Podcasts about Pigweed

The boys drink and review Pigweed's homebrew IPA, then discuss the pope news. Why does the Catholic Church have a pope, and how did that role evolve into what it is today?In this episode, we explore the theological roots of the papacy, starting with Jesus' words: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” We dive into the biblical and historical concept of the pope as the keeper of the keys, which is something like a divine prime minister, and the pope's role as a visible sign of unity and practical necessity in governing a global church.We also tackle the long and messy history of papal disputes. From the East-West Schism over the filioque to the chaos of the Western Schism—with three men simultaneously claiming to be pope—the road to a stable papacy hasn't been smooth. Learn how the Church eventually resolved these crises and how the conclave system works today to elect a new pope behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel.Finally, we discuss the election of Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), a figure who has sparked controversy and curiosity. Is he a return to traditional norms or a liberal Trojan horse? We break down the arguments from both sides—and examine the deeper tension: how conservatives and liberals relate very differently to the authority of the papacy.Whether you're Catholic, curious, or just love church history, this is a candid, informative dive into one of the most enduring—and controversial—offices in the world.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#papacy #pope #PopeLeo

In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we crack open a First State IPA and dive into the quirky and complex history of Maryland—from its colonial beginnings to its odd borders, bold flag, and surprising state symbols.Learn about:* Why Maryland has one of the most distinctive flags in the U.S.* The Catholic roots of the colony and its experiment in religious tolerance* Feuds with Virginia and Delaware that helped shape state lines* Strange land grants, early tobacco economics, and the role of slavery* The story behind counties like Prince George's and Anne Arundel* Why the state sport is jousting (yes, really)* Forgotten heroes like Arctic explorer Matthew Henson* And the ongoing mystery of why no one's ever seen a Baltimore Oriole in BaltimoreWe cover centuries of drama, trivia, and local pride—with plenty of laughs and beer-fueled banter along the way.More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#Maryland #history #OldLineState

In this provocative episode, Pigweed and Crowhill explore a troubling question: Why does the modern political left seem so comfortable with violence? From vandalism and verbal threats to outright attacks on political opponents, the boys examine real-world examples -- from keyed Teslas and firebombed dealerships to violent rhetoric at rallies and social media.They also take a philosophical turn, asking what might be going on psychologically and morally. Is victimhood being used as a moral loophole to justify aggressive behavior? Why do some on the left excuse or applaud violent actors, from radical activists to international terror groups?Expect sharp commentary, cultural analysis, and a discussion of figures like Slavoj Žižek.

The conversation spans a range of timely topics, including:Current spring challenges: Wet and cool weather, delayed fieldwork, and management of early-season weeds like purple dead nettle and henbit dead nettle.Pigweed pressure: Insights on Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control, stressing the importance of residual herbicides and overlapping applications.Technology and weed control: Evaluation of drone and robotics use for herbicide applications, from current capabilities to regulatory considerations and five-to-ten-year outlooks.Site-specific approaches: Variable-rate herbicide management, precision sprayers, and the foundational work needed to make those systems viable in the future.Alternative application opportunities: Use of drones in non-traditional ag settings such as power lines, solar farms, and rights-of-way.Dr. Butts also shares his background in weed science across multiple states and cropping systems, and offers resources for growers to stay up to date with Purdue's weed science research and recommendations.Resources:https://ipm.missouri.edu/croppest/2024/6/drones_and_herbicides-kb/ https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/ 

The boys drink and review Bitburger, a German Pilsner, then discuss Crowhill's book about Jordan Peterson's religious views, and what we can piece together of his religious journey. Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist who broke onto the public scene after Canada decided to tell people how they can and can't speak. He wasn't having any part of it. Part of Peterson's mystique is his very public struggle with religious questions. His recent book, "We Who Wrestle With God" is his latest foray into the topic, mixing evolutionary biology, Jungian archetypes, the Bible, and timeless religious and moral questions. It's full of interesting insights, but it's a bit of a jumbled mess. Crowhill makes an attempt to systematize and organize Peterson's thoughts into a coherent system. In today's episode, Pigweed, Crowhill, and special guest Longinus, discuss the book and draw out some of its key points. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#JordanPeterson #Mythology #Religion #WewhowrestlewithGod

The boys drink and review an IPA from Lost Rhino, then discuss the distressing direction of the state of Maryland. It's as if Maryland wants to follow all the most disastrous liberal policies they can find. Pigweed and Crowhill review problems with our horrible governor, stupid new laws and taxes, and the general tax and spend stupidity of the state. Maryland is a deep blue state that is on its way to recession.

P&C reflect on some odd facts about Lent, then discuss the possibility of a new Druze homeland in the middle east. All while drinking two Irish stouts. Pigweed starts off with some observations about St. Patrick's Day and Lent, and the amusing / horrible answers from ChatGPT. The boys also address a question in Louisiana about whether alligator is "a fish" for purposes for the Lenten fast. In the Middle East, Syria is falling apart. Long time leader / dictator Assad is gone, but it hasn't turned out as well as people hoped. Syria has become a violent basket case. The Druze are a very old offshoot from Islam that still survives (barely) in the Middle East. They've been hunted and persecuted by Muslims for centuries. They're spread across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, and have no autonomy of their own. Now there's a movement for the Druze to carve out their own homeland, which would create another non-Muslim area in the middle east, which will set the Muslims' hair on fire.

