Best comment, which I heartily endorse: “I was there in ’86, I will be there in ’26.”
Category: Geekitude
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For some reason, these memes amuse the heck out of me. And they’ve been on my mind for some reason. So, I found a bunch.
Monday Links Time
It’s time once again for my sporadic Monday Links. One serious link, but the rest are more in the interesting side. And I’m ending with a video on the upcoming summer anime season.
First the serious one…
If you want a reason why I hate Greenpeace and the anti-GMO crowd, here’s a good example. Study showing that blocking the implementation of golden rice has cost the lives of 100,000 kids, with maybe another quarter million going blind. This was something that was going to be provided at no cost to the local farmers with no need to do any capital investments. It was simply an act of benevolence blocked by the anti-GMO bastards.
Now, that we’ve got the vitriol out…
A smart panel startup thinks there’s an alternative or complement to large data centers – use the spare electricity and internet capacity in private homes. Essentially, pay people to use their homes as distributed nodes. Our local electrician was talking to me about it as his company is looking to become certified. I will admit that I’m intrigued by what he told me. And I like market solutions to problems.
The Brother found this article on an extinct bird that once roamed Florida a few million years ago. It was five feet tall and looked like it could tear through the smaller fauna. And we joke that the sandhill cranes are pterodactyls.
The Brother also sent me this little web game to show you how good or bad you are estimating. Best to play it on something with an actual mouse rather than a touchscreen.
And finally, a video with all of the anime coming for Summer of 2026. There are a couple of second seasons that I’m waiting for and a couple of more that spiked my intrigue mark to put them higher on my “anime to watch” queue.
Video Collection
A trio of videos that came across my transom and felt the need to share.
First, Hasbro is continuing their marketing push for the 40th anniversary of Transformers: The Movie with a revamped soundtrack. And they released the updated version of “The Touch.” Honestly, it’s not bad, but I prefer the original.
Second is a very funny song for my D&D/Pathfinder friends.
You have that friend that’s gone on to do some very nifty things? Yeah, Ben McSweeney is that friend for me. Here’s a good talk with Ben and his boss, Brandon Sanderson.
Derek’s Mildly Useful Reviews – The Mandalorian and Grogu
Last weekend, The Wife, BIL, and me went to go see the new Star Wars film. Of course, there was the slew of social media posts about how bad this Star Wars film was going to be, yadda, yadda, yadda.
The TLDR is that I enjoyed myself. It was definitely a damn good action flick with decent fight choreography with comedy interspersed to relieve the tension. Plenty of Easter eggs for those of us who have followed the movies and television series. I’m sure there were some that even slipped past me.
It really felt like the Disney folks took the next season of The Mandalorian and condensed it down to 140 minutes. Which meant certain parts felt draggy where if we had full episodes, it would be more satisfying.
I will admit that I am not a great movie critic, but I know what I like. And I liked The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Some Videos That Caught My Attention
The serious one…
The “Wow, It’s Been 15 Years” One…
The “Algorithm Knows Too Much” One…
The “Hey Sweetie, Let Me Introduce You To The Fat Electrician” One….
Damn You Tomy. Just Take My Money.
Last fall, I found out that Takara Tomy was releasing a “re-imagined” version of the Legioss fighter from Genesis Climber Mospeada – which was one of the series that made up Robotech. The Legioss was renamed the Alpha fighter in Robotech, and I was always partial to it. The re-imagined one is pretty close to the original with enough updates to make it look like the next version.
Then, they came out with an ELINT version. Which I’ve always liked the veritechs converted to ELINT versions.
The Wife and I discussed, and we agreed that I could order the ELINT. So, I went to my dealer of choice and found out they just released a heavy weapons version. Yeah, The Wife encouraged me to get both. So, this fall should be interesting.
Forty-Year Apology Tour
There are times when a company misreads their customer base and make a horrible mistake.
After forty years, Hasbro is acknowledging the trauma inflicted on to a generation with their Transformers: The Movie.
I will admit that I have a small amount of want for their Matrix of Leadership collectible. I just have a better use for $140.
These Videos Amused Me
The algorithm fed me up a couple of videos from Metal Ball Studios.
State of the Podcasts 2026
Previous posts:
This is the eighth year I’ve reviewed which podcasts I listen to, how I listen to them, and when I listen to them. Part of it’s my own curiosity at how my podcast habits change. I’m also curious what others think about the same podcasts and which podcasts come and go.
I listen to my podcasts in Overcast. I prefer Overcast because the app deletes podcasts I’ve listened to, plus it has a smart speed feature which will speed up if it hears dead air. Generally, I listen to my podcasts at 2X speed.
The Podcasts
Active Self Protection Podcast – I listen to build up my “scenario card file” for self-defense. I generally don’t listen to the episode with Steve Gutowski because he covers much of the same topics on his own podcast.
Advisory Opinions – This one helps me understand how the law “thinks” and why it sometimes is at odds with what people think it should think. It’s helped me gain perspective on why things happen the way the do when it comes to the courts.
Alienating the Audience – Andrew Heaton goes into aspects of science-fiction with authors and his friends. This one makes me think and introduces me to new sci-fi properties.
Angry Planet – Another of my “opposing view” podcasts with a focus on conflict in the modern world.
Assorted Calibers Podcast – Weer’d Beard and Erin Pallette are the real reason I listen to this, but the other segments are generally surprisingly good. I’m also a patron, and listen to the Mag Dump round tables, Film Tracks, and Blooper Reels (which are hysterically funny).
