Boozed and Confused

Commercial aviation is considered one of the safest means of transportation because of its strict regulatory bodies and practices. But what happens when one of the most crucial elements of airplane safety, the parts, is self-regulated? This week, Matt and Carolanne discuss how an entrepreneur named Zamora was able to sell fraudulent airplane parts to major US carriers for five years before being caught.  Our LinkTree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Some white wine, who knows Sources https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-10-11/fake-parts-found-on-boeing-airbus-jets-plague-airlines

Cults have existed for thousands of years; cults like Scientology have made headlines due to their large audience and astounding wealth, but there are even more cults that have preyed upon countless individuals. Join Carolanne and Matt as they take a look into the crazy world of cults that actually still (sort of) exist.   Our LinkTree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Lagunitas Maximus and Lagunitas Island Beats Sources https://listverse.com/2023/04/23/10-forgotten-dangerous-cults-that-are-still-active/ https://boozedandconfused.podbean.com/e/episode-9-cults-from-foot-fetishes-to-ufos/ https://boozedandconfused.podbean.com/e/episode-14-nxivm-inside-the-cult/

On April 15, 1989, The Hillsborough Disaster tragically claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans during an FA cup semi-final; a human crush resulted from years of negligence and careless acts from local police, leading to decades of finger-pointing and cover-ups.  This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the police cover-up that followed the largest loss of life in British sporting history. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Water Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-19543964 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/oct/17/hillsborough-disaster-legacy-lies https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36138337 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_disaster https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-57356486 https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-47697569 https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/04/south-yorkshire-police-agree-payouts-for-hillsborough-cover-up  

These days you can buy almost anything to show proof or record of.. anything you'd need. You can buy fake COVID vaccine cards,  fake college diplomas to say you graduated top of your class from business school, or even fake diplomas saying you went to nursing school. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the fake nursing degree scandal that's led to thousands of fake nurses working.. maybe in a hospital near you. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Josh White Wine (or something, I don't know) and Revolution's Anti-Hero Sources:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmawhitford/2023/02/21/how-thousands-of-nurses-got-licensed-with-fake-degrees/?sh=3d097c2f5c6d https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/fraudulent-nursing-diploma-scheme-leads-federal-charges-against-25-defendants https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fake-nursing-diplomas-issued-florida-alleged-wire-fraud-scheme-justice-department/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/us/florida-nursing-diploma-scam.html

States like Arkansas rolled back child labor laws in order to “lessen the burden” on children trying to work. While this is drawing a lot of criticism, there's a more sinister story that's been hiding. This week, Matt and Carolanne discuss the NYT report that uncovered that there are hundreds of migrant children in the U.S. are working long hours and in dangerous jobs. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Makers Mark and Voodoo Ranger IPA Sources:  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html   https://www.npr.org/2023/03/05/1161192379/hundreds-of-migrant-children-work-long-hours-in-jobs-that-violate-child-labor-la

It's a bird.. It's a plane.. It's.. just a piece of space junk? The Black Knight satellite theory has been debated for years - is it the work of ancient aliens 13,000 years ago? Or just some space junk? This week, Matt and Carolanne discuss the Black Knight satellite.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Voodoo Ranger IPA Sources:  https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/satellites/a34981277/black-knight-satellite-conspiracy-theory/ https://www.space.com/what-is-the-black-knight.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Knight_satellite_conspiracy_theory

George Santos has been in the news more times than we can count with each headline seemingly discovering one more new lie from the Representative from New York. This week, Matt and Carolanne ask.. am I George Santos?  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Voodoo Ranger, Imperial IPA and IPA Sources: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/02/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html

On February 3rd 2023, a Norfolk Southern train with 20 cars carrying hazardous materials crashed in East Palestine, Ohio. The hazardous materials, like vinyl chloride, are potentially creating a toxic wasteland that's killing livestock, wildlife, and pets in areas more than 10 miles from the crash site – all while officials deem the area “safe”. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the potential environmental disaster cover up in the making in Ohio.   Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Red Wine & Smithwicks Sources: https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-ohio-evacuations-fires-5d399dc745f51ef746e22828083d8591 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/east-palestine-ohio-residents-return-home-after-toxic-chemical-train-derailment/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/02/07/ohio-train-derailment-toxic-impacts/ https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/train-derails-flames-ohio-causes-half-town-evacuate/story?id=96892580 https://www.fastcompany.com/90848025/ohio-train-derailment-toxic-chemicals-pvc-spill-fire-disaster https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/read-this-norfolk-southern-lobbied-against-safety-regulations-before-ohio-crash/ar-AA17jegs https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/norfolk-southern-reports-q4-and-full-year-2022-results-301730030.html https://old.reddit.com/r/CrazyFuckingVideos/comments/112hi99/woman_who_lives_10_miles_away_from_east_palestine/ https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/residents-ohio-train-derailment-report-dead-fish-chickens-rcna70378 https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/east-palestine-train-derailment/east-palestine-fire-department-forced-to-get-new-gear/