With special guest Longinus, Pigweed and Crowhill drink Senate beer, then discuss the impact and popularity of Vikings. What drove the Vikings to set sail on their legendary raids? In this video, we explore the forces that pushed the Norse to leave their homelands in search of wealth, land, and glory. We begin with the infamous 793 AD raid on Lindisfarne, a brutal attack that shocked medieval Europe and marked the beginning of the Viking Age. Then, we dive into the fascinating possibility that Vikings reached North America centuries before Columbus, settling in Newfoundland at L'Anse aux Meadows. Finally, we examine how Viking history, mythology, and warrior culture continue to shape modern popular culture—from TV shows and video games to heavy metal and sports teams.Join us as we separate fact from fiction and uncover the real story of the Vikings!

The boys drink and review one of Pigweed's homebrews, then discuss the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf. What makes Beowulf such a timeless epic? In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we dive into the legendary Old English poem, exploring its themes of heroism, honor, and the battle between good and evil.We discuss Beowulf's iconic fights with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon—unpacking the deeper meanings behind these monstrous encounters. How does Beowulf reflect the values of warrior culture? What does it reveal about fate, leadership, and the tension between pagan and Christian worldviews?Join us as we break down the literary significance of Beowulf, its historical context, and why it still resonates today.

An Herbicide-resistant weed continues spreading through Southern Idaho

P&C drink and review a stout from Jamaica then ask what's the point of a liberal church? Wokeism has taken over many liberal Christian denominations, with their BLM posters and LGBTlmnop flags. Why do people go to church in the first place? Usually people go to church to become a better disciple of Jesus. The liberal churches seem to have interpreted that as being uber-tolerant. Pigweed asks "but aren't churches supposed to be judgy?," and doesn't forgiveness come after repentance? Here are some characteristics of liberal churches. * They don't believe the Bible. * They betray basic Christian doctrines such as the virgin birth and the deity of Christ. * They believe man is good rather than sinful and in need of a savior. * They compromise on sexual ethics. Same-sex marriage, LGBlmnop, gender fluidity, etc. * The believe everyone goes to heaven. * They deny the resurrection and Christ's miracles. * They put social justice over the Gospel. The West is based on Christianity, and the West is under attack by many forces, such as Islam, secularism, and communism. Can the liberal church stand up against these attacks? Website: https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/Twitter: https://x.com/CshowP

The boys drink and review a pilsner, then discuss the English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes.Hobbes is best known for his characterization of life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."Pigweed sets the historical context with some dates and the very consequential events that occurred during Hobbes' life -- including the English civil war, the execution of Charles I, and the restoration.Hobbes wanted to know who gets to rule, under what circumstances, and within what limits. He starts by reflecting on human nature, which he says is a horrific state of war where people live in a constant state of fear. People can make agreements with their neighbors, but Hobbes says there's a need for a sovereign who makes sure people keep their agreements.In Hobbes's mind, the state of nature is so awful that any sovereign, no matter how awful, no matter how tyrannical, is better.

The boys drink and review an English Mild from Schaffly, then discuss different approaches to population. Pigweed starts the show with the startling facts about population and how rapidly we got from 1 billion to 8 billion so quickly -- with no apparent signs of stopping. Malthus raised the concern that population can increase geometrically, but food production increases arithmetically, and predicted widespread starvation. In fact, food production skyrocketed, so the problem has been averted for now. Paul Erlich has been riding a similar issue for decades even though all his predictions turned out false as well. We didn't poison everything, the air is cleaner, and there has not been widespread disease and famine. The reality is more complicated. Population growth is not only slowing, but in many areas it's negative. The most recent trends indicate that population will level off in about 2050. Even if population only levels off, that still creates problems. The ratio between young and old would change dramatically, and the geniuses who invented our social support systems assumed an ever-growing population, where young people outnumbered old people. However, population might not only level off, but may decline. Rapidly. We have no economic or social models for that. Who welcomes this decline and who is worried about it? What are their motives?

12 12 24 Palmer Pigweed and Waterhemp by Ag PhD

While drinking a local stout, the boys ask whether abortion is really healthcare and then discuss that and related issues. Healthcare is generally understood as the maintenance or improvement of health through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of illness, injury, and other physical or mental impairments. How does abortion fit in with that? Pigweed and Crowhill evaluate the reality against the propaganda and the pro-choice slogans. Is it really "my body, my choice"? Do people really want to affirm Roe v. Wade? Is it actually a "conversation with my doctor"? "Keep your laws off my body!" Is that a legit legal standard? So where should we draw the line? When does a fetus become a human with protected rights?

