Stimulated Boredom | Reviews. Gadgets. Gaming. Geek Culture. Podcast.

This week I am joined by guest host, Patrick. In the main segment of the show, we discuss the current situation in Egypt.

As protests erupt over the authoritarian rule of President Mubarak, we cover the reasons for the uprising, U.S. response and provide some historical context relating to Egypt's place in the region as our ally and how the protests began. We also attempt to tackle the issue of Democracy as a principle versus practice, in addition to the U.S. governments history of propping up rulers in different parts of the world that are in our best interest.

This is a complicated issue and we try our best to bring light, education and thoughtful discussion for the benefit of the listeners around the world. As Stimulated Boredom also has listeners in Egypt, we hope we were effective and accurate in our coverage of the situation.

This segment also brings a personal connection, as Patrick is of Egyptian decent and still has family in the country that he has been unable to contact.

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Time to change gears a little! In the second segment, we offer our impressions and review of the eagerly anticipated DC Universe Online. This discussion covers the gambit as it relates to MMORPG's; from the perspective of a 'noob' (Dana) to a more seasoned veteran of the genre (Patrick). Was the game worth the 8 year wait? Was SOE able to pull off the thrill of fighting alongside the likes of Superman, Batman, Lex Luthor & The Joker? What the hell is an MMO, anyway?

Additional discussions include our thoughts on the State of the Union, some of the Oscars nominations and more.

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Prompted by a listener request, I offer my predictions and analysis of what the 2012 presidential election landscape may look like. Can Obama win a second term? Will the GOP's allegiance with the Tea Party come back to bite them in the ass? What issues will take center stage? Just a little armchair political analysis to consider. ;)

I also discuss the "fallout" from the Ricky Gervais' hosting appearance at the Golden Globes and whether it is possible for comedy to go, "too far." Fans of the show should already know where I am going to come down on this topic!

And lastly, I discuss a recent experience I had dealing with a major electronics manufacturer and how social media can be an effective tool in consumer protection, not too mention a viable way for companies to interact directly with their customer base and encourage brand loyalty.

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This week's main segment focuses on the tragic shooting in Arizona that left 6 dead and over a dozen injured, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Is it dangerous (and irresponsible) to engage in the rhetoric of violence when referring to those you disagree with politically? Are terms like, "2nd Amendment remedies", "armed and dangerous", "revolution", "reload" and "take up arms" intended to incite / promote fear and distrust in Government to a particular demographic for political gains?

Although the events in Arizona do not appear to be politically motivated, should the sheer coincidence of who the intended victim was and the fact the she was in Sarah Palin's political crosshairs be a wake-up call to tone down the rhetoric before it's too late?

This segment centers wholly around the events and controversies of the past week, including a discussion of a political environment in which it could be perceived that violence against a member of Congress is condoned, whether it is intended to be 'tongue in cheek' or not. What responsibility should politicians and public figures bear for their own words and the potential unintended consequences?

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A discussion of other recent news stories: We say goodbye to Dick Winters, of 'Band of Brothers', WWII and Easy Company / 101st Airborne fame; including commentary on 'The Greatest Generation' and how subsequent generations match up. The misguided editing of the Mark Twain literary classic, "Huckleberry Finn" and more.

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Auld Lang Syne - sing it with me folks! - as we kick off the first show of the New Year with a myriad of discussion that includes: Religion, the repeal of, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the passage of the 9/11 Health Bill (and partisan politics), what I got for Christmas, the new SB Android app, job hunting tips and much more during this 2 hour segment.

On a personal note, I offer my sincere appreciation to the thousands of listeners who helped to make 2010 a great year for Stimulated Boredom...and as the show enters its 6th year, I am looking forward to an even better 2011!

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This week we have a GREAT program for you! I am joined by Patrick as we talk about everything from arsenic-based aliens, the Wikileaks "scandal", Net Neutrality and a whole host of other subjects discussed between two good friends having an entertaining (and informative) conversation for all to hear.

I hope that you enjoy this over 2 hour segment as much as we enjoyed recording it, it's chock full of all kinds of boredom stimulating goodness. :)

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Recently there has been a lot of discussion of the new TSA body scanners & pat-down security checks at airports and whether they are a violation of privacy. I recently encountered these new measures on a trip to Chicago.

I discuss the reactionary nature of our airport security and how we always seem to be behind the curve. Additionally I discuss a few measures that I feel would be more effective than continually adjusting our security based upon PAST threats and trying to anticipate FUTURE threats.

The show is rounded out with some general current events & political discussion as well. www.stimulatedboredom.com

Sorry folks, a little discombobulated this week as I attempted to record the show while medicated and recovering from recent travel and being sick.

However, like a doped up soldier, I still managed to trudge through a couple of hours discussing my time at, "The Rally to Restore Sanity" and the results of the Midterm Election for your entertainment. This week I am joined by a fuzzy brain, unicorns and a pink llama...but that might be the meds talking.

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Prompted by current events (aka: the Delaware debates), this segment delves into the Separation of Church & State clause within the 1st Amendment...and Christine O'Donnell's lack of knowledge about either.

I also discuss NPR's firing of Juan Williams for his recent comments and whether it was a 1st Amendment issue (as claimed) or the right thing for NPR to do. Plus the teaching of Creationism Vs Evolution in public schools and more! www.stimulatedboredom.com