Middle Theory

This week on Middle Theory, we review President Trump's first address to Congress, and the news and reviews that followed in the hours that followed.

As if "Pizzagate" hadn't seemed weird enough... here comes Envelopegate, the conspiracy that supposes this year's Oscar Awards rigged a controversy over the votes between "Moonlight" and "La La Land", and who actually won the award. Elsewhere, more fake controversy has been dogging Kellyanne Conway for "squatting" on a couch in the Oval Office... but has this now famous photo been taken out of context? We think so.

Looking ahead, we take a moment to remember some of the interesting claims made by Johnny Chung, who went into hiding after his alleged role working with the Clintons, and also John Podesta's belief that the FBI "wanted Clinton to lose."

Finally, we give a breakdown of Trump's first address to Congress... a speech that took many of us by surprise. Among the notable compliments had been one from CNN commentator Van Jones, who said of one moment in the speech, "he became president of the United States in that moment... period." Even the New York Times this morning reported, "Mr. Trump has made immense progress sticking to a script," noting however that, "Wednesday is a new day, and the presidential Twitter finger gets itchy in the middle of the week. The big question is whether his unifying tone represents the mythical, long-awaited pivot point — or was just part of a well-written speech efficiently delivered by a gifted politician learning his new trade."

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* April Biering

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

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Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* #Envelopegate: How Did PwC's 'Moonlight' Mix-Up Happen at Oscars?

* Envelopegate Conspiracy Theories Could Explain A Lot About The 2017 Oscars Mix-Up

* CNN reports on the legalities of Trump’s travel ban… hilariously

* Kellyanne Conway is castigated… over nothing but a photo op

* Jonny Chung, convicted Clinton fundraiser during “Chinagate” scandal in 96, evidently recorded an insurance video in case he was assassinated

* Podesta: 'Forces within the FBI' may have cost Clinton election

...

This week on Middle Theory, we examine the recent concern over deportation "roundups" of undocumented workers in America, and the media's coverage of this contentious issue.

As Micah and Chris kick things off this week, we examine the strange, spy-novel-like story of the death of Kim Jong Nam, whose apparent assassins used toxins which covered their hands; we also look at whether a recent increase in the consumption of Bud Light and Tito's vodka in our Nation's Capital have anything to do with the Trump administration.

In recent weeks, we have spent a good bit of time discussing the controversial Breitbart commentator Milo Yiannopolous, whose recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher seemed to mark a career high point; and whose recent discussion of homosexual relationships between older men and underage boys have incited the fury of conservatives and liberals alike.

Getting to the middle portion of the show, recent reports that involve the immigration "roundup" phenomenon has had many people concerned, following President Trump's executive orders which have called for a broadening crackdown on undocumented immigrants. However, while the roundup phenomenon and its coverage in the U.S. media has had many concerned, is it being reported honestly?

Finally, Dennis Kucinich is now warning that there is a contingency within the U.S. intelligence community that is actually pushing for Cold War-style relations between the U.S. and Russia. How long before people start calling Kucinich a "Russian propagandist"?

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Sean O’Neal

* Steven Walker

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jon Haskins

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* Assange interviews Tariq Ali on 'Extreme Centrists'

* Jake Turx of Ami Magazine “shouted down” by Trump at recent press conference

* Milo Yiannopoulos Denies Supporting Paedophilia in Live-Streamed Online Video

* The 96 hours that brought down Milo Yiannopoulos

* Dennis Kucinich talks about the military industrial axis and how it is driving U.S. and Russia apart in order to “cash in on another Cold War”

This week, The Mouth and McNonymous feel the love as we celebrate Valentine's Day, and analyze the latest claims of Russian propaganda, "cyber trolling", and other weirdness going on in the fake news.