The boys drink and review "Raised by Wolves" from Right Proper brewing, then wonder if they're suckers for paying their income taxes when other people seem to get away with not filing! They start by steelmanning the arguments against the income tax, which include ... * The "sovereign citizen" idea * Questions about the ratification of the 16th Amendment * That it's a violation of the constitution's original intent * The "voluntary compliance" language * That the income tax was not intended to apply to everyone Pigweed and Crowhill examine these arguments and give their analysis. Remember to visit us at https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/, and write to the show at pigweedshow@gmail.com

The boys drink and review Sierra Nevada's Cold IPA, then discuss Scientology. If you had your choice, would you rather your child be woke or a scientologist? It's a hard choice. Pigweed starts the discussion with a bio of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder / creator of both Dianetics and its later manifestation, Scientology. He was one of the most prolific authors in history, with as many as 1,000 titles. The distinguishing factors of Scientology include ... * The reactive vs. the analytical mind. The reactive mind stores painful traumatic memories called “engrams.” You find these through “auditing.” Once you get rid of the reactive mind you're “clear.” * Auditing is done with the E-meter, which is essentially a galvanometer. * Opposition to Psychiatry and Psychology are flawed because they focus on symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problem of engrams. * Focus on self-empowerment and personal responsibility * Bridge to total freedom * Thetans and spiritual identity. * Survival as a core drive But there's another side -- the mythology, including the goofy story about Xenu throwing people into volcanoes 75 million years ago. Remember to connect with us at https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/, or write to the show at pigweedshow@gmail.com.

Pigweed and Crowhill enjoy a celebratory bottle of champaign as they review the 2024 election. Which is the more important victory: that Donald Trump won, or that Harris lost? The first time around, Trump didn't have a "Trump Team." He had to cobble together an administration through recommendations from people who didn't agree with his policies and approach. That will be entirely different this time. Once again, the pollsters have egg on their faces. Trump overperformed by a wide margin. Why did this go wrong for the Democrats? * Kamala was a horrible candidate who ran a horrible campaign * She was never selected by any democratic vote * She has been completely incompetent as vice president * Her policies, such as they were, were completely out of touch with the country * She did nothing but call names and alienate people * Walz was super weird With hope, we can look forward to these things from DJT: * The end of trans madness * Get rid of the men in dresses in the military * Stand up to China * A better team with good ideas * The end of DEI, "equity" and racial grievance * Close the borders, amnesty over * End of entitlement benefits for illegals * Money for foreign wars we don't care about * Clean up the deep state: DOJ, HHS, DOE, DOT, etc. * No pride flags on any buildings or embassies * JD Vance tearing up the idiots in the media

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review Slightly Mighty IPA by Dogfish Head brewing, then discuss their recent jaunt down to Washington, D.C., to review the architecture on some key buildings. Their trip took them to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, St. Matthews cathedral, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Capitol. Longinus was able to give Pigweed and Crowhill some insights into the history and architecture of these amazing buildings. The boys discuss the psychological effect and message of these buildings, but the show isn't only about architecture. They discuss issues related to the freemasons, the Catholics, and the U.S. government.

The boys drink and review Lord Maltimore, a Marzen from Key Brewing Company, then discuss the state of the election and their predictions. Pigweed starts off ripping Kamala as a phony with no talent and little brains. Crowhill says she's mean and vapid. She slept her way to the top and has no idea what she's doing. No one is voting for Harris. They're voting against Trump. Harris gets three groups. (1) The "not Trump" vote. (2) The "it's time for a black woman" vote. (3) The "pull the D lever" vote. In addition, Harris has the media, Hollywood, the arts, academia, and the entrenched bureaucrats all pulling for her. Is that enough to win? The polls don't look that way. Trump has a slight edge nationally and seems to be winning in enough states to become president. P&C recount some of Trump's failings, but believe he's still the man for the hour.

The boys compare Crowhill's homebrewed dopplebock against Paulaner's Salvator, then discuss conspiracy theories. Pigweed found a chart that characterized conspiracy theories in ascending order of craziness, from actually true, to you have left the world of sanity. Pigweed and Crowhill go through a list and rank them from true to impossible. Some conspiracies actually happened, like the Tuskegee experiment, MK Ultra, the FBI spying on Martin Luther King, etc. Then there's completely nutty things. Like chemtrails. Is the white trail behind jets really condensation, or is it a chemical the government is using on us to manipulate our behavior? The boys go through a long list of conspiracies, including ... * Did the government aim the hurricane at Trump voters? * Was Maui a controlled burn so Oprah could buy cheap land in Hawaii? * Did Epstein kill himself? * Did the Titanic really sink? * Is Joe Biden a robot? * Are white people being replaced? This is a fun and somewhat silly show. Enjoy.

The boys drink a shandy and talk about Indigenous People's Day. Pigweed suggests various ways to celebrate the holiday, observing some of the customs of the indigenous people. The boys review some of the negative aspects of indigenous cultures -- such as human sacrifice -- and point out how silly it is to measure people in the past by modern moral standards. If we're going to hold Columbus to modern standards, why not the indigenous people too? Columbus had his faults, but he also brought about an incredible sequence of events that led to functional, modern societies in the western hemisphere. Trigger warning: This is a very politically incorrect episode.

