Podcasts about msrp

On today's show we look at some AppleTV and Home announcements from the Apple WWDC and look at what that fuss is about the new Sony's True RGB TVs. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Households Used More Than 10 Video Services Daily Google Rolls Out a Major Update to Its Google TV Streamer 4k Apple TV from Apple's WWDC 2026 Key takeaways for Apple TV from Apple's WWDC 2026 are relatively modest and software-focused, as the event emphasized iOS 27. tvOS 27 Highlights for Apple TV Larger Text / System-Wide Text Size Adjustment: A new accessibility option lets users increase on-screen text size across supported apps and the interface. AI-Generated / On-Device Subtitles: tvOS 27 adds real-time automatic subtitle generation for videos lacking built-in captions (including personal content).  Other Refinements: Expect Liquid Glass UI polish, performance/stability improvements, smarter recommendations, and better smart home/HomeKit ties. Siri upgrades (more conversational, on-screen awareness) should improve voice control on Apple TV, though full Apple Intelligence features may wait for new hardware. tvOS 27 developer betas are available now post-keynote, with public release expected in fall 2026 alongside other OS updates. As far as the Apple Home app goes, updates  mainly dealt with Apple Intelligence integration for smarter camera handling and notifications: The Home app now uses Apple Intelligence to generate natural language descriptions of compatible camera footage, letting you search clips conversationally by saying something like,  "show me when the dog was in the backyard" Smarter batched notifications that feel less overwhelming. Alerts are intelligently grouped and dynamic instead of constant floods. Accessory updates update in real-time as conditions change. With deeper Siri AI and Shortcuts integration you can describe automations in natural language and let Siri build them (including Home shortcuts). Voice control becomes more conversational and context-aware. Hardware Notes No new Apple TV 4K hardware was announced at WWDC (consistent with expectations). A refreshed model with A17 Pro (or similar) for full Apple Intelligence/Siri 2.0 support, better smart home capabilities, and possibly Wi-Fi 7 has been "ready for months" but is being held for later in 2026 to align with the advanced AI features. What is Sony's True RGB TV All About? Sony's True RGB is Sony's marketing name for their advanced RGB Mini-LED backlight technology, introduced in 2026 for high-end BRAVIA TVs the BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II series. How True RGB Works Traditional Mini-LED or QLED TVs typically use white or blue LEDs as the backlight, then pass that light through color filters or Quantum Dots to create colors. This filtering process can reduce color purity, brightness, and efficiency. Sony's True RGB technology takes a different approach by using tiny independent red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs in the backlight, with each color LED controllable separately across thousands or even millions of local dimming zones, generating color directly at the light source before it reaches the LCD layer rather than filtering white light. Sony's True RGB technology delivers purer and more accurate colors with a significantly wider color volume and gamut, higher peak brightness while maintaining excellent color accuracy, superior contrast and black levels that can challenge OLED performance in certain scenarios, improved energy efficiency through smart power distribution algorithms that use less power than previous generations, and outstanding off-angle viewing with minimal color shift. Key Advantages Sony Highlights Sony's True RGB technology delivers true-to-source color accuracy, backed by the company's deep professional monitor expertise and decades of innovation in RGB technology dating back to the groundbreaking 2004 QUALIA series. This is powered by advanced RGB Backlight Master Drive processing that expertly manages the immense complexity of controlling millions of individual colored diodes in real time. Overall, it successfully combines the best of Mini-LED brightness with near-OLED levels of color performance and contrast. In short, True RGB is Sony's premium implementation of direct RGB Mini-LED backlighting. Sony emphasizes not just the hardware (RGB LEDs), but their proprietary optical design, drivers, and image processing to make it perform better than competing RGB LED TVs from other brands. Sony True RGB Models with Pricing (2026 Lineup) Prices are MSRP/launch pricing (as of mid-2026; actual street prices and sales vary by retailer like Best Buy, Crutchfield, or Sony's site). Larger sizes command big premiums. BRAVIA 7 II - more accessible entry into True RGB, excellent color and brightness for the price 50" — ~$1,600 55" — ~$2,100 65" — ~$2,600 75" — ~$3,100 85" — ~$4,000 98" — ~$9,000 BRAVIA 9 II - higher brightness, more advanced processing, better anti-glare, and local dimming performance 65" — ~$3,600 75" — ~$4,600 85" — ~$6,500 115" — ~$31,000 (a massive premium flagship option)

Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter welcome Bill Straub back to the Bourbon Road Bar — aka Jim's basement — for a deep dive into some of the most talked-about new special releases from the industry's biggest players. Bill, the co-founder of Fourgate Whiskey Company and the longtime voice behind ModernThirst.com, brings his seasoned palate and encyclopedic knowledge of mash bills to the table, making for a lively and insightful tasting session across four very different expressions. On the Tasting Mat: - Elijah Craig 15 Year Single Barrel (Barrel #28) — Heaven Hill: Bottled at 108 proof from Heaven Hill's classic 78/12/10 corn-malted barley-rye mash bill, this 15-year expression opens with a distinctive circus peanut and soft marshmallow nose that the guys identify as quintessential Heaven Hill. The palate delivers silky texture with almond and amaretto notes, while a pop of black pepper anchors a long, satisfying finish. MSRP $150. *(00:02:39)* - Old Forester Grand Dad 7 Year Single Barrel — Jim Beam (Old Grand-Dad): At 114 proof and carrying a high-rye mash bill of 63/27/10, this $50 release pours remarkably dark for its age. The nose offers orange marmalade and a subtle citrus-forward brightness, while the palate is smooth and somewhat reserved up front, building into a spicy, rye-bread-toast finish that lingers impressively. *(00:11:47)* - Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archive Gold Foil Edition (16 Year): The centerpiece of the evening, this 120-proof blend of 16-year barrels from Camp Nelson Rick Houses D, E, and F is the inaugural release in Wild Turkey's new Archive series, designed to evoke the legendary cheesy gold foil bottles of the 1980s and '90s. The nose is rich with leather, graham cracker pie crust, dried fruit, and a compelling dusty vintage quality. On the palate it explodes with sweet tobacco, oak, coffee cake, citrus, and a hint of dark chocolate, delivering wall-to-wall flavor from entry to an extraordinarily long finish. MSRP $400. *(00:26:49)* - Stagg Batch 26A — Buffalo Trace: Coming in at a robust 129.3 proof with no age statement, this barrel-proof release from Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1 opens with concentrated brown sugar that lightens and brightens in the glass, revealing cherry cola, grape jelly, and just a touch of citrus. The palate runs straight down the center of the tongue with focused sweetness and a warm, brown-sugar-driven finish. MSRP $65. *(00:36:32)* Four powerhouse releases, four very different price points, and one table of guys who clearly love what they do — this episode is a reminder that the bourbon industry, for all its current turbulence, is still producing some truly extraordinary whiskey. Don't miss Bill's candid thoughts on the state of the market, the cease-and-desist story behind the ModernThirst mash bill table, and why he thinks Heaven Hill's peak window tops out right around 15 years.

Double Tap - Ep 464 This episode of Double Tap is brought to you by: Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Night Fision (Code: WLSISLIFE) Rost Martin (Code: WLSISLIFE) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Foxtrot Mike (Code: WLSISLIFE) Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 Public   Show Titles   GOA GOALS Aug 1-2 in Iowa. https://goals.goa.org/ GunCon.net Tickets on sale now. Use code AGENCY171 DEAR WLS Question from JackB from TX On double tap 451 Nick said he would know he was successful when he ordered a custom double rifle. I always say something similar, which is if I win the lottery I'm telling no one, but there would be signs. Like the sudden acquisition of a custom double rifle.My first question is, if the cast were going to order custom double rifles, what caliber would you choose? If Shawn wants to make H&H invent a 171 WLS for him, that's dope, but what would your second choice be? Followup question to help me choose my caliber. If I got one, I'd want one of the classic elephant gun Calibers. I love 45-70 but it just wouldn seem right. So of those old safari calibers which ones have milder recoil and are still somewhat commercially available? -JackB Question from Jaqin Ta'Sox from Connecticut From: Jaqin Ta'Sox: Dear WLS In double tap 451 at 19:58 minutes, someone asks about deadly force against a bull horn to the ear. I understand an ass whoopin is absolutely due in that situation, BUT I find it kind of interesting. Like Jerambey said, it is permanent bodily harm. Just like if someone tries to use a laser pointer to blind you, deadly force is a go, but not for permanent hearing loss? Question from Anonymous Coward from Texas What is the best way to form 1 a homemade suppressor? Looking at mostly finger printing that can be reused. But also looking at design requirements like length and such. Question from Duke from Texas Duke of CrudeSo I was crusing Armslist looking for some travel guns and came across a mosin nagant for $495. I had an epiphany over that post. What if the mosin was worth the same but inflation was just so terrible that now a $95 dollar gun in 2002 is $495 dollars today? Just some food for thought before AI takes over. Thanks for the laughs! Duke Question from Anonymous Coward from Washington Shawn has been on a geeky mission for a while. I am wondering if he can geek out and make a universal shopping cart that using his web crawler A/I skills could check multiple sites to see if products are available from one source. Example I am ordering some area 419 products, a few CZ mags and a kydex cheek riser. I am bound to pay shipping from 3 separate sites. I am trying to see if there is one source carrying what I need. Keep up the good work Shawn getting deeper back into his tech roots but staying a gun guy at heart is bringing rewards for all of us. GUN INDUSTRY NEWS THEFIREARMBLOG.COM Edgar Sherman Design Notch Precision Shooting Bag Shooting bags don't exactly get a lot of innovation press.The category has been dominated by the same handful of designs for years, and for good reason: a well-executed bag filled with the right material and wrapped in grippy fabric solves most problems a precision shooter will ever encounter on a stage or in the field.New entrants that bring something genuinely different to that conversation are rare enough to be worth paying attention to when they show up. Edgar Sherman Design released the Notch Precision Shooting Bag, a convertible front/rear support bag featuring a four-way stretch woven core that deforms for micro-adjustments, wrapped in a Cordura laminate exoskeleton with MOLLE cutouts. It incorporates a V-shaped notch formed by tie-down loops for rifle stock capture and lateral stability, PVC-coated grip surfaces, an elastic retention loop, and Spexlite 5125 fill. The bag is made in the USA, Berry compliant on select versions, weighs 8.5 oz, and measures 3 × 4.5 × 8.75 inches. RUGER INTRODUCES READYDOT MICRO REFLEX SIGHT SYSTEM FOR LCP MAX PISTOL Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight System for LCP MAX Pistol Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. introduced the Ruger ReadyDot micro reflex sight system for the LCP MAX pistol, featuring a fiber-illuminated reticle designed for battery-less operation at concealed carry ranges. The sight enables shooters to keep both eyes open while maintaining fast target acquisition. Sturm, Ruger & Co. introduced the ReadyDot, a micro reflex sight designed specifically for the LCP MAX pistol. The system uses a fiber-illuminated reticle for battery-less operation at typical concealed carry ranges, enabling both-eyes-open target focus and faster acquisition than traditional iron sights. It ships with a dedicated holster that fully covers the trigger guard; not compatible with LCP MAX pistols equipped with a loaded chamber indicator. SPARTAN PRECISION EQUIPMENT INTRODUCES THE JAVELIN LITE BIPOD SERIES: ULTRALIGHT STABILITY FOR SERIOUS HUNTERS Spartan Precision Equipment Javelin Lite Bipod Series Spartan Precision Equipment launches the Javelin Lite and Javelin Lite TL Bipods, ultralight shooting supports weighing 5.3 and 6.3 ounces respectively. Both models feature premium materials, adjustable traverse and cant, and are priced at $100 and $170 MSRP without adapters. Spartan Precision Equipment introduced the Javelin Lite and Javelin Lite TL bipods on May 28, 2026. The series uses hard-anodized 7075-T7351 aluminum and multi-layered carbon fiber construction with steel tips and tethered synthetic boots. Both models offer 30° traverse and 15° cant adjustment for stability on uneven terrain. THEFIREARMBLOG.COM ATN Blaze Series Gen 6 Thermal Monoculars ATN Corp has expanded its Blaze Series thermal monocular lineup with the launch of four Gen 6 models, anchored by a new flagship unit and spanning price points from under $500 to just under $5,000.The full Gen 6 lineup consists of the BlazeSeeker 6 210, BlazeTrek 6 325, BlazeHunter 650 LRF, and the new top-of-the-line BlazeHunter XD LRF.ATN says all four models share the same 6th Generation thermal engine, SharpIR AI-enhanced imaging, 50 Hz refresh rate, OLED display, Hot Point Tracking, six color palettes, IP67 housing, onboard recording, and ATN Connect 6 Wi-Fi pairing. ATN releases four Gen 6 thermal monocular models sharing a common 6th Generation thermal engine, SharpIR AI-enhanced imaging, 50 Hz refresh rate, OLED display, Hot Point Tracking, six color palettes, IP67 housing, onboard recording, and ATN Connect 6 Wi-Fi. Models range from entry-level to flagship with varying sensor resolutions (256×192 to 1,280×1,024), NETD sensitivities (≤20mK to sub-15mK), detection ranges, magnification, LRF options, and battery life. THEFIREARMBLOG.COM FN Herstal Acquires Accuracy International Accuracy International, renowned UK-based precision rifle manufacturer, is set to become part of the FN Browning Group.Responsible for iconic designs such as the Arctic Warfare, AWM, and AXMC, the company was founded in 1978.The acquisition will see Accuracy International continue to operate under its own brand within FN Browning Group and it comes at an interesting time, as the British military seeks to overhaul its small arms inventory with procurements of new service rifles, machine guns and precision rifles planned into the 2030s.Accuracy International @ TFB: New Rifles From Accuracy International Accuracy International AX-SR Rifle for Australia's Snipers Accuracy International's Latest Rifles Displayed at DSEI 2021The deal gives FN a strong foothold in a market segment it has not previously engaged with – long-range precision rifles. FN Browning Group announced the acquisition of UK-based precision rifle manufacturer Accuracy International on May 28, 2026. Accuracy International, founded in 1978 and employing around 100 staff, will continue to operate under its own brand. The deal is subject to regulatory approval; no financial terms were disclosed. GUNS.COM Tristar Arms Inc. Raptor II 20 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun TriStar Raptor II 20 Gauge Semi-Auto 3" 5+1 24" Mossy Oak Country Roots Vent Rib Steel Barrel & Receiver, Fixed Mossy Oak Country Roots Synthetic Stock The Raptor II Semi-Automatic shotgun boasting a new aged and totally redesigned stock and forearm, the Raptor II is sleek and comfortable to shoot…. The Tristar Raptor II is a 20 GA semi-automatic shotgun with a 24″ vent-rib steel barrel, 3″ chamber, 5+1 capacity, and 6.7 lb weight. It features a steel receiver, fiber optic front sight, redesigned Mossy Oak Country Roots synthetic stock and forearm, oversized operating handle and bolt release, softer recoil pad, and includes three choke tubes, 5-round magazine, and shot plug. THEFIREARMBLOG.COM VKTR Industries VK1 Complete Lower (Ambidextrous) Now Available Standalone VKTR Industries is making its patented ambidextrous lower receivers available as stand-alone products for the first time, opening them up to shooters who previously could only get one by purchasing a complete VKTR rifle.The VK1 Complete Lower is now available to dealers, distributors, and the law enforcement market. VKTR Industries has opened its VK1 Complete Lower (Ambidextrous) for standalone sales for the first time. The serialized lower was previously only sold as part of complete VKTR rifles. It features a patented ambidextrous control suite, is compatible with all small-frame AR calibers, and ships with a Hiperfire trigger and Magpul components. ATHLON OUTDOORS EXCLUSIVE FIREARM UPDATES, REVIEWS & NEWS Off Grid Operator Ti 5.56 Suppressor The Operator TI Suppressor is specialized for the 5.56 platform. A precision Titanium 5.56 suppressor built with additive manufacturing. The Off Grid Operator Ti is a 5....