Happy Valentine's Day! This week, as we're getting things rolling, everyone's favorite and friendly neighborhood wardens of liberty discuss "The No Agenda Bump", which is the site traffic increase that occurs after getting a mention on "The Best Podcast in the Universe", No Agenda, hosted by Adam Curry and John Dvorak (you can check them out here, and of course, we highly recommend you consider donating to their podcast here). We also have a little fun revisiting the fabulous novels of Guy N. Smith, whose artful variety of prose includes classics such as Night of the Crabs, The Suitcase, The Sucking Pit, Moles and Their Control, The Hoax, and other ridiculously (and brilliantly) named classics.

Also, as the ongoing saga of "Fake News" continues to unfold, one of our listeners has brought to our attention an infamous, supposedly "Washington Post endorsed" list put out by an anonymous group of scholars called "Prop or Not" (note: Washington Post states in a disclaimer at their site that they do not endorse the list, as many have claimed). However, does this group, whose list includes sites that range from Wikileaks and InfoWars, to UFO and conspiracy websites, actually have ties to the intelligence community, or even Ukrainian Fascism? Or is the entire affair just another example of "alt" facts and "fake news"?

We also discuss the actual definition of fascism, in addition to spending some time giving shout outs to many of our Valentine's Day BAEs out there in the listening audience. We also present a few updates on the human trafficking front, which as per usual, can't seem to occur without at least some discussion of the infamous "Pizzagate" conspiracy. And wrapping things up, Micah presents us with some AUDIO GOLD, courtesy of the one and only Alex Jones, who recently presented some inspiring rants on the subject of a secret space program, during his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience (which, if you haven't watched, you really need to).

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Steve Reginer

* Robert Price

* Mark Hankins II 

* Jina Jameson

* Jonathan Kaufman

* Mark Stephan

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* The Prop or Not” List of Suspected Russian Propaganda

*

This week on Middle Theory, we examine protest and unrest in response to Breitbart Tech News editor Milo Yiannopoulous; whose freedom of speech is at risk?

Kicking things off in the midst of controversy, we start off looking at the recently re-stoked debate on climate change, in which an incendiary Daily Mail article argued that a climate data report was hastily assembled in advance of a pivotal Paris Climate Summit. While skeptics argue that the work of a "whistleblower" has blown the lid on climate change, the scientific community has responded in turn... but is the real problem the way that the science of climate change has been politicized?

Then, in addition to other trending news, we look at the mystique of Milo Yiannopoulos, as we ask whether or not the controversial speaker and journalist should indeed be taken seriously... and whether he, in fact, wants to be taken so seriously himself. We argue, fundamentally, that many of the "hateful" things Yiannopoulos are indeed intended to be jokes, which nonetheless are aimed at "stirring the pot." But is this approach an effective one, or is it purely aimed at being incendiary? Or are those who are reacting violently to Milo Yiannopoulos and his speaking engagements at American colleges missing the point entirely?

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Steven Walker

* The Grimerica Podcast

* Rick Dale

* Betty June Farkas 

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* Groundhog Day 2017: Phil says 'long winter,' but he was wrong before he even woke up

* Staten Island Chuck calls for an early spring

Crowds gather on Gobbler's Knob for Groundhog Day forecast

Seriously... "The Secret Pizza Party" WTF?

* Kellyanne Conway criticizes media for not covering terror attack that never took place (audio)

* Big Game security: From Protests to Prostitutes, security is ready

*

This week on Middle Theory, we look at President Trump's first week in office, and the executive orders he has passed dealing with immigration and other issues.

Kicking things off this week, it was a sad week for beer bottling as we learn of a massive Sierra Nevada recall due to a potential packaging flaw emanating from the company's home near Micah's own neck of the woods. Which is a shame, since many of us felt we might need a bottle or two after the last week, in which a number of directives were signed by President Trump which could bring CIA "black bag prisons", as well as suspensions of visas to citizens from numerous muslim countries which have already begun to take effect.