The boys drink and review one of Pigweed's homebrews then discuss censorship (starting about 4:25). There seems to be an increase in censorship around the world. We seem to have lost our understanding of why free speech is important. P&C review. - In the sciences, if people can't bring up new ideas, you get stuck. You need a free marketplace of ideas. - Free speech acts as a restraint on government power. The governor of California recently signed a bill outlawing "deep fake" videos that "misinform." Since when do we trust the government to decide what is true and false information? In the UK, Scotland Yard is going after citizens (maybe even American citizens!) who say things the government doesn't like. The censorship industrial complex has evolved to the extend that they now have new words for us. Misinformation. Disinformation. Malinformation. Some legislation wants to stop the spread of "hate." But who defines what hate is? What has happened to make censorship such an issue today? - Technology allows it to spread faster. - Government has access to new tools. P&C review all the issues and come to some clear conclusions. Take a listen.

The boys drink and review an IPA from Cigar City, then discuss the communist manifesto. With special guest Longinus, Pigweed and Crowhill review the famous manifesto, starting with a brief bio of Marx and Engels. In order to understand Marx and Engels, you have to think about the context -- the industrial revolution and the horrible circumstances of workers in those days. The boys start with giving the manifesto an honest shot. What does it say, and what does it mean? Marx says that all of history is the story of class struggle: the oppressor vs. the oppressed. There are two groups: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. There is no bond between men but naked self interest. Capitalism is about profit at any cost. After giving the document the fairest reading they can, the boys move into criticism. Longinus and Pigweed have a few points they want to defend. Crowhill despises the whole thing. The boys work through the main premises of the manifesto and tear them to shreds.

#1 -- (2:58) Is it even possible that the Secret Service is as incompetent as they were in Pennsylvania? The security failures were epic and strain credulity. Could competent, trained professionals be this bad? The boys review some of the emerging details and wonder what in the heck went wrong. Was the Secret Service complicit in the attempt, or were they impossibly incompetent? And what about the DEI component? What were those short women doing trying to protect 6'3" Trump? #2 -- (17:40) Is Ben Shapiro right about Social Security? Ben argues that the program was never designed to support people for 20 years of retirement. As life expectancy increases, shouldn't the retirement age? The boys are big fans of Shapiro, but aren't convinced of his argument for several reasons. Listen in. #3 -- (23:18) Pigweed calls BS on the "my life is hard" narrative. Everyone these days has to have a persecution narrative. Society is expecting too much. It's so hard. "Everybody told me I couldn't be a scientist." Baloney. #4 -- (27:38) Two views of technology: it will kill us, or it will usher in a golden age. This reflects two instincts that are necessary for humans -- the need to explore and find new things, and the need to protect against contagion and unknown threats. #5 -- (33:20) Everybody wants to save the world but nobody wants to do the dishes. Sometimes you hear people say they want to do work that will make the world a better place. Do they have the competence? Do they have the necessary knowledge? The world is a complicated place. If they can't keep their own house neat and orderly, what makes them think they can make the world neat and orderly? The boys end the show with a letter to the show from Inigo Montoya, who accuses P&C of being "raw doggers."

The boys drink and review Pigweed's Seal Team 6 -- a homebrewed Black IPA -- then discuss eugenics. Humans have been breeding animals and plants for a very long time. Most of the foods we eat are the result of thousands of years of careful breeding by farmers, and "man's best friend" was bred from wild dogs. Why shouldn't we do the same with humans? Sir Francis Galton, a cousin of Charles Darwin who was very influenced by The Origin of Species, proposed just such a plan and called it "eugenics." Darwinism convinced Galton that an organism's most important characteristics must be biological rather than shaped by environment or experience. The idea caught fire with the intellectual elite. John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Theodore Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger and Alexander Graham Bell all promoted the idea to one degree or another. The Supreme Court even weighed in. In upholding a Virginia law that permitted compulsory sterilization of individuals thought unfit to reproduce, Oliver Wendell Holmes said in Buck v. Bell, "three generations of imbeciles are enough." 38 States adopted some form of eugenics laws and more than 60,000 Americans were sterilized without their consent. Adolf Hitler read about this and thought, "gee, what a good idea." After the horrors of World War II, the west turned away from eugenics. It still stands as a reminder that fine-sounding ideas approved by intelligent people can still be horribly stupid.