This past week Americans were brought together by something taking the internet by storm. It wasn't a blue or gold dress or Laurel and Yanny; it was a Chinese spy balloon making its way across the states for its US tour. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they talk through the insane events of the Chinese spy balloon.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Sierra Nevada Atomic Torpedo & Smithwicks Sources: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/05/timeline-a-chinese-spy-balloons-7-day-trip-across-the-united-states-00081222

In the heart of the United States of America, an alarming network of Nazi-idealizing homeschoolers has popped up– or should we say, been discovered. “Educational” curriculum has been built and passed around to other Nazi-loving families looking to indoctrinate their children in the hateful and divisive lesson plans. Join Carolanne and Matt and buckle up.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Revolution's Deth's Tar and Soul Hero Sources: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/ohio-officials-condemn-nazi-homeschooling-group-that-has-thousands-of-members-huffpost-vice-logan-katja-lawrence-racism-racist-dissident   https://www.vice.com/en/article/z34ane/neo-nazi-homeschool-ohio   https://www.huffpost.com/entry/home-school-nazis-telegram-dissident-saxon_n_63d596c4e4b01a43638e6a0a

The USDA announced they'd finally start cracking down on organic food fraud and weeding out producers that misrepresent their product as “organic” for a higher profit. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about why these loopholes exist, how fraudsters have made millions in profit before getting caught, and what this means for your grocery shopping.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Goose Island Christmas IPA and Guinness Sources: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/07/22/understanding-usda-organic-label https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means https://apnews.com/article/health-us-department-of-agriculture-business-fraud-0f8e2de267f98caf214b8984b6fe098e https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usda-organic-food-regulation/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/04/07/pesticides-fruits-vegetables-dirty-dozen/9470237002/ https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/15/the-great-organic-food-fraud https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2020/02/18/south-dakota-man-indicted-71-million-organics-fraud/4801207002/ https://www.aberdeennews.com/story/news/local/2022/09/02/fraud-and-weak-usda-oversight-chip-away-integrity-organic-food-industry/10352109002/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/organic-label-pineapple-investigation-costa-rica/ https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/05/organic-food-false-labeling/

The Kennedy family is often referred to as "America's Royal Family", complete with their own stories of deaths, murders, infidelity, and cover-ups. But one tragic part of the Kennedy family history didn't come to light until nearly 50 years after the fact: the lobotomization of Rosemary, JFK's sister. This week, Matt and Carolanne dive into the story of Rosemary Kennedy.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Dirty Martini (Micil Distillery) and Smithwicks Sources: https://allthatsinteresting.com/kennedy-family-facts https://www.kqed.org/pop/22432/rosemary-kennedy-the-tragic-story-of-why-jfks-sister-disappeared-from-public-view https://blogs.uoregon.edu/autismhistoryproject/people/rosemary-kennedy/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Kennedy

Goodbye 2022, hello Sunday Scaries of 2023. Join Matt and Carolanne this week to talk about the... less than desirable predictions from Baba Vanga and Nostradamus for 2023.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Guinness and Smithwicks Sources: https://www.history.co.uk/articles/baba-vanga-predictions-2023 https://www.history.co.uk/articles/nostradamus-predicts-whats-in-store-for-2023 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/world-news/baba-vangas-grim-2023-predictions-25872175 https://nypost.com/article/nostradamus-predictions-2023/ https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/changes-earths-orbit-may-have-triggered-ancient-warming-event/

We all know the ghosts who visited Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, but what are some of the real stories behind what goes bump in the night around Christmas? Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they share the "real" ghost stories of Christmas.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' and Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA Sources: https://www.ranker.com/list/christmas-ghost-stories/kellie-kreiss?ref=browse_list

