Centered From Reality

Christmas Special - Alex’s White Lotus Character, A New Low for Tucker Carlson & the War on Christmas

In this short, Christmas episode, Alex starts by discussing the characters he got in a quiz centered around White Lotus characters. Then he discusses why Tucker Carlson is one of the few people he does not wish Merry Christmas to, and why the “War on Christmas” is less of a war and more of a change in demographics and preferences. Alex also admits to liking Emily in Paris… 

Stanford Goes Too Far, Fears of a New Variant in China, IRS Failures & Did the January 6th Committee Succeed?

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing the recent storm and why it may make life very expensive, a new set of lies from George Santos, and why the days are starting to get longer. Then Alex discusses a model produced by the Economist that shows how the new wave of COVID-19 in China could lead to over 1.5 million deaths. The Indian government, as well as others, have expressed concerns that this wave could lead to the creation of a new variant. Next, Alex rants about a new Stanford University initiative that completely polices language. The Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative basically wants every word from “addict” to “uncool” to “immigrant” to be changed. Alex discusses how forced changes towards definitions are antithetical to the university system and seem to lack an understanding of what makes ideas flourish. Finally, Alex focuses on the January 6th Committee and its successes and failures. He thinks the committee focused too much on Trump and not enough on his enablers. Alex then discusses new revelations from Trump’s taxes. 

The Bomb Cyclone, Zelensky Comes to Washington & Belarus Inches Towards An Invasion

In this episode, Alex starts by going over some of the temperatures and details associated with the extreme cold weather front that is moving across the middle of the United States. Some places are breaking records, states have declared emergencies, and thousands of flights have already been canceled. Next, Alex discusses President Zelensky’s recent trip to Washington D.C. to meet with President Biden and to speak in front of Congress. Alex is happy this event occurred but is curious if anything was accomplished for either side. He also discusses how important continued aid to Ukraine will be going forward and why the “America First” movement has missed the plot. Finally, Alex discusses reports out of Ukraine that show Belarusian forces making movements toward the Ukrainian border. Some are concerned that an invasion is imminent. 

Violence in Peru, Hikers Trapped at Machu Picchu and Latin America is Divided, Zelensky v. FIFA & More!

In this episode, Alex discusses how chaos in Peru has only gotten worse since Pedro Castillo was removed from the presidency after trying to create a one-party state. Protests throughout the country have killed dozens, looting is rocking cities, tourists have been trapped in Machu Picchu, and the transitional government has removed cabinet members while declaring a state of emergency. Alex also notes that some supporters of Castillo seem to want to spark a civil war between the coastal cities and the Andean interior. Matters have been made worse because some Latin American countries have voiced support for reinstalling Castillo. Next, Alex discusses some reports about a recently elected Republican congressman named George Santos. Apparently, he fabricated massive amounts of his resume. His resume was actually part of why people voted for him and now it brings up issues of whether he should be a congressman. Finally, Alex discusses a new war of words between President Zelensky and FIFA. The organization would not show a message from the Ukrainian President about unity and peace before the World Cup Final. FIFA found the message would be too political; Alex rants about why this is ridiculous. 

A Reactionary, A Fascist & An Illiberal Walk Into a Bar, Are They the Same?

In this Sunday episode, Alex is disappointed that Argentina won the World Cup. He also touches on Donald Trump’s Superhero, digital NFT trading cards. He feels that this announcement was somewhat fitting; however, is Trump still serious about running for president? For the remainder of the episode, Alex looks into the differences and similarities between reactionary right-wing populists, illiberals, and fascists. He argues that both illiberalism and reactionary populism are warning signs on the road to fascism, but are not the same. He goes into some of the political theories behind the movements and looks at what is happening around the world. 

MTG Revelations, Russia Talks Nukes, Xi Doubles Down & Trump Who?