The boys drink and review Brooklyn Brewery's Sunny Pale Ale, then discuss Star Wars and the enduring influence of the hero's journey. The Star Wars movies struck quite a chord with the public. On the one hand, it seems like silly kid's stuff. On the other hand, Pigweed's literature professors referred to Star Wars as a classic example of the hero pattern, or quest journey. The lives of Jesus, Moses, King Arthur, Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, and many others follow a very similar pattern. Their stories follow a very predictable pattern that includes the call to adventure, resistance to the call, the role of the mentor, facing a challenge, winning the prize, then bringing that achievement back to the people. There are other background elements to the life of the hero, like a suspicious birth, the absense of parents, some connection to royalty and maybe divinity. Star Wars follows this myth in each individual episode, and across episodes. Some people have said that Star Wars has abandoned this pattern in the newest iteration of Star Wars -- the Acolyte. Others have gone so far as to suggest that The Acolyte has turned the entire myth on its head. Pigweed and Crowhill discuss the role of this pattern, and then, with some help from a letter from Nephew Will, evaluate some of the radical claims about The Acolyte.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of relativity, exploring the groundbreaking work of Albert Einstein. We cover both special and general relativity, discussing the profound implications these theories have on our understanding of space, time, and the universe. Whether you're a physics enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, this episode offers insightful explanations and thought-provoking discussions. With special guest Longinus, Pigweed and Crowhill start the show with a review of a famous Belgian beer.

The boys drink and review Hopsecutioner IPA by Terrapin Brewing, then discuss the social pendulum. On a number of key issues, Pigweed feels he has held the minority opinion. "The wrong side of history," as the left would say. He's tempted to believe the pendulum is swinging back his way. His question to Crowhill: Is it? How do we define a "minority view" these days? We're given the impression that believing a man can become a women is the majority view. But that's false if you look at the statistics. The larger question is whether we all live in a tech-driven echo chamber, which only shows us things that fit our profile. How can we know what's true when our sources of information are "curated" based on our preferences? Is the pendulum moving ... * Away from the trans madness? * Away from climate alarmism? * Away from St. George Floyd, DEI, BLM, "defund the police"? * Towards a more realistic perspective of how we handled COVID?

The boys drink and review Pigweed's homebrew clone of Steady Eddy IPA, then discuss a novella from John Steinbeck as part of their "shortcut to the classics" series. After a brief biographical review of Steinbeck, the boys discuss the basic story, then their impressions of the book and its characters. The novel begins with a description of Cannery Row in Monterey, California, during the Great Depression. The row is a small, tight-knit community centered around sardine canneries, inhabited by colorful characters. Most of the story centers around Doc, a marine biologist, and Mack and the boys, who are collection of good-natured ne'er-do-wells.

The boys drink and review Perni Haze IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing, then discuss Trump's options for a running mate.  Trump is faced with a unique challenge because he can only serve one more term, so whoever he picks is likely to be the presidential nominee for 2028, and that person could potentially serve for eight years.  Christi Noem – P&C think she's probably torpedoed her chances by writing in her memoir about shooting her dog.  Elise Stephanik – An unknown quantity to P&C. Not willing to recommend.  Vivek Ramaswammy – He was an early favorite of P&C, but his performance in the debates moved him down the list. He would make a great cabinet official.  Kari Lake – Seems to have gone off the edge a bit.  Tulsi Gabbard – P&C like her, but the fact that she's been a Democrat for so long makes her too much of a long shot.  Marjory Taylor Green – She's good as a firebrand / bomb thrower, and that role suits her, but she has no place in the White House.  Greg Abbott – Does he even want this job? Crowhill doesn't trust him based on past behavior. He seems to be a johnny-come-lately on many conservative issues.  Sarah Huckabee Sander – She would work well with Trump, and P&C are impressed with her. But Crowhill is concerned she  Tucker Carlson – Why is he even on this list? Why would he be considered? Recently he's started to show his wacky side. But he would make a good press secretary.  Tim Scott – He's okay, but not exciting. No thrill here.  JD Vance – Let's let him rock and roll in Ohio. He doesn't help the ticket much.  Nikki Haley – She's out. She's burned her bridges with Trump and  Ron DeSantis – DeSantis is the top choice for P&C. But can the DeSantis - Trump feud heal? Probably.  Crowhill's picks.  #1 – DeSantis  #2 – Tim Scott  After they finish with the VP picks, Pigweed has a burden he needs to take off his shoulder about the legitimacy of the 2020 election.  The numbers don't seem to add up. Biden's “rallies” were pathetic. There was no excitement. He was the most uninspiring, lame presidential candidate of P&C's lives. He was worse than the little Dukey. Still, he managed to get more votes than any president ever. 

P&C drink and review Hell or High Watermelon from 21st Amendment Brewery, then, with special guest Longinus, discuss the cost of professional sports.  Why are we, in the words of Pigweed, willing to spend so much money to watch grown men play children's games?   But that's not to the point. The boys are focused on the cost of a baseball or football game. Why has it increased so much? Is it worth it?  From 1970 to the present – in today's dollars – the cost for a family of four to attend a baseball game is about 4x. Who pays this, and why?  Along with this increase in prices, we have an increase in coverage. When Pigweed was a lad, there was one, one-hour show on sports. Now, we have several 24x7 sports stations talking about sports all year long.  There's also the moral question. In a world that can't decide what a woman is, sports provides some clear guidelines. The player is either in or out. The ball is in the strike zone or it's not.  Another angle – people can't sit quietly with their own thoughts. They need a distraction. Every bar and restaurant has constant sports. Is sports filling a hole left by the lack of religion, or community? Also, to what extent is this a public question? Is it in the local government's interest to get people involved in local sports?