If you've seen your friends posting quirky images from AI powered app Lensa over the past month, you're not alone. Lensa's popularity has skyrocketed this year but red flags are waving. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk to you about the controversial AI art program Lensa and why you should stay far away.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Guinness Sources:  https://www.businessinsider.com/lensa-app-review-turn-selfies-digital-art-ai-technology-photos-2022-12 https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseyweekman/ai-art-app-lensa-instagram-photo-trend-problems https://jezebel.com/trendy-portrait-app-lensa-is-accused-of-creating-noncon-1849870304 https://www.wired.com/story/lensa-artificial-intelligence-csem/ https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/06/lensa-goes-nsfw/

Conspiracies, politics, COVID lockdowns, and protests, oh my! This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the happenings in China's headlines over the last few months that have led to unprecedented protests throughout the country.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Goose Island's Christmas IPA and Paulaner Hefe-Weizen Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertolsen/2022/10/23/chinas-leader-xi-jinping-secures-third-term-as-his-rivals-fall-away/?sh=4ce2c3831a20 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-22/former-chinese-leader-hu-abruptly-leaves-xi-s-side-at-congress?sref=r8IFvtn0 https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/yg2lke/new_footage_emerges_of_former_chinese_leader_hu/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-COVID#China https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62830326 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62804213 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/29/business/china-protests-covid-jobs.html https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62830775 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxconn_suicides https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longhua_Science_and_Technology_Park https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/29/world/asia/china-protests-demands.html https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/25/world/asia/china-fire.html https://www.npr.org/2022/11/29/1139640449/morning-news-brief https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/24/business/foxconn-offer-protests-china-covid-intl-hnk https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2022/china-lockdown-protests-covid-videos-photos/

The Qatar 2022 World Cup has been rife with controversy since the winning bid in 2010. Corruption, human rights violations, and FIFA's lost control are just some of the topics Matt and Carolanne cover in today's episode.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Rogue Brewing Batsquatch + whisky  Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_bin_Hammam https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27652181#:~:text=In%20March%202014%2C%20the%20Daily,host%20the%202022%20World%20Cup. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Qatar#Football https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup_hosts#2018_and_2022_FIFA_World_Cups https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/02/411485116/amid-bribery-scandal-fifa-president-sepp-blatter-will-resign https://www.npr.org/2022/11/08/1135102137/sepp-blatter-qatar-world-cup-mistake-fifa-sarkozy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies#Corruption_controversies https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2022/11/20/qatar-2022-world-cup-still-entangled-in-record-levels-of-inclusivity-controversy/?sh=5f19a75a7552 https://www.vox.com/world/23450515/world-cup-fifa-qatar-2022-controversy-scandals-explained https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022 https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/21/lgbt-groups-condemn-fifa-over-onelove-armband-sanctions-threat https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-22/fifa-world-cup-qatar-rainbow-clothing-one-love-armband/101681732 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/the-world-cup-is-officially-underway-in-qatar-heres-why-its-so-controversial https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/sports/soccer/world-cup-beer-qatar.html

Did aliens have anything to do with 9/11? How do you gain the trust of your friends in the CIA? Were space aliens at the forefront of the JFK assassination? What do Donald Trump, Peter Francis Geraci, and Mothman have in common? Find out this week when Matt and Carolanne throw these keywords into an AI blog writing tool and see what comes out.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: New Belgium Trippel Sources:  heyfriday.ai PFG reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t04WLPyLkU

These days, everyone's got a ghost story. This week, Matt and Carolanne share personal ghost stories and talk through 12 convincing "real-life" hauntings ranging from the 1800s to modern times to figure out... are they real or simply bull****?  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Deschutes Hazy IPA (for the love of god we need something else) Sources:  https://www.ranker.com/list/the-12-most-convincing-real-life-ghost-stories/wavy-gravey

Dearest Podcast Listener. Netflix threw out another banger of a show; The Watcher recently premiered and is based on a chilling true story. Three days after Derek and Maria Broaddus closed on their Westfield, New Jersey home, they received a horrifying letter signed from someone named "The Watcher". Over the nearly five years they owned the home, they would continue to get letters that terrorized the family and escalated to threats. To this day, The Watcher was never identified. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they discuss... who is The Watcher?  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Deschutes Hazy IPA Sources: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a41723791/the-watcher-657-boulevard-house-now/ https://www.marieclaire.com.au/the-watcher-real-letters https://time.com/6221960/the-watcher-true-story-netflix/ https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/gdlzlg/my_theory_of_the_westfield_watcher/ https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/cnzhff/the_watcher_house_update/

