin verdict links back to George Floyd protests. So lawmakers are cracking down.
• PROMISES: Status Of Biden's Promises After 100 Days In Office
• TAX MAN: Biden's 1970s-Era Taxes on Rich Collide With GOP and SALT Rebels

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

Closing arguments are made in the trial of Derek Chauvin, as people in Minneapolis and around the country prepare for the announcement of the verdict. 

This week, it's strange times in Texas as Matthew McConaughey is leading in polls for the governorship... even though he isn't currently in the race. We also report on two deaths that resulted from an accident involving a driverless car in the Lone Star State, before shifting our attention to the latest updates involving the controversial choice in pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVIS-19 vaccine.

Then turning our attention to Minneapolis, closing arguments are made in the trial of Derek Chauvin, as people in Minneapolis and around the country prepare for the announcement of the verdict. In advance of the potential for public unrest, National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis, presenting a challenge for city leadership and politicians all the way up to the President of the United States.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin

* Jana McKeeman

* Shelly Orlandini 

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* TEXAS FLOOD: McConaughey may be a viable candidate for TX governor, polls show

* DRIVERLESS CRASH: Nobody Was Behind Wheel Of Tesla Involved In Fatal Texas Crash 

* SOCIAL SHAME: Andi Zeisler: I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Monday and took a selfie. Things got weird after that. 

* CAUSE OF THE CLOTS: Doctors home in on cause of blood clots potentially linked with Covid-19 vaccines 

* SURRENDERED: Fired Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones turns herself in to jail and tests positive for Covid-19 

* CLOSING ARGUMENTS: Biden preparing for 'tinderbox' with country on edge ahead of verdict in Chauvin trial 

* Minneapolis prepares for Derek Chauvin verdict 

* City braces for unrest over Floyd verdict as pig’s head left at witness' ex home 

* HURT:

Closing arguments are made in the trial of Derek Chauvin, as people in Minneapolis and around the country prepare for the announcement of the verdict.

This week, it's strange times in Texas as Matthew McConaughey is leading in polls for the governorship... even though he isn't currently in the race. We also report on two deaths that resulted from an accident involving a driverless car in the Lone Star State, before shifting our attention to the latest updates involving the controversial choice in pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVIS-19 vaccine.

Then turning our attention to Minneapolis, closing arguments are made in the trial of Derek Chauvin, as people in Minneapolis and around the country prepare for the announcement of the verdict. In advance of the potential for public unrest, National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis, presenting a challenge for city leadership and politicians all the way up to the President of the United States.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• Jana McKeeman
• Shelly Orlandini

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• TEXAS FLOOD: McConaughey may be a viable candidate for TX governor, polls show
• DRIVERLESS CRASH: Nobody Was Behind Wheel Of Tesla Involved In Fatal Texas Crash
• SOCIAL SHAME: Andi Zeisler: I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Monday and took a selfie. Things got weird after that.
• CAUSE OF THE CLOTS: Doctors home in on cause of blood clots potentially linked with Covid-19 vaccines
• SURRENDERED: Fired Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones turns herself in to jail and tests positive for Covid-19
• CLOSING ARGUMENTS: Biden preparing for 'tinderbox' with country on edge ahead of verdict in Chauvin trial
• Minneapolis prepares for Derek Chauvin verdict
• City braces for unrest over Floyd verdict as pig's head left at witness' ex home
• HURT: 'It physically hurts': Black men are in mourning for George Floyd — and themselves
• BUSH IS BACK: George W Bush is back – but not all appreciate his new progressive image

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, the use of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine is paused, raising questions and concerns, as well as setbacks for President Biden's vaccination effort. 

A recent poll shows that less than half of all Americans are concerned with many of the core tenets of journalism... but why? We examine this, as well as President Biden's plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin, and continuing unrest in Minneapolis as more protests ensue following the shooting death of another black man.

We then shift our attention over to the controversial decision to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, raising concerns among health experts about hesitation by Americans to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The CDC's reasoning for doing so was "out of an abundance of caution," but how does the safety of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine compare against other more common medications that have caused similar problems related to blood clotting in the past? Also, how big a setback will the decision to pause the use of the vaccine be for the Biden administration? We examine all of this in this week's edition of Middle Theory. 

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Connie Fletcher

* Victoria Pinderski

* John Taylor

* James Malone

* John Lipartito

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* DISTRUST: Study of public attitude toward press reveals distrust deeper than partisanship

* PULLOUT: Why Biden is pulling the US -- and NATO -- out of Afghanistan

* SHOOTING: Minnesota shooting charging decision awaited, protests go on

* FLOYD: Use-of-force expert for defense says Chauvin was justified in kneeling on George Floyd

* CAUSE FOR PAUSE: FDA calls to pause Johnson & Johnson vaccines over rare blood clots

* How serious is the Johnson & Johnson blood clot risk compared to common medications?

* HESITATION: J&J halt threatens to worsen 'hesitancy' problem

* MODERNA efficacy falls to 90%