Middle Theory

This week, comedian Joe Rogan stokes the fires of controversy, putting the streaming platform Spotify at the center of a debate over the content it features.

This week, as a "bomb cyclone" has caused bizarre winter weather in the Eastern United States, one 19-year-old has found himself the recipient of direct messages on Twitter from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and for a peculiar reason. Meanwhile, we look at the bad behavior that has British PM under investigation, and the shocking comments by U.S. President Joe Biden that have even liberals critiquing him for what he was recently overheard saying. Finally, we examine the protests by artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and others that have Spotify now saying it will place an advisory on podcasts by comedian Joe Rogan... and the controversy is only just beginning. We wade into all this, and more on this installment 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:

• Sean O'Neal
• Jill Ellis
• Connie Fletcher
• Stacia Schwartz
• Brett Giles

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

• BOMBS AWAY: What is a bomb cyclone? Here's what you need to know
• Explosive cyclogenesis
• TWITTER TRACKER: Teenager seeks $50k from Elon Musk to delete Twitter bot tracking private jet
• THE UNJABBED: Unjabbed NYPD officers set to be terminated next month
• PARTY'S OVER: Report reveals 'failure of leadership' over Johnson's "boozy lockdown parties"
• STUPID SOB: Biden caught on hot mic calling Fox reporter 'a stupid son of a bitch'
• YOUNG GONE: Neil Young Pulls Music from Spotify, Blasts It as the 'Home of Life-Threatening' Covid Lies
• Joni Mitchell joining Neil Young in protest over Spotify
• Harry, Meghan express 'concerns'
• PANIC: Spotify's Daniel Ek Panics Over Rock Star Defections: "Personally, there are plenty of individuals and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly" | Showbiz411
• Spotify Loses $2 Billion as Stock Plummets After Neil Young's Joe Rogan Protest
• SPOTIFY Issues New Guidelines for Podcasts
• Rogan responds to Spotify protest, COVID advisories
• AUDIO: Joe Rogan addresses Spotify controversy
• KEEP ON ROCKIN: Why Neil Young's Spotify Protest Matters
• IN A FREE WORLD: Jim Geraghty on Joe Rogan and the "Assault on Freedom"
• ROGAN'S RISE: Joe Rogan: rise of a highly controversial cultural power

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.

As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, this week we turn our attention to statements by U.S. President Biden which some believe may have just given Russia a green light for invasion. 

What is a "tech foam", and why does it have some economists and tech analysts concerned? As we wade into the fray this week, we look at economic issues affecting the tech industry, as well as why the leader of the WHO says that the conditions are right for more COVID variants... but that 2022 still might be the year our concerns about the pandemic finally change. However, the concerning situation going on in Ukraine remains at the forefront of our analysis, as some worry that statements by U.S. President Biden could have just signaled to Russia a green light for invasion. Then, we look at the recent courtroom win by Julian Assange, and what that may mean for the U.S.'s continued attempts to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to America... all this and more on this 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:

* Rick Dale

* Robert Cramer

* Jessica Riley

* Jennie Vongvith

* Ali Buchan

* Jennifer Garland

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

* STAY CALM: CNBC's Jim Cramer Advises Calm as Market Craters

* ​It's not a tech bubble. It's tech foam. - Protocol — The people, power and politics of tech  

* SITUATION CRITICAL: Covid pandemic at a 'critical juncture,' WHO's Tedros says 

* Do not assume COVID pandemic reaching 'end game', warns WHO | Reuters 

* UKRAINE CALLING: Biden Could Deploy 50,000 Troops if Putin Overruns Ukraine: Report

* Biden admin identifying troops for possible deployment to Eastern Europe amid Russia tensions

* AUDIO: Ukrainian official: Biden's answer gives Putin ‘green light’ to invade 

* Ukraine: Boris Johnson warns Russian invasion would be disastrous - BBC News 

* NATO strengthens east European flank as Russia denounces 'hysteria' | Reuters 

As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, this week we turn our attention to statements by U.S. President Biden which some believe may have just given Russia a green light for invasion.