We've made it to 100 episodes! And somehow ... you're still here? We're still here? This week, Matt and Carolanne look back at the last two years, share favorite episodes and moments, and delve into Boozed and Confused psychic visions.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Deschutes IPAs

The 1999 movie blockbuster, The Matrix, showed us a world that isn't really a world at all. SPOILERS ALERT (It's been over 20 years–  your loss) It turns out, the world we know is a simulation and robots run reality and use us as fodder. It's great science fiction, but modern thinkers have wondered… are we ourselves living in the true reality, or are we just computer-generated NPCs? Join Matt and Carolanne as they try and figure out if we're real or living in a video game.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Deschutes IPAs Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation_hypothesis  https://www.simulation-argument.com/simulation  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-we-live-in-a-simulation-chances-are-about-50-50/

We all know and love the 1977 horror novel The Shining, written by Stephen King, later made into a movie in 1980 by Stanley Kubrick. Stephen King is a horror genre genius, but where did his inspiration for The Shining come from? This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the haunts of the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for The Shining.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Kirkland Sangria Sources: https://www.eptrail.com/2014/03/10/stanley-hotel-ghost-story-supported-by-evidence-of-room-217-event/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stanley_Hotel#History https://nightlyspirits.com/stanley-hotel-ghost-stories/ https://www.stanleyhotel.com/about.html https://www.uncovercolorado.com/stanley-hotel-haunted-history/

We've all thought about our doomsday plans, right? If you're an average person, maybe it's holing up on a farm or bunkering down at home. But what are the doomsday plans for society's elite? Meet the elite doomsday preppers and hear their plans for surviving the end of modern times.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Cryo Stash and Anti-Hero Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivalism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_upper_class https://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-doomsday-preppers-new-zealand-2020-3#there-are-subreddits-and-facebook-groups-devoted-to-the-community-and-its-perforated-pop-culture-in-recent-years-with-tv-programs-like-national-geographic-channels-doomsday-preppers-series-that-kicked-off-in-2012-3 https://dianecapri.com/2020/04/luxury-preppers/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7g3jv/escape-fantasies-of-the-tech-billionaires https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/sep/04/super-rich-prepper-bunkers-apocalypse-survival-richest-rushkoff

We've all heard of the Bermuda Triangle– the region of the Atlantic Ocean that has claimed dozens upon dozens of planes and ships. But have you heard of the 11 other locations dubbed “The Twelve Devil's Graveyards?” Join Matt and Carolanne as they explore the bizarre and unknown corners of the globe that keep us wondering, “what the hell is going on over there?” Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: High West Whiskey  Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_T._Sanderson http://cbattle.com/the-twelve-devils-graveyards-around-the-world/ https://historydaily.org/the-vile-vortices-of-ivan-t.-sanderson/2 (map!) https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1am8bXXZq97DuKPn-Xki-F7plsQI&ll=-7.798078398380256%2C-38.49609375&z=2

There's no shortage of alien abductions in our media, whether it's in the form of "Hollywood hooey" like The Fourth Kind or stories from abductees like Betty and Barney Hill. Oftentimes in these abductions, the abductees are left confused and trying to piece broken memories together. This week, Matt and Carolanne cover 10 signs you may have been abducted by aliens.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Water. Gotta hydrate to stay great.  Sources: https://listverse.com/2022/05/24/10-signs-you-might-have-already-been-abducted-by-aliens/

Warren Jeffs's name has only been in the national news since the 2000s (helped by recent documentary Keep Sweet) but his involvement in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has spanned decades. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the man with more than 60 kids, 78 wives, and a dark story.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Golden State Cerveza + Smithwicks Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Jeffs https://msmagazine.com/2010/07/27/polygamist-warren-jeffs-can-now-marry-off-underaged-girls-with-impunity/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamentalist_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-Day_Saints#History https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a40231460/warren-jeffs-children-keep-sweet/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_boys_(Mormon_fundamentalism) https://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/11/20/jeffs.sentence/ https://www.brielldecker.com/about-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWmsoCIuDn4 https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/30/us/warren-jeffs-son-speaks-out/index.html