While Trump has his critics, some remain hopeful... like Noam Chomsky, who recently advised the listenership of Democracy Now! on how to cope with his presidency. Elsewhere, in an unlikely show of support for Trump, Piers Morgan has had some much more positive things to say... and advises the American public to think twice before ruling him out as an effective leader. We discuss all this, and more, this MORN on the Middle Theory podcast.

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* Sierra Nevada recalls beer bottled in Mills River, NC from 36 states due to packaging flaw

* Trump signs directive potentially allowing CIA black bag prisons to re-open, torture to resume

* Trump signs directive ordering the suspension of visas to citizens of numerous Muslim countries

* Trump bans EPA employees from providing social media updates

* Gorbachev: The world is preparing for war

* Ex-KGB head believed to be responsible for Trump dossier found murdered in car

* 1950s Western Show ‘Predicts’ Donald Trump… sort of

* Elon Musk might actually be serious about digging tunnels under Los Angeles

* Trump to act on Mexico border wall, bolster immigration police

*

This week on Middle Theory, we discuss the highlights, and controversies surrounding the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America.

It is "a uniquely American expression of our Constitutional system", the ceremonial inauguration of our incoming leadership in America. However, this year's inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States has been met with much criticism, resulting in marches, protests, and other unrest.

Among the topics we cover this week, in addition to general news and the commutation of Chelsea Manning, is a controversial CNN story about what is called the "designated survivor", which outlined how an Obama appointee could become president in the event that a catastrophe led to "the unthinkable" on inauguration day.

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Jennifer Malatesta

* Jina Jameson

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* MYSTERY: Soldier found dead at Fort Hood is 12th to die there in last 2 months

* Former House speaker Hastert wants his $1.7M back from sex abuse victim

* 12-year-old Georgia girl live-streamed her suicide; Facebook took 2 weeks to take video down

* Clinton Global Initiative laying off employees amidst downturn in donations

* Brazil supreme court judge handling graft case against politicians dies in plane crash

* Obama commutes sentence of Chelsea Manning

* 'Justice has been served,' Obama says of Chelsea Manning clemency

* Why Chelsea Manning's Commutation Likely Won't Mean Leniency for Edward Snowden

*

This week on on Middle Theory, a Buzzfeed article alleging Russia may have compromising information about President Elect Donald Trump has caused upset at a unique moment between presidencies.

But first, we spend a bit of time discussing trending news, which includes (as usual) Julian Assange, who has managed to prove he's still alive using BitCoin (not that his recent interview with Sean Hannity left any question about this... but apparently that's beside the point). We also discuss the upcoming changes to the Affordable Care Act, which are expected to arrive before the House by Friday the 13th. Will the potential repeal of Obamacare turn out, like the date in question, to be a real-life horror movie?

Then we turn our attention to college tuition, student loan debts, and why Bernie Sanders has said he actually agrees with Donald Trump on at least one issue. Will it be the last time? What appeared to be more disagreeable was Trump's attitude during a recent news conference, in which the President Elect was on the defensive following the release of an article by Buzzfeed, which was extrapolated on by CNN, alleging that Russian intelligence possessed compromising information about Trump. Specifically, a video purporting to show Trump in the company of "ladies of the night" being instructed to urinate on each other in a Moscow hotel room has had "#GoldenShowers" trending on Twitter.

Whatever the case, it was an unprecedented moment at Trump's first news conference to see him calling out a CNN reporter, and calling them "fake news". This now universally-popular term appears to have taken on an all new meaning...

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Mark Hankins II 

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* Remembering Aaron Swartz, 5 years after suicide

* American and Russian Jet Fighters Dogfight… on Election Day… over Area 51

* Senate moves forward in goal to repeal/replace ObamaCare

* BERN agrees with Trump’s assessment that Big Pharma is getting away with murder

* Julian Assange reads Bitcoin sequence to assure supporters of his health

*

This week on Middle Theory, we analyze the ongoing controversies surrounding Wikileaks and the alleged Russian hack of DNC servers, as well as the recent shooting attack at the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Happy New Year, first of all... kicking things off with those Societal Matters, Micah and McNonymous get all discussion of 2017 nomenclature out of the way, and then examine Anonymous and their recent hacking of the Bilderberg group's website. We also look at the shocking live streaming of a hate crime on Facebook, and how the technology of social media affects such issues.