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team dives into one of the biggest questions in modern watch collecting: Are luxury watches starting to feel too cheap for their MSRP? Ariel, Rick, David, and Ripley debate long waitlists, inflated pricing, and whether brands like Cartier and Universal Genève are asking collectors to pay too much for too little. There is also plenty of entertaining chaos as the crew gets sidetracked into restaurant wait times, French luxury culture, and Ariel's refusal to stand in line for just about anything.Along the way, the team shares thoughts on Favre Leuba's latest revival watch, why Bremont may finally be finding its footing again, and which luxury brands are still delivering real innovation versus relying too heavily on marketing. Plus, there is a surprisingly passionate debate about Cartier's baffling product specifications, the strange appeal of overpriced watches, and whether some brands have simply lost touch with reality.To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1353: Memorial Day travelers are hitting the road in record numbers while automakers roll out massive incentives to move inventory.Show Notes with links:Memorial Day originated in the aftermath of the Civil War as "Decoration Day"—a time for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers—and later evolved into a federal holiday honoring all American military personnel who have died in service. An estimated 45 million Americans are packing up for Memorial Day weekend, and 87% of them are doing it the old-fashioned way: by car. Even with higher gas prices, travelers are choosing the road, the snacks, and the “are we there yet?” energy.AAA projects a record 45 million travelers will go 50+ miles from home, up 0.4% from last year.About 39.1 million people will travel by car, despite gas averaging $4.52 per gallon as of May 11.Air travel is also up slightly, with 3.66 million domestic flyers expected. Round-trip domestic tickets are averaging $800, down 6% year over year.Other transportation methods including buses, trains, and cruises are expected to grow 5.3%, helped by a strong Alaska cruise season.AAA Travel's Stacey Barber said, “Despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”New car shoppers heading into Memorial Day weekend are being greeted with something we haven't seen much of lately: serious incentives. From EVs to pickups to hydrogen sedans, automakers are tossing thousands on the hood to clear inventory and spark demand.Hyundai is offering $7,500 off the 2025 Ioniq 6, nearly 19% of the car's starting MSRP, as dealers work through leftover inventory.Chevy is putting up to $9,000 on the hood of the 2026 Silverado 1500, one of the biggest incentive percentages on the market at over 22%.Hyundai's new three-row Ioniq 9 EV gets a $10,000 incentive as the automaker looks to boost slower-than-expected sales.Toyota may win the “please just take it” award with a staggering $35,000 incentive on the hydrogen-powered Mirai, plus 0% financing for 72 months.The story behind many of these incentives? Rising inventories, slower EV demand, and OEMs trying to move leftover or underperforming models before summer heats up.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Alfredo Lewis and Emily Chen: Qoat and the Product the Hair Industry Has Been MissingFive minutes. One bottle. Up to $32,000 in added annual revenue. And a brand new category that has never existed before.Recorded live at ABS Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman, Corey sits down with Alfredo Lewis and Emily Chen to introduce Qoat (pronounced coat)... the first ever professional hair color top coat that seals, protects, and illuminates every color service. Compatible with all color brands. Five minutes at the back bar. Launching in Salon Centric July 1st.What It DoesThe concept came from nail polish. Nobody was putting a top coat on hair color, and the result was the same as skipping it on a manicure: the color fades fast. Alfredo spent two years with a chemist developing a proprietary blend called Hydro Glow Shield. After toning, you apply one to three ounces of Qoat, comb through, process five minutes, rinse. Alfredo's vivid pink client went from calling him two weeks after her service saying her color was already gone... to making it two and a half months. Emily tested swatches thousands of times trying to make them ugly. They refused.The Shareholder ModelAlfredo built Qoat with five artist shareholders, not ambassadors. Each one owns a piece of the company. Emily Chen, Kara Williams, Jacob Conn, Zach Mesquite, and Philip Wolff. Every one of them comes from a different brand family. That was intentional. Qoat is brand agnostic and compatible with every color line on the market.The NumbersApproximately 17 services per bottle. MSRP around $55 to $58. Add-on service charge of $15 to $35 per client. Profit per year between $15,000 and $32,000. For five minutes at the back bar. Launching in Salon Centric and Modern Beauty Canada July 1st.Emily Sold Her SalonEight years in, with her education career pulling her in a different direction, Emily gifted her salon to Megan, a former assistant who had built her book faster than almost anyone Emily had ever seen. She gave the team four months notice, laid out both outcomes clearly, and let Megan step into it. The culture she spent eight years building is intact.Break Room EmilyEmily taught two ways for years without realizing it. Brand-approved stage Emily and break room Emily who made analogies involving Cool Ranch Doritos. When she started bringing break room Emily into her presentations, people retained more and rooms responded better. She has been full break room Emily ever since.Find Alfredo at @alfredo_lewis and Emily at @emchenhair. Follow Geno at @genochapman. Qoat launches in Salon Centric July 1st.

Welcome to Five Minute Friday's, our new monthly spotlight where we step outside the Bluegrass State to explore the world of spirits. Today, Jake takes a deep dive into two highly anticipated releases from one of the most iconic names in Scotch: The Dalmore.The Dalmore is famous for its luxury status, but for the serious whiskey enthusiast, the specs haven't always hit the mark—until now. We are reviewing the Select Editions 2007 (18 Year) and 2010 (15 Year). These aren't your standard The Dalmore bottles; they are non-chill filtered, natural color, and bottled at a higher proof than the core range.In this episode, we discuss:The "Un-Dalmore" Specs: Why the move to 46%+ ABV and non-chill filtration is a game-changer for the brand's credibility.The Sherry Influence: Exploring the rare Apóstoles, Matusalem, and Amoroso casks from the legendary González Byass bodega.Tasting the 2007 (18 Year): A 93.4-proof "Pastry King" full of maple syrup and chocolate notes.Tasting the 2010 (15 Year): The "Bourbon Bridge"—why this 98.2-proof expression is the one for our core audience.The Value Debate: With price tags of $250 and $550, are these bottles a "must-buy" or just "expensive marketing"?Chapters: | Introduction to Five Minute Friday's: Crossing the Atlantic for The Dalmore.| Select Editions Breakdown: What makes the 2007 and 2010 different from the 12 or 15 year.| Tasting Notes & Palate Assessment: Bourbon-friendly Scotch?| The Assessment of Value: We weigh the MSRP against the experience.We want to hear from you: Does a higher proof and "natural" status make you more likely to pull the trigger on a The Dalmore? Let's talk about it in the comments.

In this episode Foghorn Leghorn and Craft Brew Sally talk about their trip to the "UP". Then the team talks about upcoming pinball releases and would they ever pay over MSRP? Finally the Junk Drawer team hard sells sending them emails for the rest of the show. Craft Brew Sally talked about 3 different craft breweries they hit up during their vacation. FINALLY launched our products on SilverBall Swag - check it out here! https://silverballswag.com/ Hey, why not drop us a line! email directly to ---> PinballJD@gmail.com   Links To Awesome: https://lumberjackjohnnys.com https://silverballswag.com/ https://captaincrazysparadise.com/ https://projectpinball.org/ https://littleshopofgames.com/ https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1322: The FTC wants dealers to report rule-breakers, Tesla turns Cybertrucks into grid assets with a simpler V2G play, and Apple announces a historic CEO transitionShow Notes with links:The FTC is now asking dealers to help police each other on advertising. In a recent NAD webinar, regulators emphasized reporting bad actors and clarified key pricing rules, especially around doc fees and how total vehicle price must be presented.The FTC is encouraging dealers to report competitors who violate ad rules, aiming to level the playing field.Complaints can be submitted directly or through NADA, signaling a more collaborative enforcement approach.Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection clarified that doc fees must be included in the advertised total price—not added later in the deal.Total vehicle price must be displayed more prominently than MSRP in ads across all channels.“[It's important that] the consumer understands what it is that they're going to be paying to get the car out the door,” said Christopher Mufarrige.The Cybertruck is officially now a grid asset. Tesla and PG&E just approved it for vehicle-to-grid use in California, and the bigger story isn't just capability—it's a simpler, cheaper path that could finally make energy-sharing scalable.Unlike Ford and GM setups, Tesla uses an AC-based system—avoiding $6K–$10K DC charger installs.Lower hardware complexity could remove a major barrier for homeowners to join grid programs.Owners opt in to send energy back during peak demand—and get paid for it.With 123 kWh onboard, each Cybertruck adds ~9x the storage of a typical home battery.“Electric vehicles can do more than move people — they can help power homes,” said PG&E's Jason Glickman.One of the most influential CEOs in modern business is stepping aside. Apple announced that Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman this fall, handing the CEO role to longtime insider John Ternus—marking the first major leadership shift since the Steve Jobs era.John Ternus, Apple's hardware engineering chief, will become CEO on September 1, 2026.Cook will stay on as executive chairman, focusing in part on global policy and regulatory relationships.The move caps a long-planned succession, not a sudden shakeup—Apple signaling stability.Ternus brings a product-first background, having led hardware during Apple's silicon and device expansion era.“He is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future,” said Tim Cook.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