Last week it was announced that Amazon would be buying iRobot, the maker of Roomba, for $1.7B. What would Amazon want with your robot vacuum friend? Your valuable home data. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about privacy concerns with Amazon's acquisition of Roomba.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Sam Adam's Oktoberfest Sources: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/05/amazon-to-acquire-maker-of-roomba-vacuum-for-roughly-1point7-billion.html https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/amazon-privacy-lobbying/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisitions_by_Amazon#Acquisitions https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/590788-amazon-meta-report-record-2021-lobbying-spending/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/934089/worldwide-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-market-share/#:~:text=iRobot%20is%20the%20leading%20robotic,of%2046%20percent%20in%202020 https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/nation-now/2017/07/25/roomba-plans-sell-maps-users-homes/508578001/ https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/05/amazon-is-buying-irobot-for-1-7b/ https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-roomba-vacuums-most-dangerous-threatening-acquisition-in-company-history-2022-8 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/technology/roomba-irobot-data-privacy.html https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-irobot-roomba-acquisition-data-privacy/

After two encounters with the Tallahassee police department over weed, Rachel Hoffman was encouraged by investigator Ryan Pender to become a confidential informant and have potential felony charges reduced or dropped. Rachel was murdered during the sting operation and a cover-up and smear campaign followed quickly thereafter by the parties responsible for her death. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the murder of Rachel Hoffman.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Revolution's Hazy Hero Sources: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/09/03/the-throwaways https://www.wtxl.com/news/remembering-rachel-hoffman-s-murder-years-later/article_ea518ee8-52c9-11e8-ae8f-27670182aced.html https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/05/06/10-years-later-rachel-hoffmans-death-makes-police-informants-safer/580595002/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Rachel_Hoffman https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/rachels-law-what-it-means-for-confidential-informants/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=euhN57b2Ayg

It feels like every few months we're teased with something in news headlines about Alzheimer's research progress being made, but there's little follow-up. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about "fraudulent" Alzheimer's research from Sylvain Lesne that's potentially derailed 16 years of progress.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Kirkland's IPA and Goose Island's 312 Lemonade Shandy Sources: https://www.science.org/content/article/potential-fabrication-research-images-threatens-key-theory-alzheimers-disease https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/alzheimers-theory-undermined-accusations-fabricated-research-rcna39843 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/23/alzheimers-study-fraudulent https://www.businessinsider.com/alzheimers-manipulated-data-wasted-research-science-investigation-ab56-2022-7 https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/07/alzheimers-disease-data-fraud-sylvain-lesne/670995/

Technology seems to get smarter and smarter with each passing day. Have we finally created truly feeling and sentient artificial intelligence? One ex-Google employee seems to think so. Join Carolanne and Matt as they explore the case of Google's LaMDA and Blake Lamoine. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Warpigs Brewing Foggy Geezer Hazy IPA Sources: https://twitter.com/cajundiscordian https://cajundiscordian.medium.com/is-lamda-sentient-an-interview-ea64d916d917 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgCUn4fQTsc https://blog.google/technology/ai/lamda/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaMDA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test https://www.engadget.com/blake-lemoide-fired-google-lamda-sentient-001746197.html?src=rss https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/06/11/google-ai-lamda-blake-lemoine/

For years, Saudi Arabia has been buying up farmland across the world as they run out of water to sustain their agriculture industry. One unlikely place they're fond of for their crops? Arizona. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about Saudi Arabia's love affair with Arizona that worsens the existing water crisis.  This week's promo: PNW Haunts and Homicides Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Voodoo Ranger Juicy IPA Sources https://epic.uchicago.edu/insights/water-shortages-threaten-the-economy-and-our-food-supply/#:~:text=Water%20shortages%20currently%20affect%20more,the%20West%20is%20also%20persistent. https://earth.org/arizona-water-shortage/#:~:text=The%20Arizona%20water%20shortage%202021,the%20Colorado%20River%20to%20plummet. https://new.azwater.gov/news/articles/2022-27-05 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/magazine/the-water-wars-of-arizona.html https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/water-wars/saudi-arabia-arizona-farm-alfalfa-1940/75-c7eb6295-3c5e-4b7e-8989-fbf4d41c6aa7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigation_in_Saudi_Arabia