On the discussion of technology, hacking is all the rage lately, as the ongoing debate over Russian hacking, Wikileaks, and the 2016 US Election continues. Many would assert that the debate is over, and that intelligence agencies have already released enough data that supports this. However, Wikileaks founder and spokesman Julian Assange maintains that Russia was in no way involved with the hack, which has recently made him strange bedfellows with conservative commentator Sean Hannity, of all people. What does this very unique Fox News interview with Assange tell us about the Grizzly Steppe operation, and U.S. Intelligence Agencies perception of Russia in relation to world affairs?

Finally, we examine the recent tragic shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport, and why this incident is unique among mass shootings in America. Despite its differences, there are also many consistent elements, which raise questions about mental health, as well as the effectiveness of airport screening procedures.

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Jennie Vongvith 

* Steven Walker

* Daniel Bonfiglio 

* Betty June Farkas 

* Robert Holt 

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

Finally, here are links to show notes pertaining to this week's podcast:

* Anonymous Hacks Bilderberger Website With "We're Watching You" Message

* 4 People In Custody In Chicago Over Beating Live-Streamed On Facebook

* Charged with hate crimes, kidnapping, burglary, grand theft

* No bail for 4 suspects

* Meanwhile in Idaho, white high school football player who lured disabled black teammate into locker room and sexually assaulted him with a coat hang...

This week on Middle Theory, we celebrate EVE in the NOON, as we do our traditional New Year's Eve podcast, looking back on the last 12 months, but also spending time looking at the most relevant news and headlines.

These range from the recent discussion of more "banned words", and how this conversation fits into the modern context of freedom of speech and First Amendment rights, as well as the concept of "trigger warnings" and other moves toward censorship of unsavory things. We also examine Obama's final weekly address, as Micah provides a bit of advice to Obama, in the event that he decides to throw his hat into the ring and become a podcaster.

Finally, we give a breakdown of the events pertaining to the release of the joint DHS and FBI "Grizzly Steppe" document, which seems to provide proof of Russia's involvement in attempts to steer the 2016 U.S. Election... or does it? Despite the evidence provided, there are a number of questions that continue to linger, which range from idiosyncrasies in the wording within the document itself, to why Wikileaks continues to deny to Russia's involvement in leaking information from DNC emails to the public. Does the "Grizzly Steppe" affair offer closure, or just more questions?

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Jay Waller 

* Josh Payne

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

This week on Middle Theory, President Obama and his departure from the presidency is examined, during the final days of his second term.

We kick things off this week on Middle Theory with a bit of holiday cheer, as well as some commentary on Christmas sweaters. More specifically, Samantha Bee and Glenn Beck donned their tackiest Christmas pullovers to sit down and have a chat about community, cooperation, and catastrophism across party lines in the face of "Trumpism". We also take a look at how Trump has apparently threatened to upend US nuclear weapons policy, which seems to contrast strangely with Trump releasing a letter from Putin asking to 'restore' US-Russia relationship.

Then in the second part of the show, we examine President Obama's "exit strategy", in terms of how his final days in audience will likely reflect on or influence world affairs. Key to this are how Obama sees the strength and unity of the Democratic party, as well as how Obama could influence the international climate during his final days in office, in keeping with ongoing controversies about Russian influence during the recent U.S. election.

Special thanks to those who donated this week, whose contributions help support the audio production, research, artwork, and other effort that goes into each episode of the podcast:

* Steve Reginier 

* James Tate

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

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get daily news from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox: