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

Week of: Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2011

I was away the last couple of weeks due to some travel (sorry about that), however I am back and I brought reinforcements! This week I am joined by listener favorite, Patrick, as we discuss the week in politics and news.

First, the college football season is almost upon us, so you'll have to forgive our indulgence in starting the show off by discussing our Alma Mater's #5 Preseason ranking and how we see the season shaping up for our beloved 'Noles. However, we quickly segue into the result of the cantankerous debt ceiling debate and our (strong) opinions of the behavior of both sides of the isle. Did Obama fold? Was the Tea Party to blame for bringing it down to the wire? Will we ever see an end to the partisanship in favor of doing what's best for the country (and not party)? Is the combative nature of both parties going to blow up in their faces as the public grows weary of Congress's behavior and inability to work together?

Consider this segment "Part 2" of the "Raise the Roof" segment I recently did that provided all of the information you needed to know about the debt ceiling debate, and as a follow up discussion of the results. We break down the spin, common myths and talking points relating to the issue...most of which you have undoubtedly seen posted by your friends (of either political persuasion) on Facebook and Twitter.

We then transition into the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and how it will affect markets and the economy. After being dropped from our AAA rating, despite the last minute agreement to raise the debt ceiling, essentially making all of the childish behavior of Congress over the last few months a moot point.

So much was discussed during this segment, that it is hard for me to sum everything up...so sit back and take a listen and we'll take care of the rest.

Enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

I have avoided the (infuriating) subject long enough; therefore in this week's show I discuss everything you need to know about the current debt ceiling debate: What is the debt ceiling? How much is it and how often has it been raised? What happens if we default? What are the issues under debate and why aren't the two parties in agreement? Is China our new Daddy?

The intention of this week's show is to help listeners better understand the complexity of the issue, so I took considerable time researching and organizing the information and eventually came up with a series of questions (and answers) that I felt best addressed the debate. This also includes the different proposals being advanced (their pros, cons and chance of passage) and of course, the politics and posturing surrounding it.

Due to the importance of the issue, this segment is almost 100% dedicated to educating, informing and providing understanding to listeners, with the intention of giving you the knowledge you need to formulate your own opinions...but it wouldn't be a Stimulated Boredom show if the discussion was not heavily laced with my own opinion (big surprise). ;)

I sincerely hope that this well-rounded discussion covers all of the aspects of the debt ceiling debate that you were hoping to learn about, if not, always feel free to write the show and I will be happy to address your questions and comments in a future program.

As always, enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

With the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (30 years after the first shuttle launch of Columbia in 1981), so ends a chapter in U.S. space exploration and travel, as the shuttle fleet is officially retired.

This week I wanted to take some time to discuss the history of the shuttle program, from its beginnings (as an idea) in the late 60's...all the way up to it's conclusion in 2011.

What was the program initially intended to do? What were some of the early designs? How long were the shuttles intended to last? What obstacles did NASA face in its development? And of course, what tragedies had befallen the program over the years? This discussion primarily centers on the beginnings of the program and how it got started...moving from the Mercury and Apollo capsules, to the vehicle that many of us have associated with U.S. space travel for 30 years and was the only one of its kind in the world.

As a young boy - I was 6 at the time of the first launch - I marveled at the Space Shuttle and the possibilities that it seemed to present...igniting my interest in science, space and understanding the universe. I used to stare at the shuttle poster on my wall and build models of it; my interest never waning as it has for many over the years.

So this week's show is dedicated to my fellow "space nerds" and the iconic shuttle fleet, as I lament its retirement and the fact that we do not currently have a new program to takes its place...yet.

Enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

In this special mid-week show, I wanted to provide some much deserved exposure to the first-ever podcast from the talented ladies at Girls-Gone-Geek.com.

Listeners of Stimulated Boredom are undoubtedly familiar with the popular guest appearances of G3 co-creator, Vanessa G on the show. Her partner-in-crime, E. Peterman, was also recently a contributing writer for StimulatedBoredom.com when she reviewed, "X-Men: First Class."