On July 6th, the Georgia Guidestones were destroyed after what local officials call “an act of terrorism”. This week, we dive into the mystery behind “America's Stonehenge” and who built it. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Voodoo Ranger Juicy IPA and Sierra Nevada Sunny Little Thing Resources to help those affected by the Highland Park IL mass shooting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BaSX9cfR_JE1xNsC_Hw01mDe_vnbVwqEj9v3mN3tbos/ Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Guidestones https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/georgia-guidestones/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/georgia-guidestones-became-magnet-conspiracy-theorists-rcna37279 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nobody-knows-how-to-interpret-this-doomsday-stonehenge-in-georgia-5592082/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/georgia-guidestones-destroyed-in-an-explosive-attack-180980383/

You've probably heard more about Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, in the past few months than you have in your entire lifetime. Join Matt and Carolanne this week to talk about the most controversial supreme court justice spouse in modern history. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Kirkland Small Batch Whisky and The Finnish Long Drink Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Hill#Allegations_of_sexual_harassment_against_Clarence_Thomas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heritage_Foundation#Trump_administration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Central https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundswell_(group) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_National_Policy https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2022/06/10/ginni-thomas-election-arizona-lawmakers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/25/thomas-texts-recusal-worse/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eastman https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/politics/justice-clarence-thomas-wife-ginni-poll-recusal/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginni_Thomas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring

The Johnstown Flood killed 2,209 Pennsylvanians in 1889, caused by the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they talk about one of the deadliest floods in American history.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Revolution's A Little Crazy and Ruffino Limonata Wine Spritz Sources https://www.google.com/maps/@40.3157463,-78.9276442,3a,75y,134.4h,63.61t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipNyozvgS_OtAtGRhlCRgFSbzOl_CY8zJNBd0kOR!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNyozvgS_OtAtGRhlCRgFSbzOl_CY8zJNBd0kOR%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi0-ya8.511984-ro-0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnstown_Flood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Fork_Fishing_and_Hunting_Club https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandview_Cemetery,_Johnstown https://www.history.com/news/how-americas-most-powerful-men-caused-americas-deadliest-flood https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-johnstown-flood#:~:text=The%20South%20Fork%20Dam%20in,Conemaugh%20and%20Stony%20Creek%20Rivers.

PPP loans were created as a safety net for businesses during the beginning of COVID, promising to cover payroll and other expenses of businesses while the world came to a stop. Who knew that having billions of dollars from the US Government available with little to no vetting could lead to one of the greatest mass fraud schemes in modern history?  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Kirkland Citra Hop Session IPA Sources https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/biggest-fraud-generation-looting-covid-relief-program-known-ppp-n1279664 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/new-covid-fraud-prosecutor-steps-effort-convict-people-stole-billions-rcna19536 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-convicted-27-million-ppp-fraud-scheme https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycheck_Protection_Program#Fraud https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/woman-pleads-guilty-438-million-covid-19-relief-fraud-scheme https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/general/cares-act-fraud-tracker

Earlier this year, new photos were released of M87, the black hole that's 55 million light-years from Earth. This week we talk about the history of black holes and their discovery, general space-y stuff, and M87's massive size.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Makers Mark & Mango Cart Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_87 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermassive_black_hole https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole

We're in a capitalist Space Race to see which billionaire can make it to Mars (or a space colony) first during their mid-life crises. This week, we talk about gene editing humans in order to make life on Mars (or in space) possible. What could go wrong?  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Coors Light and Mango Cart Sources: https://www.wired.com/story/ideas-jason-pontin-genetic-engineering-for-mars/ https://www.space.com/genetically-engineer-astronauts-missions-mars-protect-radiation.html

Headlines this week have talked about the "alien door on Mars", shown in images released by NASA's rover Curiosity. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they break down some other weird happenings on Mars, what the "door" could be, and what Big Science says it really is.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Moscow Mules Sources: https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-picture-of-mars-appears-to-show-a-doorway-carved-into-the-rock-heres-how-it-was-made-12611936 https://mars.nasa.gov/raw_images/1064629/?site=msl#.Ynvzslxw8ng.link https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/un2azj/a_doorway_shaped_cavity_seen_on_mars_image_was/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7d94m/mars-formation-that-looks-like-alien-doorway-spotted-by-nasa-rover https://www.livescience.com/mars-doorway-not-for-aliens https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-insight-records-monster-quake-on-mars