BMW will pull the iX, the automaker's first dedicated electric SUV, from its U.S. lineup as it shifts focus to a next-generation electric vehicle platform, BMWBlog reported. A spokesperson stated that the company will prioritize upcoming Neue Klasse models, beginning with the iX3 SUV.BMW announced the iX in 2021 and began sales in 2022. The vehicle features an estimated range of up to 364 miles, a bodyshell that includes carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and a starting MSRP of about $75,000. The iX drew mixed reactions, particularly over its interior design, which featured the high-resolution Curved Display, a hexagonal steering wheel and the option to integrate speakers into the seat. Jalopnik reported that BMW sold nearly 51,000 iXs from 2022 to 2025, while BMWBlog noted that the vehicle functioned as both a technological proof-of-concept and a production vehicle.#BMW #ElectricVehicles #EVNews #AutoIndustry #LuxuryCars #AutomotiveNews #EVTransition #FutureOfCars #NeueKlasse #BMWiX #BMWiX3 #CarTech #Innovation #ManufacturingNews #AutoTrends #EVMarket #Sustainability #LuxuryEV #CarLaunch #Mobility

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 Stocks take another dive as the Trump regime plays fast and loose with tariffs; the en banc panel for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated Cathy Harris and Gwynne Wilcox to their jobs at the NLRB and MSRP; the North Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling requiring 65,000 people to cure their ballots; NIH researchers have made a cancer breakthrough but layoffs are delaying it; a second unvaccinated child has died of measles and RFK Jr uses it as an opportunity for a photo op; the Trump administration is planning on spending $45M on immigrant detention; Trump is planning a giant North Korean style military parade on his birthday; and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals REFUSED to pause an order forcing the Trump admin to return Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. before midnight tonight; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. Guest: Bobby Kogan@bbkogan - BlueSkyBobby Kogan - Center for American Progress Stories:Supreme Court delays midnight deadline for Trump administration to fix mistaken deportation of Maryland man | ABC News Stock Market Volatility Hits 5-Year High As Wall Street Grapples With ‘Manmade' Tariff Problem | ForbesBessent flew to Florida to lobby Trump on tariff message - POLITICO N.C. Supreme Court halts decision requiring verification of 65,000 votes in tight judicial race | NBC News NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it. | The Washington Post Appeals court halts Trump independent agency firings, spurring Supreme Court battle | The Hill RFK Jr. visits Texas after second child dies of measles amid outbreak | The Washington Post Trump Administration Aims to Spend $45 Billion to Expand Immigrant Detention - The New York Times Trump planning military parade through DC for 79th birthday | The Hill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are semi-auto .22s really that inaccurate? For years, shooters have believed that to get true tack-driving precision from a rimfire rifle, you had to use a bolt-action. In this episode of the Guns Podcast US, host Brent Wheat and co-host Roy Huntington sit down to shatter the long-standing myth about the inaccuracy of semi-automatic rimfires.  Roy shares his recent hands-on experience with the incredibly lightweight and hyper-accurate Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber. Weighing in at under 4 pounds and boasting a crisp 2.25-pound match trigger, this rifle completely blew Roy away — delivering one-hole groups at 50 yards and even letting him shoot a wasp right in half! The days of spending thousands on aftermarket parts to make a 10/22 accurate might be officially over. Listen in as they discuss the golden age of firearm manufacturing, how modern CNC machining has drastically improved factory rifles, and why this sub-$650 out-of-the-box rifle is an absolute game-changer for squirrel hunters, weekend competitors, and plinking enthusiasts alike. Key Takeaways ·         The traditional myth that semi-auto .22 LR rifles cannot rival bolt-action accuracy has been shattered by modern factory designs. ·         Ruger's new 10/22 Carbon Fiber model weighs less than 4 pounds and comes factory-equipped with a match-grade stainless steel barrel and a custom 2.25-pound trigger. ·         During testing with CCI Subsonic ammunition, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber consistently shot ragged, one-hole groups at 50 yards. ·         At an MSRP of roughly $650, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber delivers performance that previously required $1,500 to $2,000 in custom aftermarket parts to achieve. Modern CNC and EDM manufacturing processes have ushered in a golden age of firearms, making high-precision, sub-MOA guns readily available straight out of the box. --  The Guns Podcast is presented by EOTech. EOTECH is the leading manufacturer of electro-optics. Known for their world-famous holographic weapon sights, EOTECH also provides precision rifle scopes, ruggedized pistol optics, night-vision, thermal, and laser systems to professional and recreational users around the globe. Visit eotechinc.com  -- Have a topic idea or a guest you'd like to see in a future episode? Let us know in the comments or email editor@gunspodcast.us Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up for our newsletter to get the Guns Podcast delivered straight to your inbox each week. Buy our Merch! Visit Gunspodcast.us

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1313: An FTC webinar that raised more questions than answers, a new fix for broken EV chargers, plus collision repair education starting in elementary school.The much anticipated webinar hosted by NADA to, which included an FTC representative, left thousands of dealers and industry partners frustrated and provided no additional clarification on advertising rules.According to a recap email sent out by industry compliance company, ComplyAuto:The FTC's stated goal is to "level the playing field" for dealers who are already advertising correctly.The FTC refused to answer NADA's questions. FTC official Helen Clark declined to respond, offering nothing beyond what was already in the warning letters, but stated the questions will be considered.NADA raised key issues that went unanswered: whether federal law preempts state doc fee laws (those that allow or require exclusion), whether MSRP can still be advertised, whether a less prominent conditional price is permissible, and liability for third-party lead provider websites.NADA pushed back, noting consent decrees go above and beyond the law and bind only the settling party.Bottom line: nothing new was provided. All open questions remain unanswered.Everged is taking aim at one of EV adoption's biggest headaches: broken public chargers. Its new Zero Cost Swap Program replaces outdated or non-working units with fully managed, modern equipment, giving site hosts a way to fix reliability issues without upfront costs.The program targets aging or unsupported chargers that often get stranded when providers exit the market.Everged covers removal, installation, and activation of new Level 2 or DC fast chargers.Ongoing support includes 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and real-time diagnostics to maximize uptime.Many swaps can reuse existing electrical infrastructure, speeding deployment and avoiding new permits.Everged President James Dion said, “We are so confident in our technology stack that…we all win: our site hosts, EV drivers, and Everged.”Collision repair education is starting earlier than ever, like elementary school early. Instructor Jerry Weston Jr. is teaching kids as young as five basic tools and hands-on skills, tackling a surprising problem: many students lack even the most fundamental mechanical knowledge.After-school programs are reaching students ages 5 to 13, introducing tools and repair concepts years before high school.Weston says he now has to teach basics like how to properly use a screwdriver, showing a sharp decline in foundational skills.Early exposure helps kids discover interests through hands-on tasks like dent removal, polishing, and painting.Programs are using engaging tech like VR paint simulators to make learning safe, fun, and accessible for younger students.Weston: “The more exposure they get, the stronger the future of the industry will be.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Nintendo's flipping the script on Switch 2 game pricing -- starting May with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, digital versions drop to $59.99 while physical cartridges hit the full $69.99 MSRP, slapping collectors with a straight $10 premium just for the box and cartridge. Nintendo swears this isn't a physical price hike but "reflects different production costs" and gives players "more choice" -- but is this really just a way for Nintendo to have more control over your console? Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://more.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629 MORE CLOWNFISH TV - Official Merch Store: http://ClownfishMinus.com Facebook - https://facebook.com/ClownfishTV X - https://x.com/ClownfishTVcom Clownfish TV subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClownfishTVOfficial/ Disclaimer: This series is produced by Clownfish Studios and WebReef Media, and is part of ClownfishTV.com. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of our guests, affiliates, sponsors, or advertisers. ClownfishTV.com is an unofficial news source and has no connection to any company that we may cover. This channel and website and the content made available through this site are for educational, entertainment and informational purposes only. These so-called “fair uses” are permitted even if the use of the work would otherwise be infringing. #News #Podcast #FYP #Shorts #NintendoSwitch2 #Switch2Pricing #DigitalVsPhysical #NintendoPricing #PhysicalGames #Switch2Games #NintendoDrama #GamePricing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

**Use the code NINDADS at checkout to receive 15% off plus free shipping at Manscaped.com** On this week's episode of the Nintendo Dads Podcast: News ● Nintendo to offer different MSRP for physical and digital ● Nintendo to create a revision of Nintendo Switch 2 with a replaceable battery for the EU, following "Right to Repair" legislation ● Bloomberg: Nintendo to cut Switch 2 production by 4 million this quarter due to weak US holiday sales ● Game Releases/Updates Let's Discuss ● SPOILERS!!! - Since I cannot give an exact location due to unknown length of embedded ads, from when we first mention spoilers, skip 12 min ahead if you don't want to hear it Games we've been playing ● Poker Night at the Inventory ● DOKAPON KiNGDOM CONNECT ● Split Fiction ● Deadzone Rogue ● Blue Prince ● Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream - Welcome Version ● Dispatch ● Kena: Bridge of Spirits ● South of Midnight Weaver's Edition ● Pokémon FireRed Version ● Dragon Quest X Version 1 ● The Rogue Prince of Persia ● Minishoot' Adventures Community Spotlight Check out our website at http://nintendodads.org for our latest videos, episodes, tweets, and social media links. Apple Podcasts feed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nintendo-dads-podcast/id950582320?mt=2 YouTube Music feed: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyID_QWdPfjM17EE3cg8Pin30jHkLqWKr Spotify feed: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SACicqRHT2yxC9mlUP9PL Become a patron and help us improve the show! https://www.patreon.com/NintendoDads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The Bourbon Road! This week, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are diving deep into the history and flavor of one of America's most iconic whiskey brands. We are keeping a long-overdue promise to our listeners by doing a side-by-side comparison of the highly sought-after extended age Old Overholt rye whiskeys. If you are a whiskey history buff, you know that Old Overholt holds the title for the longest continuously maintained whiskey brand in the United States, dating all the way back to 1810. Founded by Abraham Overholt in West Overton, Pennsylvania, it began as a classic Monongahela-style rye. We discuss its fascinating early history, back when frontiersmen transported the whiskey in casks on flatboats down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, stopping at the Falls of the Ohio before continuing to St. Louis and New Orleans. In those days, patrons would fill up ceramic jugs straight from the barrel! After being acquired by Jim Beam in 1987, the brand was moved to Kentucky, where corn was introduced to the mash bill to create a "Kentucky-ized" profile that many consider a "bourbon drinker's rye." Now, the brand is returning to its premium roots by offering higher-aged, cask-strength releases that harken back to the 1940s when you could get a 121-proof Old Overholt right from the cask. In this episode, Jim and Todd line up the 10-Year, 11-Year, and 12-Year Old Overholt Cask Strength Rye whiskeys to see how each year of extra aging and varying proofs impact the flavor profile. As always, they analyze the nose, palate, and finish of each expression before combining them for a final "Blendageddon" experiment. On the Tasting Mat: Old Overholt 10-Year Cask Strength Rye: Released in 2023, this 121-proof powerhouse was sourced entirely from Warehouse V—an "escalator" warehouse in Clermont. At an MSRP of $100, the guys are instantly struck by its dark cherry and oaky warehouse nose. On the palate, it delivers a massive impact with a cherry-honey combo, a deep richness that isn't overly sweet, and a light breath of rye spice that lacks any polarizing dill or mint notes. It boasts a remarkably long finish that leaves a lasting impression and a solid Kentucky hug. Old Overholt 11-Year Cask Strength Rye: Released in late 2024, this batch drops the proof down to 107.4 and shifts the aging to warehouses M, J, F, and 5. Also retailing around $100, this pour offers a much lighter, cleaner nose with hints of peanut brittle and subtle oak. The palate takes a sharp turn into "candy rye" territory, delivering rich notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, and sweet crystalized sugar sticks. While the finish isn't quite as long as the 10-year, it provides a beautifully balanced, sweet, and approachable experience that hides its proof effortlessly. Old Overholt 12-Year Cask Strength Rye: The senior member of the lineup steps the proof back up to 117. Also aged in warehouses M, J, F, and 5, this expression brings a completely different profile and a retail price of around $110. Boasting a rich mahogany color with thick legs on the glass, the nose is bursting with berry jam—think raspberries and strawberries—with a touch of dried cranberry tartness. The palate is a luxurious "berries and cream" experience, offering a velvety, salivating mouthfeel. It balances the sweetness with a leathery, slightly white-pepper spicy finish that lingers just as long as the 10-year. The "Blendageddon" Old Overholt 10/11/12-Year Custom Blend: To close out the tasting, Todd mixes equal parts of all three expressions, resulting in a custom blend sitting right around 114.4 proof. The guys discover that the bold 10-year and 12-year expressions dominate the softer 11-year, creating a complex pour that leads with the 12-year's berry notes and finishes with the 10-year's spicy, leathery bite. Tune in to hear Jim and Todd debate the merits of each vintage, discuss the fascinating history of the brand, and ultimately reveal their personal rankings of these three exceptional ryes. Which age statement will reign supreme? Grab a glass, pour your favorite rye, and join us on The Bourbon Road to find out!