Bound By Oath – This is another legal podcast, but dives into a specific subject throughout a season.
The Bradenton Times Podcast – This is one I use to get to know what’s going on in my local community. And as much as I disagree with the host, at least he makes me think and re-evaluate my stances. I will admit to fast forwarding when they start talking national politics. It’s not what I listen to them for.
Chambers, Changes, & Conversations – The official podcast of Manatee County government, which is why I listen to it. I want to know what the government wants me to hear about what they’re doing. I’ve learned a lot about some of the workings of the county government and other entities.
The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast – I will always listen to Charlie Cooke, and he brings in some very interesting guests to talk over their books.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – This podcast is a master craft in how to tell history in an exciting and entertaining way. It’s probably better to treat the arcs as audiobooks and just listen to them all at once to get the width and breadth of the story. This updates very infrequently.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum – A companion to the Hardcore History podcast where Dan Carlin does segments outside his normal narrative style. Often very informative.
The Dispatch Podcast – Roundtables with Dispatch writers, editors, and contributors to discuss the issues of the day.
Econtalk– This is one of those podcasts that discuss a wide range of topics – almost always interesting.
The Editors – Editors from National Review discussing the issues of the day. Part of my keeping an idea of the conservative side of the issues of the day.
Fall of Civilizations Podcast – This is a good companion to Hardcore History in its story-telling style. Not that they cover the same things, but this one does an excellent job in showing the decline and fall of various civilizations from every level.
FBI Case File Review – This has been very useful in dispelling some misconceptions about how the FBI works. Plus, many of the cases are very compelling and excellent for storytelling.
The Fifth Column – This is an excellent roundup focusing on the issues of the day and how the media reports them. They also bring on guests who will disagree with them and have excellent discussions.
The Handgun Radio Show – Delving more into the history and technological aspects of guns – mostly handguns. Also, just fun musings on different aspects of guns. Sometimes they bring on interesting guests.
Honestly – Sometimes this one is interviews, and sometimes Bari brings on several guests for a panel to discuss an issue. This is also one where opposing views are a common and welcome feature. Currently on hiatus.
Honoverse Today – The three hosts analyze the Honor Harrington books in publication order. The nifty catch is that two of them are brand new to the series, while the third is a fan who has read the series multiple times. It’s interesting to hear the different items they pick out from the books. Plus, David Weber makes an occasional appearance.
How The World Works – Kevin Williamson is another person I always enjoy listening to, and his podcast focusing on the work people do is excellent. Mainly, a lot of intellectuals, but he’s been doing a good job bringing on other occupations.
Left, Right, & Center – I generally like the format of the show, particularly as the hosts debate, but are not confrontational. I’ve heard many folks whose opinions I completely oppose but wouldn’t mind having the discussion.
The Michael Shermer Show – Very thought-provoking conversations as Dr. Shermer interviews scientists, scholars, and other intellectuals – generally on their new books.
The Pack Podcast – This discusses the Mercy Thompson-universe of books, which The Wife and I highly enjoy.
The Political Orphanage – Andrew Heaton interviews a variety of individuals to discuss issues that aren’t normally covered by other podcasts. And sometimes he does deep dives into subjects that I just don’t get other places. Then he does musicals based on those deep dives, which is amusing.
Politics Politics Politics – This is essentially an ESPN-style podcast for politics. Not calling whose position is wrong or right, but what makes sense politically. I find it intriguing for the sausage-making side of politics.
The Reason Roundtable – The Reason crew discusses the issues of the day from their unique libertarian point of view.
The Remnant With Jonah Goldberg – This is mostly another interview show with mostly interesting guests. Jonah also does a weekly solo rant on the issues of the day.
The Rest Is History – I’ve learned quite a bit of new historical tidbits. Plus, I have a lot of other podcasts that reference this one, so it helps to keep in the conversation.
The Rewatchables – Variety panel of guests discussing a movie that is considered highly rewatchable. Depending on what movie they’re reviewing, if it’s one I haven’t seen, I’ll delete it. The categories are neat, but sometimes I get lost when they make sports references.
Tactical Tangents – I picked this one up originally because it has some excellent breakdowns of historical gunfights and mass shootings. It’s mostly geared to the professional, but the regular person can pick up some really good info. I tend to delete if it’s too “service focused” and less stuff I can use as a civilian or writer.
Tracer Burnout – This has been a good podcast for me to learn small details that make up service in the American military.
Urban Warfare Project – I picked this one up after hearing the host discuss the Gaza War. I found some interesting points to consider about the unique nature of urban warfare.
We’re Not Wrong – This is another one of those I listen to because the hosts bring different views than my normal feeds and challenge my ideas.
The Weekly Reload Podcast – The audio companion to The Reload newsletter. The host interviews a wide variety of pro-gun and anti-gun guests, or those who just have something important to add to the world around guns.
Wells Said – This is the podcast from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve learned about some interesting local programs and initiatives from the MCSO to deal with crime and welfare.
What the Hell Is Going On – This is another one of those that keep me apprised of the what’s going on in conservative world. Or more to point, what are some of the talking points and issues high on the minds of the conservatives.
Words & Numbers – An economist and a political scientist discuss different aspects of economics from a libertarian perspective. Sometimes dipping into issues of the day.
Writer Dojo – This one has helped me with the art of writing. If I ever decide to actually get my stories published, I’ll probably go back through those episodes on the business of writing.