Recent headlines have talked about two bodies found in Lake Mead from unprecedented low water levels in the reservoir, and police say they're likely not the last that will be found. This week we talk about the mob's history of creating Las Vegas and dumping their hits in Lake Mead.   Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Leinenkugel's Lemon Haze Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/02/us/lake-mead-body-barrel-water-level-drought-climate/index.html https://travelnevada.com/parks-recreational-areas/lake-mead-national-recreation-area/#:~:text=Lake%20Mead%20is%20the%20largest,millions%2Dacre%20feet%20of%20water. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/us/las-vegas-body-barrel-lake-mead.html https://www.nationalcrimesyndicate.com/the-mafias-history-in-las-vegas/ https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/the-mafias-history-in-las-vegas-from-bugsy-siegel-to-anthony-spilotro-413833/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas,_Nevada https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nevada/underwater-world-beneath-famous-nevada-lake/

Elon Musk really has his hands in everything. One of his many investments, Neuralink, is experimenting with ways to implant chips in our heads to connect us to technology in a new, unimagined way. Will the future of the human race see us merge with the technology we create or are we better off keeping our brains the way they are? Grab a drink and join Matt and Carolanne as they look at Neuralink and the future of technology. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Guinness and Leinenkugel's Juicy Peach Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv_XB6Hf6gM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuralink https://neuralink.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsCul1sp4hQ

For decades, people across the US have reported their encounters with black-eyed children; creatures that seem human at first glance, but a closer look shows eerily pale skin, black eyes, and leaves the person with an overwhelming feeling of fear. This week, join Matt and Carolanne as they share stories about the black-eyed children. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Water. We just need to hydrate, OK?  Sources: https://www.cultofweird.com/black-eyed-children/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_children https://old.reddit.com/r/BlackEyedKidsStories/comments/fnbmrl/my_mom_met_a_black_eyed_childwell_twokinda/ https://old.reddit.com/r/BlackEyedKidsStories/comments/jx9kqq/my_wife_said_that_i_should_get_this_experience/

From the 1940s to the 1990s, an estimated 400k - 550k military servicemembers were subjected to nuclear testing to act as "guinea pigs" for the government. Not only were these veterans exposed to nuclear testing without consent, they were held to an oath of secrecy until the mid-90s. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the history of atomic veterans and some of their stories.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Lagunitas Hazy Wonder and Lil Sumpin Sources:  https://spanberger.house.gov/posts/president-biden-signs-defense-authorization-bill-into-law-includes-spanbergers-provision-to-mark-national-atomic-veterans-day-every-year-pay-raise-for-servicemembers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_veteran https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moruroa#French_nuclear_weapons_testing https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/hidden-history-americas-atomic-veterans/2230879/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maralinga https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/michigan-life/atomic-veterans/69-8513c88e-6b60-48e3-a9be-c569b4b1efb1 https://www.dtra.mil/Mission/Nuclear-Test-Personnel-Review/US-Atmoshperic-Nuclear-Test-History-Documents/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Grapple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y__dxTaGEp0 https://old.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/tumhgv/what_its_like_to_experience_a_nuke_in_virtual/?ref=share&ref_source=link https://www.atomicheritage.org/history/atomic-veterans-1946-1962

People from all over the globe have reported mysterious blaring noises coming from the sky for decades. Where are these sounds coming from? Are aliens to blame for these haunting tunes or are our scientists controlling the atmosphere and this is simply a side effect of mad science? Grab a drink and join Carolanne and Matt as they dive into the mystery of the humming world. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: A lil Makers Mark and Cryo-Hero by Revolution Brewing  Sources:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vld8T-PyeKs

Lisa Frank took over the classrooms in the 80s and 90s with neon dolphins and unicorns. The brand's popularity was undeniable. But the business's success seemingly came to a sudden halt in the 2000s without much public explanation. This week, join Matt and Carolanne to talk about the insane story of Lisa Frank, the rise and fall.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Leinenkugel's Juicy Peach and Bodem from Half Acre  Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Frank_Incorporated https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Frank https://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2013/12/13/the-real-story-behind-lisa-frank https://jezebel.com/inside-the-rainbow-gulag-the-technicolor-rise-and-fall-1179495705 https://tucson.com/business/local/tucson-factory-silent-colorful-world-of-lisa-frank-fades/article_9cd1ca94-98e9-50be-89bb-30d3189d55e2.html