We Like Shooting - Ep 654 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Night Fision (Code: WLSISLIFE) Die Free Co. (Code: WLSISLIFE) Rost Martin (Code: WLSISLIFE) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Second Call Defense Guests: Jon Patton – https://guncon.net – NILES, OH BIG PUBLIC SHOW DAY JUNE 20th, 2026 Industry/VIP Events JUNE 17-20, 2026 Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171  Public https://welikeshooting.com/titles/ Gear Chat [Mischief Machine] MP-20 Full-Size Backstraps Mischief Machine offers backstraps compatible with Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 full-size frames. The product is listed as a pre-order item taking 2-3 weeks to ship per batch. It is constructed from 316 stainless steel as a grip panel.12 Availability: Pre-order available at Mischief Machine (mischiefmachine.co), takes about 2-3 weeks to ship per batch.1 Special: 316 stainless steel construction.1 [Derya Arms] EX1400 The Derya EX1400 is a 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring a mono-block steel receiver, 24-inch barrels, tang safety, walnut stock, and black chrome finish. It measures 41 inches in overall length and weighs 6.61 pounds, shipping with Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes. This break-action shotgun is positioned as a value option with an MSRP of $699.0 Cost: $699 MSRP0 Special: Mono-block steel receiver0 [Derya] DY9 Island The Derya DY9 Island is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm Parabellum, featuring a proprietary Island Barrel Design with four top-mounted gas ports that reduce muzzle rise by approximately 25% and recoil by 12% for flatter shooting. It utilizes a forged 4140 steel slide, 4140 annealed steel barrel, and premium polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, weighing 26 oz with RMR optic-ready cut and Picatinny rail. Capacities are available in 10 or 15 rounds, compatible with many Glock 19 magazines. Availability: Available through www.derya.us, dealer locator at https://derya.us/dealer-locator/, complete upper at https://derya.us/dy9-island-barrel-complete-upper/, and distributors Lipsey's, RSR Group, Sports South. Cost: USA MSRP $599.00 (Complete Pistol 9mm 10rd or 15rd); $349.00 (Complete Upper with RMR Cut). Special: Island Barrel Design: shifts mass to barrel with four top-mounted gas ports, reducing muzzle rise by ~25% and recoil by ~12%. Note Derya Arms Note (Nick) Ruger mk iv Note (Nick) Derya SxS Note Gary plauche day Bullet Points Gun Fights No one stepped into the arena this week. The Agency Brief Agency Update THE HOOK (COLD OPEN) “Gary Plauché didn't ‘take the law into his own hands'—he just put justice on a faster timeline.” THE INTEL (THE STORY) The Play-by-Play The Grooming (1983): Jeff Doucet, local karate instructor, manipulates the Plauché family in Baton Rouge. Classic predator playbook: isolation and trust-building. The Kidnapping (Feb 1984): Doucet abducts 11-year-old Jody, fleeing to California. Repeatedly rapes and abuses the boy in an Anaheim motel. The Rescue: Doucet allows Jody to call his mother; FBI tracks the call. Doucet arrested, Jody saved. The Ambush (March 16, 1984): Doucet extradited to Baton Rouge Metro Airport. News crews tipped off for the “perp walk.” Gary Plauché waits by the payphones in a baseball cap and sunglasses. The Shot: As Doucet passes, live on WBRZ-TV, Gary turns. One shot from a .38 snub-nose into Doucet's head. “Why, Jeff?” The Verdict: Zero prison time. 7-year suspended sentence, 5 years probation, 300 hours community service. The judge and DA knew no jury in Louisiana would convict a father for killing his son's rapist. The Reality Check (Hidden Incentives) Fear of Jury Nullification: The state cut a plea deal because they were terrified of a “Not Guilty” verdict setting a legal precedent for vigilance. Institutional CYA: The police failed to protect the kid, then paraded the predator like a celebrity. They needed the case to go away quietly to cover their own incompetence. The “Unwritten Law”: Backroom signaling acknowledged that while the law says “murder,” the community standard says “justice.” The plea deal was the system bowing to the reality that some people just need killing. THE 2A ANGLE (LEGAL & IMPACT) The Threat: Modern Disarmament Red Flag Laws: In 2025, a father in Gary's emotional state would be “Red Flagged” and stripped of his rights before he could protect his family. “Mental Health” Trap: The state uses righteous anger as proof of “instability.” If you are angry your kid was hurt, you are now a “prohibited person.” Bruen Test: Text, History, Tradition Text: The 2A protects “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.” It doesn't cite an exception for “angry dads.” History & Tradition: The U.S. has a long tradition of “defense of habitation” and defense of kin. While vigilante execution isn't protected, the right to carry for family defense is absolute. Analysis: Anti-gunners use Plauché as an “outlier” to justify broad restrictions. Under Bruen, you cannot restrict the rights of the law-abiding majority because one dad settled a score. Regulatory Creep: Backdoor Control Soli-Geography: Taking the “sensitive place” logic of an airport and expanding it to everywhere emotions run high (schools, parks, sidewalks). The Narrative War: Media uses this clip to argue that gun owners are “ticking time bombs,” ignoring that Gary was calm, precise, and harmed no one else. THE TALKING POINTS (ON-AIR READY) “The system calls it vigilantism. I call it parenting. Gary Plauché did what the courts were too weak to do.” “Gun control saves pedophiles. Disarming law-abiding fathers only makes the world safer for monsters like Jeff Doucet.” “In 1984, a judge understood that a father's love doesn't wait for an appeals court. Today, that same dad gets Red Flagged.” “Using Gary Plauché to argue against the Second Amendment is like banning seatbelts because someone used a car to leave a crime scene.” “Gary proved that sometimes the state is too slow, too soft, and too stupid to handle the monsters. That's why we carry.” The Alley Going Ballistic Virginia S.B. 749: Senator Cites Handgun Attacks to Justify Assault Weapons Ban Virginia Senator Saddam Salim (D) sponsored S.B. 749, an assault weapons ban targeting AR-15s and semiautomatic rifles, which passed Democrat-controlled legislature on March 9, 2026, effective July 1, 2026. Salim justified the ban by referencing handgun attacks, including the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting and 2019 Virginia Beach shooting. The bill includes a grandfather clause for pre-effective date possession but prohibits sales, transfers, and new purchases. The Gist: Virginians statewide; applies to possession, sale, and transfer of AR-15s and semiautomatic rifles. Impact: Passed by Virginia Democrat lawmakers on March 9, 2026; effective July 1, 2026; grandfather clause allows retention if possessed prior but bans sale, transfer, or new purchases. Bottom Line: Senator Saddam Salim cited handgun attacks (Virginia Tech 2007, Virginia Beach 2019) to justify banning AR-15s and semiautomatic rifles via S.B. 749.0 Washington HB 2521 & HB 5974: Background Check Fee Hike and Sheriff Silencing Bills Washington Democrats passed House Bill 2521, allowing the State Patrol to raise background check fees for firearm transactions from $18 potentially to $35 to cover costs, and House Bill 5974, empowering a state board to remove elected sheriffs refusing to enforce gun laws. Both bills advanced through the Democrat-controlled 2026 legislative session and await Gov. Bob Ferguson's expected signature. HB 2521 takes effect May 1, 2027, if signed, amid opposition citing constitutional violations. The Gist: Washington state: HB 2521 affects gun owners undergoing background checks for firearm transactions; HB 5974 targets elected county sheriffs, particularly those opposing gun control enforcement. Impact: HB 2521 grants WSP authority to hike fees as a ‘blank check,' viewed as a poll tax impairing constitutional right to bear arms (Article 1, Section 24); HB 5974 enables state board removal of non-compliant sheriffs, backed by Alliance for Gun Responsibility but opposed by sheriffs and 86% in a KOMO poll. Bottom Line: Both bills passed legislature and sent to Gov. Ferguson for signature (expected); imposes higher costs on gun transactions and risks state override of elected sheriffs on gun law enforcement. Old Dominion University Terror Attack (Virginia) Exposes Myth of Gun Tracing A terror attack at Old Dominion University in Virginia involved a stolen Glock 44 pistol used by Jalloh, a prohibited felon, highlighting the ineffectiveness of firearms tracing systems. The gun's chain of custody was broken by theft, and its partially obliterated serial number rendered tracing futile; investigators identified the seller via phone records instead. The article argues that national tracing and registration efforts are obsolete, costly, and rarely solve crimes, citing examples like Canada's handgun registry. The Gist: Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia); Newport News, Virginia (gun theft); United States broadly (hundreds of millions of firearms over 10 years old or stolen are untraceable). Impact: Firearms tracing fails due to stolen guns breaking custody chains, obliterated serial numbers, and old firearms; registration systems like Canada's handgun registry (since 1934) solved no crimes by 1995; promotes electronic surveillance over ineffective gun control measures. Bottom Line: Firearms tracing and registration systems are obsolete, cost-ineffective myths that do not solve violent crimes, as proven by the Old Dominion case where phone records, not tracing, identified the gun seller.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1295: Automotive trade associations nationwide are rallying dealers around FTC advertising compliance and we're joined by Ted Smith of FLADA.Don Hall and the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association responded to Friday's FTC warning letters with a detailed compliance roadmap. Automotive trade associations across the country are stepping up to help dealers navigate what this means on the ground.From VADA's compliance roadmap: The core rule is simple: the advertised price must be the total price every consumer pays, processing fees and freight included. State law does not matter here; the FTC Act overrules it.There is no such thing as an "Internet Price" or a "Geographic Price." If it's advertised, it must be available to every customer, every time, and no disclaimer can fix a non-compliant price.Pre-installed add-ons that consumers cannot remove or decline, like paint protection or etching, must be included in the advertised price.MSRP-only listings are a trap: post MSRP, and you'd better be prepared to sell at that price, or advertise the actual dealer total price instead.VADA's bottom line: audit your ads now, update your addendum stickers, and train your sales staff on accurate out-the-door pricing, because a single screenshot of a non-compliant ad is all a regulator needs.Today's show is brought to you by HeyGreenlight. HeyGreenlight's Wingman gives your sales and BDC team live, real-time guidance so they consistently say the right things, at the right time, on every call.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1292: Today we unpack Honda's massive $15.7B EV write-down and pivot back to hybrids, Rivian's make-or-break R2 SUV aimed at the mainstream market, and Ford CEO Jim Farley's vow to keep the manual Mustang aliveShow Notes with links:Honda is taking a massive $15.7 billion writedown as it cancels several EV programs and pivots back toward hybrids, underscoring just how quickly the EV demand outlook has shifted.Honda will cancel three planned U.S. EVs — the Honda 0 Saloon, 0 SUV, and Acura RSX — just months before production, as well as reviewing the future direction of the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture. The automaker's Honda Prologue, built by GM in Mexico, could also disappear after its current production run ends in December, with no plans for a Gen 2 vehicle.The Prologue launched in 2024 and sold nearly 39,000 units in 2025. But after the tax credit was eliminated, sales plunged 74% in 2026.Rivian is attempting one of the toughest transitions in the auto industry — moving from a niche EV startup selling $90K adventure trucks to a true mass-market brand.CEO RJ Scaringe calls the upcoming R2 SUV a “make-or-break” product for Rivian as the company tries to scale beyond wealthy early adopters.The R2 launches this spring with a $57,990 version offering up to 330 miles of range, followed by a $45,000 model next year aimed squarely at mainstream buyers.As Rivian's chief software officer put it: “We know there are just two companies in the U.S. who know how to do it: Tesla and us.”While manual transmissions continue disappearing across the industry, Ford CEO Jim Farley says the Mustang will keep its third pedal for as long as the company has a choice.Speaking at the Australian Grand Prix, Farley doubled down on Ford's stance (although it wasn't the most natural phrasing): “Out of our cold, dead hands will we not have a manual Mustang.”Farley framed the decision as part of Ford's identity, saying the brand aims to serve “working people and enthusiast drivers” and keep building cars that aren't boring.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandising decisions, iPacket Value replaces guesswork with data-backed clarity.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1291: An activist investor pushes CarMax to overhaul its digital game, Carvana accelerates same-day delivery into Los Angeles, and Lucid rolls out CarPlay and Android Auto updates while resetting its software strategy. Activist investor Starboard Value is turning up the heat on CarMax's incoming CEO, arguing the used-car giant has plenty of untapped potential, and they've got a $350 million stake to back up that opinion.Starboard sent a letter to CEO-elect Keith Barr calling out CarMax for falling short, and pushing for a streamlined online trade-in process and better digital conversion rates.The firm wants SG&A expenses capped at 70–75% of gross profit, and believes modest price cuts of $100–$300 per vehicle could restore competitiveness.Starboard is also nominating two board members, including its own CEO Jeffrey Smith, signaling this is more than a suggestion.Analysts at Truist agree there's room to improve, but warn that gaining ground on Carvana while cutting costs at the same time won't be easy."If CarMax can get its flywheel moving again as Starboard talked about, then I think the stock would be drastically higher than it is today," said Morningstar analyst David Whiston.Carvana is taking its same-day delivery service to the City of Angels, and if you thought they were already moving fast, Los Angeles is about to find out what that really means.Carvana has rolled out same-day vehicle delivery to the Los Angeles metro area, letting eligible customers go from online checkout to driveway delivery in a matter of hours.Customers looking to sell can also get same-day pickup or drop-off after completing an online appraisal — making the whole transaction, buy or sell, a same-day affair.LA joins Sacramento and San Diego, making California one of the more saturated same-day markets, with Carvana now operating the service across 20 states nationwide.Lucid Motors is delivering some good news to Gravity SUV owners just in time for its investor day. After a rough few months of software headaches, it's a welcome update.Lucid is pushing a software update to North American Gravity SUV owners Thursday that enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with European and Middle East owners getting it in late March.The features have been available on the Lucid Air sedan for some time, but the Gravity has had a rocky software rollout, significant enough that Lucid's interim CEO issued a public apology to owners.Lucid recently parted ways with several top software leaders and last month laid off 12% of its workforce.