What is a "tech foam", and why does it have some economists and tech analysts concerned? As we wade into the fray this week, we look at economic issues affecting the tech industry, as well as why the leader of the WHO says that the conditions are right for more COVID variants... but that 2022 still might be the year our concerns about the pandemic finally change. However, the concerning situation going on in Ukraine remains at the forefront of our analysis, as some worry that statements by U.S. President Biden could have just signaled to Russia a green light for invasion. Then, we look at the recent courtroom win by Julian Assange, and what that may mean for the U.S.'s continued attempts to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to America... all this and more on this 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:

• Rick Dale
• Robert Cramer
• Jessica Riley
• Jennie Vongvith
• Ali Buchan
• Jennifer Garland

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

• STAY CALM: CNBC's Jim Cramer Advises Calm as Market Craters
• ​It's not a tech bubble. It's tech foam. - Protocol — The people, power and politics of tech
• SITUATION CRITICAL: Covid pandemic at a 'critical juncture,' WHO's Tedros says
• Do not assume COVID pandemic reaching 'end game', warns WHO | Reuters
• UKRAINE CALLING: Biden Could Deploy 50,000 Troops if Putin Overruns Ukraine: Report
• Biden admin identifying troops for possible deployment to Eastern Europe amid Russia tensions
• AUDIO: Ukrainian official: Biden's answer gives Putin 'green light' to invade
• Ukraine: Boris Johnson warns Russian invasion would be disastrous - BBC News
• NATO strengthens east European flank as Russia denounces 'hysteria' | Reuters
• U.S. discussing military deployment near Ukraine with NATO allies
• OPINIONS: Russia-Ukraine tensions need a unified NATO response. Biden shook the alliance.
• Op-ed: Biden needs to channel Harry Truman to counter Putin's designs on Ukraine and beyond
• ASSANGE: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange wins right to take extradition case to UK's top court

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 allegations by U.S. intelligence officials of a possible "False Flag" operation planned by Russia as justification for invading Ukraine. 

This week, things have been cold and wintery for many along the East Coast, where winter storms have ravaged several states. We begin our analysis with the tense few hours that unfolded at a Texas synagogue over the weekend, before shifting our attention to questions that linger in a post-9-11 America. Then, after commentary regarding new figures that have been revealed about the profit brought in by Alex Jones and his InfoWars store prior to being "canceled" by several social media outlets, we shift our attention over to the developing situation in Ukraine, where U.S. intelligence officials say Russia may be plotting a covert "false flag" operation to help enable its invasion of the country.

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:

* Julia Gali

* Betty June

* Shelli Orlandini

* Jonathan Taylor

* 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

* TEXAS SIEGE: Teens held in UK as Briton named as hostage-taker

* A closer look at the case of Aafia Siddiqui, jailed in Texas

* Faith in action: Colleyville churches, other heroes rise in synagogue hostage crisis

* Op-Ed: What can we do after a hostage-taker shatters the serenity of Shabbat?

* FALSE FLAG: US intelligence says Russia preparing operation to justify invasion of Ukraine 

* Russia dismisses US allegations of plans for false flag operation as pretext to invade Ukraine

* Russia Thins Out Its Embassy in Ukraine, a Possible Clue to Putin's Next Move 

* US weighs more military support for Ukraine to re...

This week, we look at allegations by U.S. intelligence officials of a possible "False Flag" operation planned by Russia as justification for invading Ukraine.

This week, things have been cold and wintery for many along the East Coast, where winter storms have ravaged several states. We begin our analysis with the tense few hours that unfolded at a Texas synagogue over the weekend, before shifting our attention to questions that linger in a post-9-11 America. Then, after commentary regarding new figures that have been revealed about the profit brought in by Alex Jones and his InfoWars store prior to being "canceled" by several social media outlets, we shift our attention over to the developing situation in Ukraine, where U.S. intelligence officials say Russia may be plotting a covert "false flag" operation to help enable its invasion of the country.