2022 has been one hell of a long year.. and it's only March. Join Matt and Carolanne this week to check-in on the 2022 predictions from Nostradamus and Baba Vanga, and see what else may come.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: 312 from Goose Island and Bodem from Half Acre  Sources:  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60686223   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_eastern_Australia_floods https://www.wired.com/story/the-war-in-ukraine-is-threatening-the-breadbasket-of-europe/ https://boozedandconfused.podbean.com/e/episode-66-baba-vanga-nostradamus-predictions-for-2022/

We support Ukraine and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the atrocities happening. If you'd like to support Ukraine, charities that could use your donations are Together Rising, Donbas SOS, Sunflower of Peace, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (different than the US Red Cross, they're working to support the Ukrainian Red Cross). You can find other organizations to donate here from Reddit and here from NPR. ******************************************************************** Recent headlines have highlighted Russian oligarchs having their assets seized all over the world with everything from yachts to art being included. One major hub of oligarch investment that's back in the spotlight: real estate. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they talk about how and why oligarchs purchase real estate all over the United States.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Haymow Molly from Lena Brewing Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_oligarch https://www.nbcnews.com/business/real-estate/russian-money-flows-us-real-estate-rcna17723 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_corporation https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-billionaires-buying-american-real-estate-2012-4 https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2020/09/15/trumps-sale-palm-beach-mansion-gains-scrutiny-again/5798386002/ https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/03/the-u-s-midwest-is-foreign-oligarchs-new-playground/ https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2022/02/20/Ihor-Kolomoisky-US-banks-warren-ohio-steel-plant-ukraine/stories/202202200063 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-russian-tycoon-next-door-putin-ally-is-tied-to-one-of-dcs-swankiest-mansions/2017/11/28/15f913de-cef6-11e7-81bc-c55a220c8cbe_story.html https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/03/how-kleptocracy-came-to-america/580471/

Recent news headlines have discussed a temporary avocado import ban from Mexico as a result of verbal threats made to a U.S. safety inspector. While imports temporarily stopped, the fight in Michoacán over avocados never ends. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk about the cartel and community fight over avocados in Mexico. Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: No booze Sources:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7uK850h5Xc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPrUCcHd3mo https://www.maplecroft.com/insights/analysis/are-mexican-avocados-the-next-conflict-commodity/ https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/dec/30/are-mexican-avocados-the-worlds-new-conflict-commodity https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-11-20/mexico-cartel-violence-avocados https://www.businessinsider.com/mexican-cartels-are-fighting-for-control-of-the-avocado-business-2019-9 https://www.newsweek.com/cartels-kidnap-avocado-farmers-696301 https://www.newsweek.com/how-avocado-became-key-mexican-drug-cartel-turf-war-1678958

Happy Valentine's Day, friends. This week, Matt and Carolanne dive into the... unusual... origins of Valentine's Day, including a dog, a goat, a whole bunch of blood, and a lot of people not having a great time.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA Sources:  https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/when-is-valentine-day-2022-history-significance-and-why-do-we-celebrate-the-day-of-love-4765202.html https://www.historyhit.com/on-this-day-valentines-day/ https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/st-valentine-beheaded 

Talks about the next “Big One” hitting California have always been around when, not if. Seismologists predict it will happen by 2032. This week, Matt and Carolanne talk through one “Big One” scenario that would devastate the LA metro area. Don't give this one a listen if you're feeling doom & gloom about the world. Seriously.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Sierra Nevada Dankful IPA & Pale Ale Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Andreas_Fault#The_next_.22Big_One.22 https://www.buffalo.edu/mceer/catalog.host.html/content/shared/www/mceer/publications/NCEER-94-0008.detail.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Northridge_earthquake https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-probability-earthquake-will-occur-los-angeles-area-san-francisco-bay-area#faq https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=4916523 https://www.shakeout.org/california/scenario/ https://www.latimes.com/projects/california-earthquake-fault-map/ https://www.earthquakeauthority.com/Blog/2020/San-Andreas-Fault-Line-Map https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/ https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/preparedness-now-0

Yellowstone is the country's (and potentially world's) first national park. Humans inhabited the park for thousands of years before it became the second most visited national park in the US. Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they dive into creepy stories from Yellowstone, dating back from the 1800s to modern day.  Our linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused This week's booze of choice: Revolution Cryo-Hero Sources: https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-stories-from-yellowstone-national-park/amber-fua