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Welcome back to another episode of The Bourbon Road! After a brief hiatus, the man, the myth, the legend—Jim Shannon—is officially back in the host chair. Jim recently returned from a trip to Florida, where he experienced the wild swings of winter weather, going from 80 degrees down to 35. Of course, Kentucky wasn't about to be outdone, greeting him with 70-degree days followed immediately by threats of snow and heavy rains. As Jim and Todd Ritter settle back into the Bourbon Road bar, they take a moment to reflect on the crazy weather and look back at the anniversary of the historic Frankfort floods, thankful that the waterfront survived mostly intact this year. But enough about the weather—it is time to drink some incredible whiskey. For this highly anticipated review episode, the guys are diving into something truly special: the brand-new King of Kentucky Small Batch releases from Brown-Forman. If you follow the brand, you know that King of Kentucky is historically known for its ultra-rare, high-proof single barrel releases. However, the team at Brown-Forman found themselves with around 100 barrels that had incredibly low yields—some containing only 20 to 30 bottles worth of liquid due to heavy evaporation. Rather than release them individually, they decided to batch them together. This special release was created in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. These small batches feature bourbon aged between 12 and 18 years, and surprisingly, they utilize a slightly different mash bill than the standard releases: 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Bottled in 700mL formats with an MSRP of $299, these are still incredibly hard to find. Fortunately, Todd and Jim were lucky enough to get their hands on samples of all three batches thanks to their good friend John Peetz (aka Top Dog), whom they recently joined for an excellent barrel pick at Bluegrass Distilling. On the Tasting Mat: King of Kentucky Small Batch 1: Coming in at 105 proof, this first batch sets the stage with a classic, robust Brown-Forman nose full of cherry pie crust, toasted coconut, and vanilla. However, the palate takes a sharp turn into an incredibly dry and tannic profile. Lacking any real sweetness, it delivers bitter dark cacao, leather, and heavy oak tannins that linger on the back of the palate for a remarkably long finish. It is a complex, dry pour that demands your attention and pairs perfectly with a dark Maduro cigar. King of Kentucky Small Batch 2: Stepping up to 107.5 proof, Batch 2 shifts away from the dry tannins of the first pour and moves into darker, spicier territory. The nose is rich with dark fruits like dates, figs, and dried palm fruits. On the palate, it brings a leathery tobacco bite accompanied by a sizzling cinnamon and black pepper spice that dances across the tongue. It retains a dry character but balances the heavy oak with a fantastic, mouth-watering sizzle. King of Kentucky Small Batch 3: The heaviest hitter of the trio clocks in at 110 proof. This batch brings a completely different energy, opening with a bright, fresh nose of rich chocolate, citrusy lemon, and a distinct Coca-Cola note. The palate introduces a "faux sweetness"—a luscious cherry cola syrup flavor that perfectly masks the high proof while delivering a spicy, full-mouth tingle that coats the entire tongue beautifully. After sipping through the three official batches, Todd flexes his "Blendageddon" skills for the final pour of the night. By combining equal parts of Batch 1, Batch 2, and Batch 3, Todd creates a custom "Batch 4" that sits right around 107.5 proof. The guys evaluate this impromptu blend to see if combining the dry tannins, the dark fruit spice, and the sweet cherry cola notes results in a masterpiece that rivals the individual batches. Tune in to hear Jim and Todd's full tasting notes, their discussion on the secondary market values for these rare bottles, and their personal rankings of the King of Kentucky Small Batches. Which batch will take the crown? Grab your favorite glass, pour something special, and join us down the Bourbon Road. Cheers! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1288: Buy-sell activity ramps up as more dealerships and franchises change hands in Q4. Meanwhile, Volkswagen dealers launch a 600-store class action over Scout's direct-sales plan, and Ford patents a smart door system designed to prevent dents, injuries, and awkward parking lot moments.The dealership buy-sell market closed 2025 strong. Transaction count only ticked up slightly to 112, but the stores and franchises behind those deals hit multi-year highs — a delayed release from a slower first half shaped by tariff uncertainty and longer deal timelines.Dealerships trading hands jumped 19% to 163, while franchises involved surged 35% to 261 year-over-year.Stellantis led all brands with 25 CDJR stores changing hands — more than double Q4 2024Chevrolet came in second with 24 stores sold, driven by what Kerrigan Advisors calls "tremendous demand" tied to GM's domestic manufacturing position and relatively clean EV write-downsA group of VW dealers has filed a class-action lawsuit representing roughly 600 U.S. dealers, challenging Scout Motor's plan to sell vehicles directly to consumers.Dealer Fred Ippolito, didn't hold back, saying: “Volkswagen built their success on the backs of the dealer network, and now they're putting knives in the backs of the same dealers that helped them grow in this country.”Scout CEO Scott Keogh says the direct model is simply more efficient for modern automotive retail: “You can be dramatically more efficient with every single car that you make and exactly where that car goes.”VP of Commercial Operations Cody Thacker said the company repeatedly hears customers asking for direct sales, noting: “We have heard over and over again, ‘Please give me an alternative.' You see that there is very little trust in auto dealers today.”Ford may be trying to save your car door—and your neighbor's paint job. A newly surfaced patent reveals a smart door system designed to slow or stop a door before it hits nearby objects, combining sensors, software, and a mechanical brake.Ford's patented system uses accelerometers and obstacle sensors to detect how quickly a door is opening and whether something is in its path.If a collision is likely, a small mechanical brake with springs and pads engages to slow or stop the door—preventing dents, dings or worse.The design intentionally includes mechanical components to avoid the reliability issues sometimes seen with fully electronic systems.Door safety is getting more attention across the industry. Kia recalled 51,000 Carnival minivans after sliding doors continued closing on obstacles, causing several injuries.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandising decisions, iPacket Value replaces guessworkJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1286: Scout Motors discovers that American truck buyers want a generator backup with their electrons, Flexcar bets big on Atlanta's appetite for flexible wheels, and UPS makes the largest buyout offer in company history as it braces for life after Amazon.Scout Motors set out to be a pure EV brand, but the market had other plans. Of 160,000 reservations for the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, 87% of buyers chose the EREV version — blowing past CEO Scott Keogh's expected 60/40 split.The EREV pairs a ~63 kWh battery with a four-cylinder generator for roughly 500 miles of total range, compared to about 350 for the BEV — and Scout will launch the EREV version first given the demand, with pricing starting below $60,000.Scout isn't alone in this pivot: Ford, Ram, and Jeep all have EREVs arriving this year, making range-extenders the de facto off-road electrification strategy in the U.S.The brand's direct-to-consumer model is drawing legal fire from VW's existing dealer networkFlexcar, the subscription-based leasing company, is expanding its footprint in Atlanta.The company's model offers drivers a middle ground between leasing, renting and owning. The model lets customers pay one monthly fee covering insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance and registration—often with no long-term contract and the option to swap vehicles as needs changeThey are now expanding its Atlanta footprint with two new locations in Marietta and Morrow, adding more than 25,000 square feet of retail and lot space.The company says Atlanta members have already logged over 150 million miles in Flexcar vehicles, making it one of the platform's fastest-growing markets.Flexcar offers 200+ vehicle options locally, including popular models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Altima and Volvo XC60.UPS just made the largest buyout offer in company history — sending voluntary severance packages worth $150,000 to more than 100,000 van drivers. It's the latest move in a major restructuring plan centered around one uncomfortable truth: Amazon, UPS's biggest customer, is becoming its biggest competitor.UPS announced plans to cut Amazon's package volume by 50% over 18 months, citing Amazon as "not our most profitable customer." Its margin, per CEO Carol Tomé, is "very dilutive to the US domestic business."As one supply chain professor put it: "Just because they lose Amazon doesn't mean there's nobody else out there. There's stuff to move, and there's warehouses that need to be filled."Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandising decisions, iPacket Value replaces guesswork with data-backed clarity.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Getting a product into Walmart isn't just a “great product” problem. It's a buyer problem, a packaging problem, and an inventory cash-flow problem.In this episode of Founder Talk, Alex Sheridan sits down with Joe Barron, founder of Gray Matters Games—a family-owned business that designs and publishes family and adult party games sold in thousands of stores worldwide. Joe shares what it really takes to go from a single idea to national retail shelves, including how his team has scaled into major retailers, what they learned the hard way, and why retail is “pressure right out of the gate.”It's a grounded conversation about entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and making better founder decisions when the stakes are real.Q&A-Style Takeaways00:00:00 Introduction00:06:08 How should founders set expectations with friends-and-family investors?A: Align on the real payoff timeline upfront (often at a sale), keep communication tight, and avoid structures that force early cash payouts in a capital-hungry business.00:09:23 What does board game manufacturing look like—and what is MOQ?A: Manufacturing is spec-driven down to materials and colour. MOQ (minimum order quantity) often starts around 1,500–3,000 units, so founders must plan demand, cash, and storage early.00:11:01 What gross margin target makes a physical product business viable?A: Joe targets strong gross margins and uses a simple pricing rule of thumb: MSRP should be roughly 5x cost of goods to leave room for retail and distribution economics.00:14:47 How do you describe a product in 10 seconds so it actually sells?A: Lead with the features and benefits people instantly “get,” not the detailed mechanics. If it can't be explained fast, customers and retailers tune out.00:18:11 How do founders actually get in front of Walmart or Target buyers?A: Find the category buyer through trade shows and relationships, then build a distribution path that helps you show up prepared—because access alone doesn't win the shelf.00:26:40 Is influencer marketing worth it for consumer products—and what's the right approach?A: Yes, when it's relationship-based and volume-based. Launch with a wide creator set, let creators create, then turn proven organic winners into paid ads.00:41:33 What can go wrong with a big retail launch—and how do founders avoid cash trouble?A: Early retail mistakes (packaging, pricing, forecasting) can trigger over-ordering and cash stress. If the first product underperforms, buyers may not want the next one.Watch the full episode to hear the complete conversation and the real-world founder lessons behind getting a product onto major retail shelves.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1283: Oil markets are on edge as global conflict pressures fuel prices and supply chains. Meanwhile, BYD may have cracked the code on five-minute EV charging, and CarMax becomes the first U.S. auto retailer to launch a shopping app inside ChatGPT.Oil markets are on edge after military action involving the U.S. and Israel disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While automakers aren't seeing immediate shutdowns, rising energy prices and potential shipping reroutes are adding another variable to an already complex year.Roughly 20 million barrels of crude flow through the strait daily, along with LNG, aluminum, steel inputs and key plastics used in vehicle production.Oil briefly jumped nearly 7%, with analysts warning prices could top $100 a barrel if the conflict drags on.Automakers rely heavily on Asia–Europe sea lanes for semiconductors, battery materials and electronics—any expansion into the Red Sea or Suez would be “significantly disruptive.”“It certainly adds risk [for OEMs] and you've got to be thinking about rerouting anything that's going to go through that part of the world,” said AlixPartners' Dan Hearsch.If range anxiety has been the headline problem for EV adoption, BYD may be attacking it at the source. The Chinese automaker is testing a 1,500 kW “flash charging” network that looks less like a parking lot and more like a traditional gas station.The demo site in Shenzhen features liquid-cooled charging guns and pull-through lanes, allowing drivers to plug in and roll out—no backing into stalls required.Leaked specs suggest up to 1,500 kW on a 1,000V architecture—potentially adding 249 miles in about 5 minutes. For context, most U.S. and European fast chargers top out at 350 kW.Testing is currently limited to select BYD models with a “Flash Charge” badge, with charging reportedly starting within 10 seconds of plug-in.Pricing at the demo site is around $0.18 per kWh, a fraction of many Western public charging rates.CarMax just became the first U.S. auto retailer to launch a car-shopping app inside ChatGPT, bringing both buying and selling tools directly into the AI platform. It's another signal that conversational commerce isn't coming—it's here.Customers can browse CarMax's 45,000+ vehicle inventory using natural prompts like “SUV with third row under $25,000” or “small AWD car with good tech.”The app also allows sellers to check their vehicle's value and connect directly to CarMax's online offer tool.CarMax says the goal is to reduce the overwhelm of used-car shopping by meeting customers on a platform they're already using.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandising decisions, iPacketJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1282: Honda leads the nation in fuel economy, destination charges quietly climb to $1,600 per vehicle, and a new Gallup report shows staffing shortages may be holding back customer experience across retail.If you had to guess the most fuel-efficient automaker in America, who would you pick? According to the EPA's newly released 2025 Automotive Trends Report, Honda just claimed the top spot—blending hybrids, smart engineering, and affordability into a winning formula.Honda posted a 31.0 mpg “real-world” fleet average for 2024—3.8 mpg higher than the industry average among full-line brands.The EPA ranking looks at automakers offering a complete mix of gas and electrified vehiclesHonda's efficiency dominance isn't new. The Civic topped the EPA's very first fuel economy rankings back in 1976.The average Honda transaction price in 2025 was $35,060—roughly $10,000 below the industry average.Honda also set a third straight annual electrified sales record, surpassing 400,000 units, led by CR-V, Accord, and Civic hybrids.There's a new line on the Monroney that's getting a second look: destination charges. These once-overlooked shipping fees are quietly adding billions to vehicle costs without technically raising MSRP.Buyers spent more than $26 billion on destination charges this year, an average of $1,600, according to Edmunds.Some increases are steep: F-150 fees jumped to $2,595, Tahoe rose to nearly $2,000; Toyota Sequoia's fee is up more than 50%.Automakers say the hikes reflect higher fuel, logistics, heavier SUVs and trucks—and now tariffs. Stellantis alone expects $1.9B in tariff costs in 2026.The charge is the same whether the vehicle traveled 10 miles or 1,000, and courts have ruled consumers shouldn't be surprised that it includes profit.John Morrill, Massachusetts dealer: “It's a way to raise prices that is, shall we say, less transparent to the consumer. Carmakers have raised them a lot, certainly faster than they've raised prices.”A new Gallup report highlights a growing gap in retail and beyond: employees feel deeply responsible for customer experience—but don't believe their companies can actually deliver on promises. And staffing cuts appear to be the biggest culprit.43% of workers strongly agree they feel responsible for customer experience (up from 38% last year), but only 23% believe their organization consistently delivers on its promises.Leadership is 10 points more confident than frontline employees that promises are being kept.Staffing is the top barrier to service, cited by 37% of workers—more than training, tools, or unclear standards combined.Today's show is brought to you by iPacket Value. From accurate MSRP validation to smarter merchandisJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