P&C drink and review Experimental Black IPA from Bell's, then discuss Christian Nationalism.  First, what the heck is Christian Nationalism? Pigweed started with three theories.  An invention of the left to denigrate patriotic Christians.  It's a real movement that is way overdue if we're going to save this great nation.  It's a real movement that is a threat to religious liberty and will transform America into a theocracy.  Were Christian nationalists behind Jan. 6, and do they want to create something like The Handmaid's Tale? That's what the left wants us to believe.  The opposite is the case. The left is trying to eliminate the influence of Christianity. The Amy Coney Barrett nomination process showed that clearly. We've come to the point that being a sincere believer might disqualify you from public office.  Four separate Supreme Court cases – that have never been overturned – say that the United States is a Christian nation.  What does that mean? Is it contrary to pluralism? Does it mean that we round up unbelievers and make them second-class citizens?  Quite the opposite. It's because we're a Christian nation that we give rights and respect to other people.  The fact is that all law is based on some system of morality. The only question is what morality you are going to use. 

The boys drink and review Pigweed's homebrew Irish Stout, then invite John Wayne Jew onto the show to speak about the month in woke (at about 4:00). The silliness of woke-ism is almost unbelievable. P&C and their special guest discuss some of the obvious lunacies, including the following. Some Canadian police recently encouraged residents to leave their car keys outside so thieves can steal cars without any violent confrontation. After the destruction of the Key bridge in Baltimore, some wokesters want a name chance, since Francis Scott Key doesn't meet modern moral standards. A Democratic representative says black should be exempt from taxation to make up for past injustices. NPR hired 50 new interns. Only 5 of them were white males. On the positive side, some companies are pulling back on DEI and other woke policies, but it's not clear if that's a significant trend.

The boys drink and review Super Thick Pastry Stout from Old Mother Brewing in Frederick, Maryland, then discuss the Big 5 personality characteristics. There are a lot of personality tests out there, like Myers Briggs and the Enneagram. Those aren't as solidly based in science as the Big Five. You can remember the Big Five with with of two acrostics, OCEAN or CANOE. They are ... The Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM), are a widely accepted framework for understanding human personality. They represent broad dimensions of individual differences in personality. Here's a brief explanation of each: Openness to Experience features characteristics such as imagination, insight, and a broad range of interests. Individuals high in openness are often curious about the world and other people, eager to learn new things, and open to new experiences, including unconventional ideas or novel solutions. They tend to be creative and appreciative of art and beauty. Conscientiousness involves high levels of thoughtfulness, good impulse control, and goal-directed behaviors. Highly conscientious individuals are organized, reliable, and diligent. They plan ahead, work systematically, and carry out tasks with attention to detail. This trait is often linked with academic and career success. Extroversion is characterized by excitability, sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness, and high amounts of emotional expressiveness. Extroverts derive energy from social interaction, are often enthusiastic and action-oriented, enjoy being around people, and are often perceived as full of life and energy. Agreeableness includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection, and other prosocial behaviors. Individuals who score high in agreeableness tend to be cooperative, compassionate, and friendly. They are more inclined to help others and value getting along with people. Neuroticism is associated with emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness, irritability, and sadness. Individuals high in neuroticism may experience more frequent and severe negative emotions than their peers. They tend to respond worse to stressors, are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and can struggle to bounce back from challenging events. After the boys conclude their discussion of the Big Five, Pigweed relates a story from Mrs. Pigweed, who went to pronoun class. P&C review some of the material from the class and conclude it's a huge smoking pile of nonsense. At the end of the show, Crowhill takes a shot at reading "the worst sentence ever written" by Judith Butler.

Pigweed, Crowhill, Longinus, and all three wives went to Baltimore to see an adaptation of The Oresteia, which was originally a 3-part play by Aeschylus. In this podcast they reflect on the play and related issues. The play focuses on the web of vengeance within the family of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, starting with Agamemnon's sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia, before the battle of Troy. When Agamemnon returns home with Cassandra the prophetess of Apollo as a spoil of war, Clytemnestra invites him back in regal style, but then murders both her husband and his new girlfriend. It then falls on Orestes, their son -- urged on by their daughter Electra -- to avenge the death of his father. But then, who is to avenge Clytemnestra? How far does this go? Where does it end? The play addresses issues of just war, faith, free will and determinism, religious and moral obligations, family relations, and vengeance and justice. The show ends with a discussion of Troy and the alleged historical backdrop to the play.

In another edition of "shortcut to the classics," P&C drink and review Pigweed's homebrewed IPA, then discuss Lord of the Flies by William Golding. (Starting at 2:55.) Pigweed gives a little biographical background on the author, then the boys delve into the heart of darkness and survival in this compelling short novel. The story takes place on a deserted island, where a group of British boys find themselves stranded following a plane crash. With no adults to guide them, the boys attempt to govern themselves ... with disastrous consequences. "Lord of the Flies" is a compelling exploration of human nature, power dynamics, and the thin veneer of civilization that separates order from chaos. Through the eyes of Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and other vividly drawn characters, Golding poses urgent questions about leadership, morality, and the inherent savagery within us all. As we discuss the novel's themes, symbols, and the development of the characters and their interactions, we invite you to reflect on what "Lord of the Flies" reveals about the complexities of human behavior and how fragile "civilization" really is.