As a producer of original content myself, I have a lot of love, respect and admiration for those who are passionate about something and who take that commitment to the airwaves and/or web. I have been friends with both Vanessa and Erika for a while now, enjoy their site and thought it would be fun to give their first (and great!) attempt at a podcast some exposure to the SB listeners from around the World. In my opinion, it's about time they put one together. :)

I recorded a brief intro for the benefit of my listeners...however, to those who are visiting StimulatedBoredom.com for the first time from the G3 website (welcome!) and you can stream or download this podcast from all of the available SB channels, as I wanted to make it easier for Erika and Vanessa to have their first show heard. Enjoy!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

Week of: July 7 - July 11, 2011 (Original Air Date - July 2008)

Due to the 'Fourth of July' holiday, I decided to bust out an older segment (with an updated intro) that I had recorded back in July of 2008, in which I did a historical discussion of the "Declaration of Independence" and the causes | reasons leading up to our desire to separate from England to form a new nation.

I'm not sure if playing an older segment makes me extremely lazy or extremely efficient (I prefer the latter), but seeing how our history as a new nation does not change, the information and discussion is just as relevant today as it was 3 years ago...without me having to record it a second time. ;)

Also, seeing how this segment from the archives is no longer available on-demand, it will be the first time hearing it for any listeners who have discovered the show in the last few years.

So, to commemorate our Independence Day, I hope that you enjoy this robust historical discussion on the subject...enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

Week of: June 20 - June 27, 2011

Don't worry, you didn't accidentally stumble into the Anti-PETA | NAMBLA Podcast, as always the title of the show will make sense once you listen to the segment.

This week I primarily cover the Republican Debate in New Hampshire, of which was the first debate in which presumptive front-runner - Mitt Romney - attended.

Who came out ahead? Who hurt / helped themselves? What exchanges, questions and responses stood out? Who has the best chance of being (realistically) competitive against President Obama in the 2012 Election? Was it simply an Obama-Bash-Fest or did any of the candidates actually have detailed and substantive ideas / solutions? Has anyone presented themselves as a viable alternative to Romney...and what about the attempted recruitment of Perry, Christie or Ryan and how does this discontentment with the current field affect the GOP's chances?

I provide my opinion (as always) on all of these questions and more, as I continue to dissect the Republican field of candidates and what I foresee in the coming year's primaries. This discussion is an extension of last week's program ("Have You Seen My Wiener?"), now that the candidates have had an opportunity to "debate" their differences.

As a reminder, I will be off during next week's show (for June 27 - July 4), as I will be out of town in Dallas.

As always, enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

Week of: June 13 - June 20, 2011

Are you surprised? Of course not, that is why the first topic of discussion this week revolves around "Wiener-Gate." As more women come forward with inappropriate images of Rep. Weiner's...ahem, wiener...in addition to racy emails & messages, I spend a little time not necessarily covering the events of the past two weeks, but more about my reasons for why he should step down. This includes my criticism of liberal blogs and pundits who use examples of Republican scandals as some form of justification for absolving Rep. Weiner of wrongdoing and - therefore - why he should stay.

While we're at it, let's throw in some Republican political hypocrisy as it relates to their contradictory reaction to Rep. Weiner's actions in juxtaposition to their reaction to GOP sex scandals. I'm nothing, if not an equal opportunity offender. :)

The conversation transitions into my own personal politics, as I think it is very helpful in providing important context to the political opinions you hear on the show each week.

The remainder of the show includes some in-depth analysis (and personal opinion) of the 2012 election and the pros and cons of the current Republican field of candidates...one of the weakest I have seen in a long time, however there are a couple candidates that I feel can be competitive and I explain why.