- Will Gas Prices Push Buyers Toward Hybrids? - Geely Overtakes BYD In Chinese Auto Market - Hidden Destination Fees Cost Car Buyers Billions - European Suppliers Warn of Massive Job Cuts - Experts Skeptical of Donut Lab Battery Claims - Rare Earth Production Lags Behind EV Growth - Lithium Demand Set to Grow 25% - Automakers Use Clever Tactics to Cut Tariffs

- Will Gas Prices Push Buyers Toward Hybrids? - Geely Overtakes BYD In Chinese Auto Market - Hidden Destination Fees Cost Car Buyers Billions - European Suppliers Warn of Massive Job Cuts - Experts Skeptical of Donut Lab Battery Claims - Rare Earth Production Lags Behind EV Growth - Lithium Demand Set to Grow 25% - Automakers Use Clever Tactics to Cut Tariffs

This week on Eat Drink Smoke Happy Hour, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy crack open the humidor and pull out something special — the Southern Draw Cigars Lady Killer, a 6½ x 46 Lonsdale created in collaboration with Privada Cigar Club back in 2021. Don’t ask how it survived that long. Just be grateful it did. Wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano Maduro, packed with Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo tobaccos from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, this cigar delivers spice, cedar, a little cocoa, and just enough richness to make you forget your allergies… unless you’re Tony. In that case, your sinuses are staging a full rebellion. Along the way: Tony debates whether his head is going to explode from seasonal allergies Fingers prescribes a ragweed “toughen up” therapy straight from Grandpa Malloy The guys break down why Lonsdale (46 ring gauge) might be the perfect cigar ratio A spirited argument about tipping culture — from sandwich shops to Texas Roadhouse And a deep dive into civil asset forfeiture and TSA cash seizures (because nothing pairs with Maduro like constitutional outrage) Construction? Impressive.Draw? Easy.Burn? Low maintenance — just the way we like it.MSRP? Around $12 — and yes, it earns its place in the humidor. Plus, news of the week covers Social Security insolvency, government overreach, and why you should always check your bill before calculating the tip. It’s cigars, bourbon, food, culture, and a little righteous indignation — the way Happy Hour was meant to be. Head to EatDrinkSmokeShow.com and subscribe to the Eat, Drink, Smoke YouTube channel for more. Light one up. Pour something strong.And let’s get into it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Welcome to the Firearms Insider Gun & Gear Review Podcast episode 614. This episode is brought to you by Walker Defense, and XS Sights. In this show we will be discussing large optics, cheap optics, PS90 frt's, and a tiny 1911 that uses G mags   As you may know, we showcase guns, gear, and anything else you might be interested in. We do our best to evaluate products from an unbiased and honest perspective.   I'm Chad Wallace, host of the most dedicated firearms podcast around With me tonight are: Tony, Rob   Sponsor #1: Walker Defense Research   Walker Defense provides shooters with the finest, most innovative, quality, tactical accessories and firearm components around. From their NILE grip panels to their NERO muzzle brakes, no details are ever left behind. Only top quality materials are used in the manufacturing process. Together, all of this gives you some of the best firearm performance around. Everything they have to offer is proudly made in the USA. Walker Defense, where American ingenuity meets bleeding edge technology.   Our Walker Defense Product of the week is - Nickel Boron Bolt Carrier Group   Use code “INSIDER15” FOR 15% OFF everything at walkerdr.com   What we did in Firearms:   Announcements: Bandwidth sponsor Patriot Patch Co.  And their Patch of the Month Club! Check out the Pew.Report T-shirts are available through our FRN site, or click the “Merch” tab on Firearmsinsider.tv   AFFILIATES / DISCOUNTS: Walker Defense Research - enter “INSIDER15” for 15% off XS Sights - “GGR20” for 20% off Primary Arms VZ Grips  Brownells Gun Guys Garage discount code - “FRN15OFF” Atibal Optics - enter “FIREARMSINSIDER20” for 20% off 5.11 Tactical PowerTac Lights - enter “GGR” for a real good discount JSD Supply Modern Spartan Systems - “GGR15” for 15% off Global Ordnance Infinite Defense (Infinity Targets) - “PEW15” for 15% off Guns.com Magpul Palmetto State Armory Unique ARs - “GunGearReview” for 10% off CobraTec Knives - “GGR10” for 10% off Nutrient Survival - “GGR10” for 10% off Gideon Optics - “GGR” or “INSIDER” for 10% off Lone Wolf Arms US Optics - “INSIDER15” for 15% off Camorado - “FIREARMSINSIDER” for 5% off Optics Planet Midway USA Strike Industries North Forest Arms - “GGR” for 10% off Kini SafeAlert - “GGR” for 20% off FoxTrot Mike - “GGR” for 10% off XTech Tactical - “GGR10” for 10% off Die Free Co ZeroTech Optics - “GGR” for 20% off BattleHawk Armory Goliath Defense - “GGR” for 10% off holsters   ROB - Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual co-hosts and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Firearms Radio Network and/or their employers. This is NOT legal advice, nor should it be considered as such. Viewer discretion is advised, sometimes   Main Topic: Product Review or Updates on previous reviews None   Product Spotlight is sponsored by: XS Sights   For over 25 years, XS Sights has helped you get on target faster. Offering tritium sights in all different types and styles, low light is no longer an obstacle. Most options come with a brightly colored photoluminescent ring around the tritium. That colored ring makes them work great in the daylight also. XS Sights has sight styles for everyone: Big Dot's, Ghost Rings, Standard Notch and Post, Minimalist, Suppressor Height, all offering tritium options. Available for a plethora of firearms types, from shotguns to handguns, XS sights has you covered for all your low light sighting needs.   Our XS Sights Product of the week is - R3D 2.0 Suppressor Height for Glocks   Use Code “GGR20” for 20% off of almost everything at xssights.com   Product Spotlight and Discussion:    FRT 90 for ps90  MSRP - $450   Holosun HS507 ProMax MSRP - $470.58   Alpha Foxtrot 1911-S15 MSRP - $1370.00   ZeroTech Thrive 1-10x24 SFP Illuminated RAR MSRP - $449.00, Sale $299.00 plus 20% with code “GGR”   Listener Feedback None   2nd is for Everyone Diversity Shoot Events simonsaystrain on instagram 2nd is for Everyone Facebook 2A4E Web Page   Wrap up: Send questions, comments, or feedback to - gungearreview@gmail.com Remember to Subscribe and Leave us an iTunes Review Be sure to visit the Firearms Insider at www.firearmsinsider.tv Check us out on Facebook, X, and InstaGram @firearmsinsider  Subscribe to our Rumble channel  Please check out all our great sponsors Thank you for listening to the “LARGEST”, pound for pound, podcast on the network We are out

The Heaven Hill 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a limited-edition, 107-proof (53.5% ABV) release honoring the distillery's 1935 founding. Released in late 2025 for $124.99 MSRP, it features a 9-year-old blend of 70% standard barrels and 30% heavy-char barrels filled in 2015. Cheers!

Pappy 12: Highly coveted 90.4-proof (45.2% ABV) Kentucky straight wheated bourbon, known for its balanced, smooth profile featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. While the MSRP is approximately $149.99, high demand drives secondary market prices often exceeding $1,000.Highly sought-after, wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace known for its 12-year aging process, 90 proof, and smooth profile with notes of lanolin, almond, vanilla, and oak. It is generally considered a premium yet accessible "allocated" bourbon, with a retail price around  but often selling for much more on the secondary market.Cheers!