P&C drink and review a robust porter from Smuttynose Brewing, then discuss Hungary and the political stratgies of Viktor Orban. Pigweed gives a quick historical overview of the origins of the Hungarian people and nation, with a focus on their unique language. The EU isn't pleased with Hungary these days. They feel as if Hungary is backsliding on democratic norms and other values held by the EU. Viktor Orban is part of the reason the EU isn't happy with Hungary. He has an interesting agenda / playbook that he has shared with other conservatives to help them in their battle against liberals. Here's a quick summary of his 12 rules. 1. Play by your own rules. Refuse to accept the solutions and paths offered by others. 2. National conservatism in domestic politics. Churches and families are the building blocks of the nation. Stay on the side of voters. They didn't want immigrants, so Hungary built a wall. Don't overthink things. (The wall is chain link with security cameras.) Find the issues where the left is completely out of touch with reality and highlight them. 3. National interest in foreign policy. Liberals see some sort of cosmic battle against good and evil. But we've had a few of these "wars to end all wars," and it didn't work. Orban's response is simple. Hungary first. We want a foreign policy based on our interests. 4. Have our own media. Expose your opponent's intentions. Left-wing opinions only appear to be the majority because the media amplifies them. The west used to believe that the media should be independent of politics, but the liberals don't obey those rules. 5. Break down taboos. Not only today's, but tomorrow's. In Hungary they expose what the Left are preparing for before they even take action. For example, LGBT propaganda targeting children. 6. Economy, economy, economy. the left wants to operate the economy according to abstract notions. We need to pursue policies that benefit the majority of voters. People want jobs and a better life, not economic theories. 7. Do not get pushed into the extreme. E.g., conspiracy theories. You alienate a large portion of your audience. 8. A book a day keeps the defeat away. Orban sets aside an entire day every week for reading. Reading helps you understand what your opponents are up to. 9. Have faith. A lack of faith is dangerous. If you don't believe there will be a final reckoning, and that you are accountable to God, you will think you can do anything that's in your power. Encourage young conservatives to engage with faith. 10. Make friends. Our enemies have one another's back. By contrast, conservatives squabble over the smallest issue. then we wonder why they corner us. Look for common ground and ways you can work with others. If we don't, our opponents will hunt us down one by one. 11. Build communities. There is no conservative political success without communities. The lonier people are, the more votes go to the liberals. 12. Build institutions. Think tanks, educational centers, talent workshops, youth organizations, whatever -- with a political aspect. New ideas, new thoughts, and new people are needed again and again. That's our ammunition. There's no silver bullet. Only work. Why did the USA become such a mess that we have to look to Hungary for inspiration?

02 15 24 Pigweed Control by Ag PhD

The boys drink and review Red Flannel Logger from Aldus brewing, then discuss the successes and failures of nation building. (Starting at 4:50.) Why does it work sometimes and not others? Pigweed calls this the curse of the Marshall Plan. The U.S. has a history of success with nation building with both Germany and Japan after WWII. Since then, we haven't had such great success. Does every human heart yearn for freedom, McDonald's, blue jeans and democracy, the way George W. Bush believed? Does economic freedom and opportunity lead to political freedom? It doesn't seem to. Why does it work in some cases but not in others? What are the necessary preconditions to a political structure that allows for free, democratic forms of government?

The boys drink and review their friend Ben's Mosaic IPA, then discuss the relative virtues of dogs and cats as pets. (Starting at 7:15.) Neither Pigweed nor Crowhill grew up with a dog or a cat, but both ended up with cats as adults. Pigweed takes the cat case and Crowhill takes the dog case. They go back and forth on the relative merits and demerits of each. * Cats are low maintenance. * Dogs can be trained. * Cats are better as "in-house" pets, so they're good for apartments. * Dogs are affectionate, but also needy. * Cats keep pests away, but dogs keep bad guys at bay. * There are service dogs. There are no service cats. * Cats are quiet (mostly). * Dogs are loyal. * Cats are less expensive. * You can trust a dog with your baby. He'll actually protect your baby. With his life. * Cats use the litter box. You have to walk a dog. * Dogs promote a more active lifestyle. * Cats groom themselves. * There are more sizes and varieties of dogs than cats.

The boys drink and review Crowhill's homemade Italian bitters, then discuss John Adams (starting about 3:50). Pigweed starts off with some historical information on Adams, our second president, including his on-going dispute with Thomas Jefferson. In a different context, John Adams famously said "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." What does that mean, and how are we to understand that in our modern society? The equation seems to be that more freedom requires more personal self-restraint and morality. Without self-restraint and morality, you need a much stronger government. Think Saddam Hussein. Or, to put it very simply, you have to trust people enough that you can leave them alone. Unfortunately, modern politics seems to be a choice between which politician promises to give us more stuff.