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:

• Julia Gali
• Betty June
• Shelli Orlandini
• Jonathan Taylor
• 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

• TEXAS SIEGE: Teens held in UK as Briton named as hostage-taker
• A closer look at the case of Aafia Siddiqui, jailed in Texas
• Faith in action: Colleyville churches, other heroes rise in synagogue hostage crisis
• Op-Ed: What can we do after a hostage-taker shatters the serenity of Shabbat?
• FALSE FLAG: US intelligence says Russia preparing operation to justify invasion of Ukraine
• Russia dismisses US allegations of plans for false flag operation as pretext to invade Ukraine
• Russia Thins Out Its Embassy in Ukraine, a Possible Clue to Putin's Next Move
• US weighs more military support for Ukraine to resist Russia if it invades
• POPULARITY CONTEST: Why is Biden one of the most unpopular US presidents?
• YEAR ONE: Assessing Biden's covid response after one year

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.

As we kick off 2022, we reflect on the dystopian themes of the 1973 film "Soylent Green" as we look at why recent polls show one thing that people across the political spectrum agree on: that Democracy appears to be in peril. 

Happy New Year... as we kick off another revolution around the Sun, this week we stop to take a look at the world of 2022, and how it was envisioned in a dystopian portrayal in 1973 where synthetic foods, climate change, overpopulation, and a host of other issues had become a reality. We ask how close we are to mirroring what the film portrayed, as we reflect on a recent poll that found a majority of Americans are concerned about Democracy. Understanding the real reasons why is a bit more complex, which we attempt to resolve in our analysis 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:

* Julia Gali

* Daniel Baumberger

* Robert Cramer

* Sean O’Neal

* Vicky Pinderski

* Robert Westfall

* Jill Ellis

* Connie Fletcher

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jessica Riley

* Stacia Schwartz

* Mark Hankins II

* Ali Buchan 

* Brian Davis

* Brett Giles

* Daniel Richard 

John Lipartito

* James Malone

* Kevin Webb

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

* SOYLENT GREEN: In 1973, 'Soylent Green' envisioned the world in 2022. It got a lot right.

* DEMOCRACY: A year after Jan. 6, Americans say democracy is in peril but disagree on why

* OMICRON: How Omicron Could Affect the 2022 Midterm Elections

* DELTACRON? Cyprus reportedly discovers a Covid variant that combines omicron and delta 

* FLURONA: 'Flurona' is real, but don't panic — it's common to get two viruses at once 

* MANDATED: How vaccine mandates became a political weapon 

* SAGAT: Comedian Bob Saget Dead at 65, Found in Orlando Hotel Room

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback,

As we kick off 2022, we reflect on the dystopian themes of the 1973 film "Soylent Green" as we look at why recent polls show one thing that people across the political spectrum agree on: that Democracy appears to be in peril.

Happy New Year... as we kick off another revolution around the Sun, this week we stop to take a look at the world of 2022, and how it was envisioned in a dystopian portrayal in 1973 where synthetic foods, climate change, overpopulation, and a host of other issues had become a reality. We ask how close we are to mirroring what the film portrayed, as we reflect on a recent poll that found a majority of Americans are concerned about Democracy. Understanding the real reasons why is a bit more complex, which we attempt to resolve in our analysis 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:

• Julia Gali
• Daniel Baumberger
• Robert Cramer
• Sean O'Neal
• Vicky Pinderski
• Robert Westfall
• Jill Ellis
• Connie Fletcher
• Jennie Vongvith
• Jessica Riley
• Stacia Schwartz
• Mark Hankins II
• Ali Buchan
• Brian Davis
• Brett Giles
• Daniel Richard John Lipartito
• James Malone
• Kevin Webb

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

• SILENT NIGHT: 40.5% Of People Have No Symptoms At All...
• Schools close doors again... CNN shutters offices... Restaurants anxious...
• 'SNL' struggles without crowd, music, most of cast after outbreak
• NY gov adding booster to 'fully vaxxed'
• MANCHIN ON: Manchin kills Build Back Better: 'No'
• PRESIDENTIALISM: Charlamagne Tha God, Harris butt heads over 'real president' is
• CHRISTMAS CUTS: Candy cane shortage
• Supply-Chain Mess Threatens Holidays
• Sky-High Lumber Prices Back
• PREDICTIONS: 10 anonymous media execs predict next year's industry-shaking events

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 2021 winds to a close we take a look at predictions for the coming year, and what we can expect in 2022.