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1271: January sales slid as winter storms and shrinking EV credits cooled demand. Ford's battery pullback shows how policy whiplash hits jobs fast. Amazon is going all-in on its own AI shopping agent.According to the latest NADA Market Beat: January sales came in at a 14.85M SAAR, down 4.1% year-over-year and the lowest January pace since 2024Severe winter storms affected store traffic late in the month, while EV share dipped and hybrids continued to shine.Incentives averaged $3,335 per unit (+5.6% YoY, -5.5% vs. December), landing at 6.6% of MSRP—still well below the pre-pandemic ~10% norm.Translation: OEMs and dealers still have discounting headroom if demand needs a boost.BEV share fell to 6.6% (-1.9 pts YoY) amid the absence of federal EV tax credits.Hybrids are humming right along as they climbed to a 12.6% share (+0.5 pts YoY), continuing their steady momentum.Inventory at 2.53M units, down 9.2% YoY; expected to hover there through the first half before building later in the year.NADA is forecasting a 16m SAARFord's abrupt exit from its battery JV with SK On has left 1,600 Kentucky workers jobless just months after production began. While locals are pointing fingers at Ford, the unraveling of EV tax credits and shifting policy winds added serious pressure to an already cooling EV market.Ford scrapped its multibillion-dollar SK On partnership just four months after batteries started rolling off the line in Kentucky, cutting 1,600 jobs.The elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and relaxed CAFE standards cooled demand, with Ford admitting “the operating reality has changed.”Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear blamed federal policy, saying 1,600 workers lost jobs “solely because” EV credits were eliminated.Workers like Joe Morgan say Ford misread the market, with one employee adding, “At the end of the day, whatever the government policy would be, the company made the decision.”The plant will remain open under full Ford control, pivoting to battery storage production with about 2,100 jobs—well short of the 5,000 originally promised.As AI shopping agents multiply, Amazon is betting customers will skip the middleman and stick with the retailer they already trust. CEO Andy Jassy says in-house AI will win on experience, accuracy, and loyalty—even as AI-driven retail traffic surges nearly 700% year over year.Amazon argues shoppers want four things: broad selection, low prices, fast delivery, and trust—and Jassy says retailers outperform “horizontal agents” on delivering all four.AI-driven referral traffic to retailers jumped 693% year over year during the 2025 holiday season, signaling rapid adoption of third-party tools.Jassy criticized horizontal agents, saying they lack shopJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Episode 67: New Jersey Ape ManFor a ninth year, the Knife Nuts are back! Well at least three of them are, as Jake was busy being Jake. Levon, Dave, and Brian catch up with each other, including Brian's failed move to Alabama and the renovation of the Sharp By Design shop. Also on the table are the ways in which the current knife industry has reduced our collective interest, be it rising MSRP's, ubiquitous axis-lock clones, and the complete enshittification of Instagram as a means to connect with other knife collectors. We also get a look behind the scenes of the upcoming Lehigh Valley Knife Show. References:Lehigh Valley Knife ShowPlease consider supporting the Knife Nuts Podcast by using our affiliate links: DLT Trading GPKnives River's Edge Cutlery ________________________________________________________________ If you like the show, consider supporting us on our Patreon for bonus content, swag, and giveaways! https://www.patreon.com/knifenutspodcast Thank you to our sponsors: PVK River's Edge CutlerySt. Nick's Knives https://knifenutspodcast.com/

Send us a textAfter trading allocated bottles from historic brands, and a question every bourbon fan wrestles with: when does hype outpace the pour? We put E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection on the table after swapping out a Pappy 10 (Old Rip) and some cash to find out if the first-ever 100-proof BTAC earns its secondary price—or simply its place in history.We set the scene with why “first and only” matters here: not a one-time release, but the only bottled-in-bond in BTAC's lineage. Then we walk through the proofing journey, from 140 proof off the still, to 125 proof into barrel, to a composed 100 in glass, along with how water choice, temperature, and integration shape the final profile. With a massive 62 percent angel's share over 15 years and 4 months, the bourbon promises concentration, yet it prioritizes balance over brute force. On the nose, we pick up apple, maple sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and oak. The palate drifts from a quick black licorice flash to soft fruits and an elegant finish of brown sugar, cinnamon, and light pepper. The surprise is the mouthfeel—clean and approachable rather than the heavy oil and intensity BTAC fans expect from Stagg or WLW.That contrast leads to the big debate: is elegance at 100 proof a feature or a flaw in a lineup famed for high-octane hitters?  This is excellent at MSRP and a meaningful step up from standard E.H. Taylor bottled-in-bond, but a tough sell at eight times retail on the secondary market. If you love the Taylor profile and want a milestone bottle, it's a smart pick near retail. If you're chasing BTAC thunder, look toward Stagg or WLW. For those building value-forward shelves, we also highlight standouts like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Bardstown Bourbon Company releases, Ezra 7, New Riff single barrels, and reliable daily sippers when you can find them.Pour one, press play, and tell us where you land on rarity vs. flavor. If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow, share the show with a friend who loves bourbon hunts, and leave a review—your feedback helps more whiskey lovers find us.

Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠Join The Normandy For Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here: ⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠In the Notorious Mass Effect segment, Analytic Dreamz dives deep into the RAM Price Crisis (2025–2026), unpacking the key data, market drivers, and real consumer impact behind the dramatic surge in memory costs.RAM prices have skyrocketed into a sustained inflation cycle heading into 2026, fueled by explosive AI data center demand that prioritizes high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and diverts supply from consumer DRAM. Manufacturing bottlenecks, limited cleanroom capacity, and lithography constraints exacerbate the shortage, while major players like Micron exit consumer RAM sales (Crucial brand in December 2025) to focus on higher-margin AI segments. Samsung and SK hynix report massive profit surges amid the boom.DDR5 RAM has seen prices more than quadruple (+340–344%) since July 2025, with a +27% month-on-month jump from December to January 2026. DDR4 and older standards are rising even faster recently (+46% MoM in January), narrowing the gap with newer tech. ComputerBase's fixed-basket analysis confirms average prices have quadrupled versus September 2025, with Germany's retail tracking—Europe's largest PC hardware market—mirroring global trends, including growing secondary-market distortions.Secondary effects hit related components hard: SSDs up +79%, hard drives +53%, GPUs +14% (with street prices far exceeding MSRP on models like RTX 5070 Ti). Specific examples include 2TB NVMe drives jumping 60–159% and NAS HDDs doubling.Analyst forecasts from TrendForce and Omdia point to +50–60% DRAM contract price hikes in Q1 2026, following 40–70% YoY increases in 2025. PC shipments grew +9.2% in 2025 but face potential declines in 2026, while smartphone output forecasts drop ~20% for some brands, risking +30% price hikes or spec downgrades. Gaming consoles may see delays or higher launch prices.Apple's upgrade costs (e.g., $400 for 16GB→32GB) already outpace comparable DDR5 sticks, with M6 Macs potentially facing steeper hikes or supply delays if AI firms continue outbidding.The core takeaway: This AI-driven structural shift has quadrupled RAM prices in under six months, with volatility persisting through 2026. A plateau is the most optimistic scenario—no full reversal in sight. Analytic Dreamz breaks down the data, root causes, and widespread ripple effects across PCs, smartphones, and beyond.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/analytic-dreamz-notorious-mass-effect/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 95: The Ryzen 7 9850X3D has been released and at best all we can say about it is that it's inoffensive. Also, more reports have emerged that signal the end of GPUs at MSRP.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:26 - So The 9850X3D Has Been Released16:04 - More GPU Supply Information29:40 - Zotac Might Be In Trouble43:11 - Intel Launching Big Battlemage for Pros?49:09 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSOURCESder8auer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lS1S_VhUK4&pp=2AYBZotac Korea statement: https://videocardz.com/newz/zotac-korea-warns-of-steep-rtx-5090-and-rtx-5060-price-hikes-says-some-models-may-be-unavailable-for-a-whileArc Pro B70: https://x.com/SquashBionic/status/2015648577511629092SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT8Vb3jweH6_tj2SarErfwSUPPORT US DIRECTLYPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/hardwareunboxedLINKSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hardwareunboxed/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HardwareUnboxedBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hardwareunboxed.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon and Shopify are NOT the whole market.If you're only selling online, you're competing inside roughly 15% of the total retail opportunity while ignoring a market that's several times larger. In this episode, we break down why that blind spot is costing brands serious revenue and how sellers can expand beyond ecommerce without guessing or blowing up their margins.Talor Ofer, a retail strategist with over 25 years of experience helping physical product brands get placed in major retail channels. In this conversation, Talor breaks down how retail really works behind the scenes and why brands that understand the retail language have a major advantage going into 2026.In this Episode:  ✅ Ecommerce Brands Are Competing in the Smallest Part of the MarketOnline sales feel dominant, but they represent a fraction of total retail. Brands that only sell on Amazon or Shopify are fighting harder for a smaller slice of demand while ignoring a much larger offline opportunity.✅ Retail Isn't Complicated.Most sellers avoid retail because they don't understand buyers, pricing, or expectations. Once you know what buyers want to see and how to present your brand, retail becomes simpler than dealing with ecommerce platforms and algorithms.✅ Not All Retail Channels Are EqualOff-price retailers, retailer dot-coms, and subscription boxes each offer different advantages. Some channels are easier entry points, while others deliver massive volume and exposure when used strategically.✅ 2026 Timing Matters More Than Most Sellers RealizeRetailers are buying aggressively due to tariffs, supply chain pressure, and future price uncertainty. Brands prepared now have an advantage while others wait and miss the window.