Included: Why are Romney and Huntsman skipping the Iowa primary and what is the strategy? What does this mean for the more socially conservative candidates hoping a win in Iowa will catapult them into front-runner status in New Hampshire? Newt Gingrich's campaign manager and senior staff quit...why and what does that mean for his campaign? Who really has a shot? What about candidates being recruited to run, like Perry, Christie and Paul...how does that diminish the GOP's chances? And a lot more that you will not want to miss as we get closer to election season.

Lastly, what can I say about Sarah Palin? Listening to her discuss American history, reminds me of when Thomas Jefferson fought for Civil Rights during WWII, before FDR landed on the moon, in order to prevent Attila the Hun from taking away our guns. You didn't really think I would let her comments and historical (mis)understanding about what the Statue of Liberty represents and Paul Revere's bell-clanging-rootin'-tootin'-shootin' ride to warn the British slip by without notice, did 'ya?

This segment is not to be missed!

www.stimulatedboredom.com

You know those epic conversations that you have with a friend over a few glasses of , wherein you exchange ideas, opinions and personal stories about a particular subject? This week I invite you to be a fly on the wall during one of those chats, as the show is joined by guest host & listener favorite, Vanessa G of Girls-Gone-Geek.com. As is the case with all of Vanessa's appearances, the discussion is an entertaining and interesting blend of silly, sarcastic, serious and thought-provoking. :)

The topic of conversation was on the issue of consumerism and its effect on society, the environment and personal identity...a subject (remarkably) I had never really covered in over 6 years of doing the program and one that encompasses a HUGE scope of interesting issues to consider.

The purpose of the conversation was not to come to any kind of solution or resolution - nor is it meant as a repudiation of capitalism or a consumer based society - but rather an attempt to bring awareness to how much we consume and how often people define themselves (and the perception that others have of us), by what we buy, drive, desire to own or even eat.

The conversation transitions between such issues as marketing to children, planned & perceived obsolescence, consumer confidence (and its effect on the economy), supply & demand, "buying" a lifestyle and environmental impact.

I know it sounds "heavy-handed", but the discussion is as accessible (and I would imagine, identical) to the same conversation you might have with friends or family. We had a blast diving into this topic and I think you will come away with a ton of opinions and information to consider for yourselves, as well as being entertained along the way.

Finally, we round out the show on a lighter (and geekier) note with Vanessa's area of expertise and passion - comic books! For those in the "know", DC Comics announced some pretty big news that is intended to attract a whole new audience to its stable of superheroes and characters, while at the same time continue to be true to its lifelong collectors and fans. We discuss the announcement and what it will mean to the industry, along with new and old fans alike.

www.stimulatedboredom.com

For the second segment of this week's show I will be playing my friend Jon's music podcast, "Listen Hear...Thank Me Later", in which he was gracious enough (aka: I blackmailed him) to invite on as a guest.

As is the format of Jon's show, each week he introduces 3 bands / 3 songs per artist that he thinks people should be listening to. This week he covered a couple of my own personal favorites, so asked me to join in to share in creating the magic. ;)

This week's artists: Mansions, Two Door Cinema Club and Silversun Pickups.

Also, be sure to stick around at the end of the show for, "On Second Thought", an assortment of other "honorable mention" tracks from this week's featured artists.

You can also find Listen Hear on Twitter (@listenhr) or email [email protected]

www.stimulatedboredom.com

I'm trying to get this week's show up before the Rapture begins, as it may be the last time that some of you ever hear my voice again. But for the rest of you, I am certain that I will be left behind to record again, so you can continue to get your boredom stimulated during the apocalypse. :)

I’m not going to lie, due to an extremely busy week and lack of sleep, I felt a little discombobulated and off my “game” this week as I discussed and recounted some of the week’s news, but hopefully it doesn’t sound that way!

Anyway, this week’s show is a combination of news, politics, updates on previous discussions and I finally round out the segment with the newest game I have been playing and my impressions of, “L.A. Noire.”

As always, thanks for listening, I hope that you enjoy the show!

www.stimulatedboredom.com