2021 has been another wild year as people around the world have continued to press on in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, political upheaval, and a range of controversies. In recent days, these include Joe Manchin of West Virginia putting the death nail in Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill, fireworks between Charlemagne tha God and Vice President Harris, and shortages of everything from candy canes to firewood this Christmas. However, as the year winds to a close, in this special final 2021 edition of Middle Theory, we look ahead at what some in the entertainment industry are predicting for the coming year, along with several positive predictions for where we are headed in 2022.

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:

* Julia Gali

* Shelly Orlandini 

* Jennifer Garland

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

* SILENT NIGHT: 40.5% Of People Have No Symptoms At All...

* Schools close doors again... CNN shutters offices... Restaurants anxious...

* 'SNL' struggles without crowd, music, most of cast after outbreak

* NY gov adding booster to 'fully vaxxed'

* MANCHIN ON: Manchin kills Build Back Better: 'No'

* PRESIDENTIALISM: Charlamagne Tha God, Harris butt heads over 'real president' is

* CHRISTMAS CUTS: Candy cane shortage

* Supply-Chain Mess Threatens Holidays

* Sky-High Lumber Prices Back

* PREDICTIONS: 10 anonymous media execs predict next year's industry-shaking events

This week, as 2021 winds to a close we take a look at predictions for the coming year, and what we can expect in 2022.

2021 has been another wild year as people around the world have continued to press on in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, political upheaval, and a range of controversies. In recent days, these include Joe Manchin of West Virginia putting the death nail in Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill, fireworks between Charlemagne tha God and Vice President Harris, and shortages of everything from candy canes to firewood this Christmas. However, as the year winds to a close, in this special final 2021 edition of Middle Theory, we look ahead at what some in the entertainment industry are predicting for the coming year, along with several positive predictions for where we are headed in 2022.

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:

• Julia Gali
• Shelly Orlandini
• Jennifer Garland

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

• SILENT NIGHT: 40.5% Of People Have No Symptoms At All...
• Schools close doors again... CNN shutters offices... Restaurants anxious...
• 'SNL' struggles without crowd, music, most of cast after outbreak
• NY gov adding booster to 'fully vaxxed'
• MANCHIN ON: Manchin kills Build Back Better: 'No'
• PRESIDENTIALISM: Charlamagne Tha God, Harris butt heads over 'real president' is
• CHRISTMAS CUTS: Candy cane shortage
• Supply-Chain Mess Threatens Holidays
• Sky-High Lumber Prices Back
• PREDICTIONS: 10 anonymous media execs predict next year's industry-shaking events

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.

As TIME announces Elon Musk as its pick for 2021 Person of the Year, we look at the SpaceX founder's ideology and outlook on the future, as well as perspectives on the controversial billionaire's achievements. 

This week, as tornadoes ravage parts of the Blue Grass State and the Omicron variant makes its way across the UK and other parts of the world, we look at the recent surprise announcement by a longtime Fox News anchor that he is leaving... and the even more surprising revelation about where he is headed. Then turning our attention to TIME Magazine's announcement that SpaceX founder Elon Musk is its pick for 2021 Person of the Year, we look at the billionaire's accomplishments, along with where he sees humanity headed in the decades ahead. This, along with why some pundits are saying they want Musk to be more outspoken about politics and economics... all on this edition of Middle Theory.

Elon Musk image by Steve Jurvetson, CC 2.0 (Flicker).

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:

* Julia Gali

* Connie Fletcher

* Jonathan Taylor

* Victoria Pinderski

* James Malone

* Doug 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

* PICKED UP BY PUTIN: Putin reveals his life as a cabbie 

* TWISTERS: Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens 

* LETHAL IN LONDON: Britain Reports World's First Confirmed Death From Heavily Mutated Omicron Variant 

* TEN TOO MANY: Man gets vaccinated up to 10 times in a single day

* WALLACE WALKS: Chris Wallace's Fox News Departure Shocks Twitter  

* "Shellshocked" colleagues by jumping to CNN 

* MUSK OF THE YEAR: Elon Musk: Person of the Year 2021 | Time 

* Elon Musk named Time's 2021 'Person of the Year'

* Excerpts From Elon Musk's 2021 Person of the Year Interview

* YOUR TURN,