We Like Shooting - Ep 647 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Die Free Co. (Code: WLSISLIFE) Mitchell Defense (Code: WLS10) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Second Call Defense Bowers Group (Code: WLS) Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 New Public notes page. GEAR CHAT Titus Arms NYLAUG: Steyr AUG Clone with Nylon-Impregnated Aug Engineering (Nick)Titus Arms offers the NYLAUG, a faithful clone of the iconic Steyr AUG bullpup rifle featuring a nylon-aug (NYLAUG) construction for enhanced durability and lightweight performance. This limited-production model replicates the original's bullpup layout with modern manufacturing for rarity and collector appeal. Engineered for precision and scarcity in the clone market. Rideout Arsenal: Precision Firearms and Tactical Gear Hub (Shawn)Rideout Arsenal operates an online storefront via BigCommerce, specializing in firearms, ammunition, and tactical accessories. The site features categories like rifles, handguns, optics, and suppressors, with a focus on high-quality brands for enthusiasts and professionals. Detailed product listings emphasize specs, availability, and direct purchase options. Seekins Precision SIC: Ultra-Precise Integrally Suppressed 6mm Rifle (Nick)The Seekins Precision SIC (Seekins Integral Compensator) is a flagship 6mm rifle featuring an integrally suppressed barrel with a patent-pending design for exceptional accuracy and minimal POI shift. Engineered with a match-grade barrel, advanced recoil mitigation, and premium components, it prioritizes precision shooting with sub-MOA performance. Its rarity stems from custom manufacturing and limited production runs. Wraith Metal Works: Custom Firearms Engineering Excellence (Shawn)Wraith Metal Works specializes in high-end custom firearms with a focus on precision engineering and rare mechanical innovations. The site showcases bespoke builds emphasizing durability, rarity, and technical sophistication for discerning collectors and shooters. Availability and pricing are handled through direct inquiries, highlighting their exclusive, made-to-order approach. Instagram Post Firearms Feature: Specs Unpacked (Nick)Arken Target Lock 3000 https://www.instagram.com/p/DTsWo6XFAuk/?igsh=MTVnMWY5bG5rNmFiZA== l Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph: Pocket-Sized Precision for Reloaders (Nick)Garmin introduces the Xero C2, a compact, Bluetooth-enabled chronograph that delivers lab-grade velocity measurements without the hassle of traditional setups. Weighing just 5.6 ounces and folding to pocket size, it uses a single optical sensor and app integration for effortless data logging and analysis. Priced at an MSRP of $399.99, it's designed for precision shooters seeking portability and advanced ballistics insights. Note (Shawn)the next step in the evolution of C&G Holsters. We're proud to introduce GEN6 TACTICAL Light-Bearing Holsters Rev Industries: Precision Firearms Manufacturing Hub (Shawn)Rev Industries is a firearms manufacturer specializing in high-end AR-15 components and complete rifles, emphasizing custom engineering and billet machining. The site highlights their Rev 1 and Rev 2 platforms with advanced lower receivers and ambidextrous controls. Focus is on premium builds for enthusiasts seeking superior fit, finish, and performance. BULLET POINTS GUN FIGHTS No one stepped into the arena this week. THE AGENCY BRIEF Agency Update (Shawn)### Incident Overview: Minneapolis * Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse. Minnesota protest against ICE. * What we do know is he was in Signal chats tracking ICE movements and likely acting as an observer. * It wasn't just standing between them. Pretti involved himself and injected himself between an ICE agent and another protester. That is the moment he stopped being a legal observer and became a suspect for assault on a federal officer. * Mike Brown: The media claiming he was “shot for filming” is the equivalent of saying “Mike Brown was shot for jaywalking.” The initial act is irrelevant. * Gun in question: Sig P320 AXG, red dot, two spare mags. Small-of-back holster. (Note: The choice of the P320 is controversial in itself given its history). ### The Anatomy of a Split-Second Shoot * The Chaos Factor: The environment was absolute bedlam. Whistles blowing, screaming, constant noise—it's hard to even watch the video because it's so overwhelming. This is the “leftist act” 101: create maximum chaos to disorient and frazzle the opposition, and then get mad when human beings react poorly to that sensory overload. * Unreasonable Expectations: It is unreasonable to expect any human, badge or not, to operate at peak capacity when they are being swarmed and deafened. The disorientation is the point. This is the intended outcome. * Quickly: We can frame-by-frame this all day, but on the ground, this decision happened in a single breath. Juries are often instructed to disregard slow motion because it creates a false sense of time. Real-time analysis shows the true speed of the OODA loop. * Sequence: Scuffle starts. Gun gets exposed. “Gun!” is yelled. Agent (maybe) removes Pretti's gun from his holster and moves away from the scrum. Agent in green draws. Less than one second later, shots are fired. * Communication Breakdown: Even if the gun was removed, if that wasn't communicated instantly to the other agents, they are shooting based on the last known fact: “He has a gun.” ### Use of Force: The OODA Loop Reality * Graham v. Connor: The legal standard is what the officer knew *at the time*, not what we find out later. If they didn't know he was disarmed, the shoot is legally justified under *Graham*. * Processing Lag: The OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is real. There is always a lag between your brain seeing a threat and your finger moving. * Awful but Lawful: Because the timeline was compressed into milliseconds, an agent could reasonably believe the threat was active. ### Tactical Failures * Five agents on one guy. It seemed overly chaotic and overall bad tactics. * We are stuck relying on shaky cell phone footage because uniformed feds aren't recording. * It is heavily speculated that the 320 went off, which is what drove the shooting. As many times as I've watched frame by frame, I can't confirm that. ### The Narrative: Government Lies & “Ridiculous” Takes The disconnect between the video and the official story is insulting. They immediately pivoted to extreme hyperbole. Officials are using this to set a precedent that carrying a gun invalidates your First Amendment rights. * Gregory Bovino (Border Patrol Commander): “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” * Stephen Miller (Deputy White House Chief of Staff): “A would-be assassin tried to murder federal law enforcement…” * Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary): Labeled him a “domestic terrorist” and claimed he arrived to “inflict maximum damage.” * Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary): “I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun… This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons…” * Kash Patel (FBI Director): “No one who wants to be peaceful shows up at a protest with a firearm that is loaded with two full magazines! That is not a peaceful protest.” * All fucking lies. This is a terrible anti-2A take. Plenty of us carry at protests and everywhere fucking else. If we let them normalize this “guns = riot” talk, they will use it to disarm us next. ### Anti-2A Rhetoric * Suddenly, anti-gun groups like Brady United are defending a “legal gun owner” just to attack the police. They don't care about Pretti; they just hate the Trump and ICE more than they hate guns right now. ### 2A Absolutism * This is the moment that separates the 2A tourists from the absolutists. It's easy to defend your friends. The test is defending your enemies. American citizens, as long as they have not been legally disqualified, should have the right to carry a firearm. The second amendment is clear. * If you believe in the Second Amendment, you have to believe it applies to everyone, even the anti-ICE radical leftist, mentally ill, TDS guy you disagree with. * Fucking hypocrites, you don't believe in rights; you believe in privileges. Dangerous freedom isn't just a quote, it's a fucking fundamental idea. ### The Burden of Carry & Rittenhouse * I'm not sad he's gone, and frankly, this is a classic case of FAFO. He didn't deserve to die though. * The Rule: “Don't do stupid shit while armed.” Pretti failed. * If you draw the attention of law enforcement while armed, you better chill the fuck out. However, as the Daniel Shaver case proved, even full compliance doesn't guarantee survival. That cop was acquitted btw. * This is Kyle Rittenhouse all over again. A guy took a gun to a volatile counter-protest and it went sideways. Watch the hypocrisy, people who hate Rittenhouse are defending Pretti, and vice versa. You can't have it both ways. ### The “Jackboot” Reality Check * You can support the mission (border security) and still recognize that the agents are often the jackbooted thugs who will stomp on your neck if ordered. * Don't forget COVID. Don't forget Ashli Babbitt on J6. When the chips fall, law enforcement will follow orders, not necessarily the Constitution. * The Cost: There are good cops, sure, but ultimately, blue team will always be their priority. ### Is It Worth It? * Imagine defending illegal immigrant criminals. * The left is mentally ill. This is not about defending illegal immigrants. In fact most of them probably feel the same way as the rest of us. This is about defying Trump because they are all massively inflicted with Trump derangement syndrome. WLS IS LIFESTYLE GOING BALLISTIC

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1249: We dig into why affordability—not EV tech—is the real sales bottleneck heading into 2026, how agentic shopping is reshaping the idea of ‘merit' across retail, and why Jeff Daniels' new stage play about a struggling dealership is hitting close to home for the auto industry.In a wide-ranging interview with Automotive News, Chevrolet dealer council leader Andy Guelcher explains why affordability—not EV tech—is the industry's biggest hurdle heading into 2026, and how pricing discipline, incentives, and used EVs will ultimately determine sales momentum.Guelcher warns that $1,000-plus monthly payments are unsustainable and, if not addressed, will put real pressure on future vehicle sales.Lower inventory levels have helped dealers protect gross, but affordability now requires more creativity in financing, leasing, and lender mix.From a Chevy standpoint, Guelcher says disciplined inventory management and a renewed focus on lower-MSRP models position the brand well if affordability improves.Hollywood meets the showroom as actor Jeff Daniels brings car dealer drama to the stage. A new play written by a former Automotive News editor puts a struggling dealership — and the people who love the business — front and center, minus the tired stereotypes.The Classic King follows four salespeople racing to save a dealership after losing its new-car franchise, which was inspired by real dealership closures during the Great RecessionThe play is written by former Automotive News editor Richard Johnson and directed by Jeff Daniels at Michigan's Purple Rose Theatre.Daniels praised the script, saying, “There's a lot of heart in it and a lot of humor… it speaks to people who don't just have a job — they love what they do.”AI is officially coming for the shopping cart. Shopify president Harley Finkelstein says “agentic commerce” could fundamentally change how consumers discover and buy products—shifting power away from ads and toward relevance, fit, and meritShopify is betting big on agentic commerce, citing a 14x increase in orders driven by AI agents in just the past year.Google's new Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), backed by Shopify, Walmart, and others, aims to standardize how AI agents shop across brands.Rather than replacing e-commerce sites, agentic shopping is expected to act as a powerful new “spoke,” potentially accelerating overall e-commerce adoption.This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-intJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Finish off 2025 strong with a recap of our top ten most downloaded podcasts of the year. The Truck Show Podcast is brought to you in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors, including:   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.  

Jeep's 12-for-12, including a new 392 Wrangler, the HEMI Hellephant Returns, 1,000hp manual Chevy, 300hp Ford Maverick, a new patent, and a new recall. The Truck Show Podcast is brought to you in partnership withAMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors, including: AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more. Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com. OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.

Merry Christmas to all of our listeners! We just wanted to say thank you and give you a little end-of-the-year Truck Review bonus content. The Truck Show Podcast is brought to you in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors, including:   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.

Factor 55 (factor55.com) and Warn's (warn.com) own Justin Andrews returns to the show to talk recovery, innovation, new products, and bring us up to speed with everything going on in the world of recovery. Listen in as Holman and Justin catch up and concoct a plan to revitalize a classic winch and Holman reveals his favorite new product. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors.   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.

SEMA's work on CAFE rollback and ADAS regulations, Ford cancels the F-150 Lightning, GM and Allison break-up, Oscar Meyer Weinermobile needs drivers, Nissan's return to body-on-frame SUVs, and the latest recall news. The Truck Show Podcast is brought to you in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors, including: AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.  

Tony Katz has a cold, and Fingers Malloy is officially the worst person in the world — because obviously he “gave it to him” through a computer connection (even though they haven’t seen each other in two weeks). Science! The guys light up the Crowned Heads Belgian Blue (2025) — a 5.5x56 box press with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper (and a crease so sharp it could give you a paper cut) — and talk about the cruel reality of reviewing cigars when your sinuses are staging a hostile takeover. Tony powers through a retrohale attempt, Fingers talks spice early, and they get into the bigger question: are there too many annual cigar releases, and do they mess with long-term brand loyalty? On the pour, Tony refuses to waste a “new bottle” on a busted palate and goes back to a value banger: Kirkland Signature Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof) — a Costco staple that still feels like a rare deal in bourbon. Plus: grocery-store panic that isn’t the apocalypse, “pocket parsley,” HOA headaches, and News of the Week— including holiday outrage over painted Christmas trees. Cigar: Crowned Heads Belgian Blue (2025) (MSRP $13.50)Bourbon: Kirkland Signature Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof) Follow Eat Drink Smoke on social media! X (Formerly Twitter): @GoEatDrinkSmokeFacebook: @eatdrinksmokeIG: @EatDrinkSmokePodcast The Podcast is Free! Click Below! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicStitcher SpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They started as a category buster in a new industry, making their way onto Shark Tank, and blowing up with innovative new products, the FLATED guys are at it again, innovating and having fun doing it. Catch up, in studio, with a hilarious conversation on the latest from co-founders Ryan Guay, Dan Watts, and Ken Hoeve (and a sheep named Pablo). The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors, including FLATED.   FLATED Get 15% off from FLATED.com when you use the promo code TruckShow2025!.   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 on amsoil.com until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives from Kershaw.kaiusa.com.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription on ovrmag.com.

Holman hits the dirt once again, joining Vaughn Gittin Jr. with RTR and Ford, to conquer the terrain of Johnson Valley for the 2nd annual Bronco Golf Invitational. Listen in on an interview with Vaughn while chasing down fellow driver Loren Healy and also get some insights from Ford's own Dave Rivers. Holman ends this episode with a truck review of the Bronco Free Wheelin' package. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors!   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription  

In our final installment of our 2025 SEMA coverage, we hit up the TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase. Join Holman as he talks to various manufacturers and builders to discuss their SEMA builds, including Rebel Off Road, Cobb Tuning, KillRazR Kustomz, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Hotshot Offroad, Viva Chassis, and Randy's Worldwide/Zachary James Hidalgo. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors!   AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription  

Part 4 of our SEMA coverage takes us through the New Products Showcase, where Holman shares his favorite new products from the show, including his Media Choice Award picks. Hear about new products from AMSOIL, Caliber, REDARC, SDI, QA1, Mickey Thompson, Intellitronix Gauges, Willwood, Dakota Digital, Ridetech, Fox Factory, Magnuson,Ididit, Cobb Tuning, BlackVue, BOLT, FLATED, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Grand General, BuiltRight, UEM Pistons, Toyota TRD, RōMR/SteerSmarts, SynergyMFG, RealTruck, Curt MFG, Black River by Summit, Ford Performance, aFe, Steinjager, Sidio, Bestop, Pop & Lock, Titan Fuel Tanks, Vintage Air, Hi-Lift, and TransferFlow. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors! AMSOIL Use promo code HOLMAN2025 until 12/31/25 to get a free AMSOIL UTV Blocks Kit with any purchase of $125 or more.   Kershaw Knives Use promo code 2TSP2025 for 40% off of MSRP and free shipping on great, high-quality knives.   OVR Magazine Use promo code @truckshowpodcast for a free annual digital subscription or a discount on a print subscription