The boys drink and review Pigweed's brown ale, then discuss how low expectations harm the people they're supposed to help. (The beer review ends at 3:53.) George Bush made the phrase "the soft bigotry of low expectations" popular in his 2000 campaign. The evil of this "soft bigotry" is that it comes from people who pretend to be helping. But when you fail to hold people to reasonable standards, you're not helping them at all. If you institutionalize low expectations to increase the participation of some group, everyone will now question the qualifications of the people in that group. How could they not? P&C discuss how this poisonous attitude infects many areas of our culture. It infects the SAT, grades, hiring, recruiting for schools, and even baking contests.

On this episode, Lorrie Boyer talks with Aaron Hager, who is a University of Illinois weed scientist. Aaron talks about everything pigweed and their historic issues facing farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys review Crowhill's 2023 Christmas beer, then discuss a short story from James Joyce. Pigweed starts off with some biographical information about Joyce, and how "The Dead" fits into his collected works. The story was finished in 1907. Gabriel Conroy is the main character, and we see some of the action through his eyes. The whole story takes places in one snowy evening. It might have been the feast of Epiphany. The hosts have an annual musical celebration. Joyce sets up a lot of expectations for possible tension that never come to fruition. The actual tension doesn't appear until fairly late in the story, and it's completely unexpected. Conroy is the responsible man at the party. He carves the goose. He sits at the head of the table. He gives a speech. He's a kind, educated man who is sensitive to other people's needs and does what's expected. Half way through the story you're wondering when people are going to start dying. It is "The Dead" after all. But there are no calamities. The role of death and dying only comes out at the very end. Gabriel's wife hears a song that reminds her of a long lost lover, which we only learn at the end. We also learn that the man is dead.

The boys drink and review Pigweed's holiday beer, then discuss a few odd stories from Hans Christian Anderson (starting at 4:33). Although he wrote a lot of other works, it's the fairy tales that made Anderson famous. Some of them are very well known, like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina, The Emperor's New Clothes, and others. P&C aren't interested in these, but in Anderson's weirder stories, so they review and discuss "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Traveling Companion," and "The Tinder Box." But in the spirit of the holidays they also review some of his Christmas stories: The Little Match Girl and The Fir Tree.

The boys drink and review Warlock, a pumpkin imperial stout, then discuss the Salem witch trials. In this gripping podcast, Pigweed and Crowhill delve into the chilling history of the Salem witch trials. Join us as we unravel the mysteries, uncover the accused, and explore the dark trials that shook the heart of colonial America. Discover the truth behind the hysteria that still haunts Salem to this day. The Salem witch trials were a series of events that occurred in 1692 in colonial Massachusetts. They involved mass hysteria and accusations of witchcraft, resulting in the execution of 20 people, mainly women. The trials were marked by religious fervor, paranoia, and false accusations, ultimately revealing the dangers of unchecked superstition and fear in society. What role does Calvinism and predestination play in all of this? Did it provide a particularly fertile soil for hysteria about witches? The Puritans came to America believing they could start a new life, and a better society as the chosen people. But it wasn't working out. So maybe it was the devil. P&C review the historical details and provide commentary about how we should view the story today.

P&C drink and review a non-alcoholic Octoberfest "beer," then discuss their experiences in Hawaii. Pigweed had visited a few decades ago, while Crowhill just got back after a visit to Capt. Crowhill. Crowhill was surprised by several things. * Chickens everywhere. * Not many shells on the beach. * Almost no sea birds. * Mongooses on the loose. * The mountains are incredibly sheer and steep. * There's a sports team called "Red Raiders" with an image of a native. * SPAM is very popular. * Hawaiian music is boring.

The boys drink and review a lime and salt no-alcohol brew from Dos Equis, then discuss Chris Lunsford, who some people think is named Oliver Anthony. Mr. Lunsford recently appeared on both Jordan Peterson's and Joe Rogan's podcast. Pigweed and Crowhill try to determine if Mr. Lunsford is the man people think he is -- a simple, authentic man of the people. He seems to be. He has a disdain for commercial success, a love for people, and a desire for his music to be more of a ministry than a monetary venture.

Along with special guest Longinus, the boys review an Amber "non-alcoholic brew" from O'Douls, then discuss planned cities. Pigweed was curious who was secretly buying lots of land near Travis Air Force Base. The fear was it was the Chinese, but it turns out to be Silicon Valley millionaires and billionaires. They want to create an "ideal city" -- because they know best about everything. There is, of course, a long history of people believing they could design the perfect city. It's not an encouraging track record. Longinus starts off the show with the development and history of cities and city planning. Such planning was usually a response to the organic growth of the city rather than a pre-emptive plan to design it from scratch, although there are exceptions. Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and Washington, D.C., were all planned cities. Crowhill reviews a list of nine planned cities that turned into disasters. * Brasilia * Chandigarh * Ordos * Magnitogorsk * Pruitt-Igoe * Home * Palmanova * New Delhi * Milton Keynes * Arcosanti * Skopje * Jonestown And when it comes to planning, you also have Homeowners' Associations!