In this episode, Alex discusses how the dog flu is spreading amongst our canine friends and it is very fitting for the moment. He also starts by talking about Lauren Boebert, new revelations about Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Sam Bankman-Fried. All have had unique moments of grift, delusion, and fraud. Alex then discusses a Newsweek report that discusses how “ a Russian commander suggested that using nuclear weapons may be the only way Russia can be victorious in its war against Ukraine.” He somewhat agrees, noting the dire nature of Russia’s invasion. Also, President Xi has been lying to the diplomatic world and has been developing closer ties with Russia. Finally, Alex asks “Is Donald Trump running for president?” 

Adiós to Democracy in Mexico & Dark Elon Has Arrived

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing his thoughts on the White Lotus finale. Then he talks about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent round of delusions; this time she said that if she was involved with the January 6th riots, her side would have “won.” Next, Alex discusses a huge breakthrough in science. For the first time, scientists were able to conduct a nuclear fusion test that produced more energy than it consumed. This could be huge in the energy production world if the study holds up. Later, Alex goes into new updates on Elon Musk’s chaos involving Twitter. He also argues that Musk has become a nihilistic troll and political activist that is harming our discourse. Finally, Alex discusses more updates on the democratic backslide that is occurring in Mexico. Mexico’s president, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is working with members of Congress to reform an electoral board that he claims stole his previous presidential elections in the early 2000s. If this board is reformed, it would add partisanship and illiberal practices to how presidential elections are determined. 

(Ex) Royal Snowflakes, Violence in Kosovo & Going Goblin Mode

In this episode that starts off lighter than usual, Alex talks about Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix series and why it bothers him. Then he discusses Oxford’s word of the year, which is “Goblin Mode.” He notes that the word property identifies trends that have come out of the COVID era. Finally, Alex discusses troubling reports out of Kosovo’s northern region which is mainly ethnic Serb. The Economist notes that “Vjosa Osmani, Kosovo’s president, announced that upcoming local elections in the north would be delayed amid an outbreak of violence there. Kosovo had scheduled the elections in majority Serb municipalities for December 18th. Days of protests have included explosions and gunfire. The volatile region has been on edge over a spat about car license plates: Kosovo wants to replace ones issued in Serbia with its own.” Also, Serbia’s president, Alexander Vucic has mulled over the idea of sending troops into the territory. Alex discusses the ramifications. 

Grant Wahl’s Death in Qatar: A Sunday Short Episode

In this short, Sunday episode, Alex discusses the tragic death of Grant Wahl on Friday during the Netherlands - Argentina game in Qatar. Wahl was a soccer journalist who was credited with bringing more knowledge and attention to the sport for decades and was one of the sport’s finest reporters. Alex discusses how Wahl had suffered from a bronchial infection prior to his death and also reported feeling upper pressure in his chest. While the death seems to have been accidental, a lot of speculation has started. Eric Wahl, Grant’s brother and a member of the LGBTQ community, put out a video arguing that Grant Wahl’s death was deliberate. Due to the Qatari government’s treatment of minority groups, the online community has been fueled by this story. Alex thinks that many people almost want this death to be on purpose because it would highlight how badly the Qatari government is involving human rights. People should be careful. 

An Attempted Rebellion in Peru, A Coup Plot in Germany, Brittney Griner is Back & Kyrsten Sinema’s Delusions

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing growing concerns about another COVID wave just in time for the holidays. He notes that this one will likely be different but could be concerning for hospitals. Next, Alex discusses the irritating delusions of Kyrsten Sinema, who has recently declared she will work as an independent, detached from the Democratic Party. This is not surprising because Sinema only seems to fight for corporate interests and has been a thorn in the side of Democrats for years now. Alex moves on to a seemingly laughable yet disturbing story out of Germany that involves a far-right network that was planning a coup against the German government. Their goal was to overthrow the “deep state” and to create a new, German Reich. Alex argues that this event exposes the threat of domestic extremism in many large democracies around the world. Finally, Alex reflects on another structured attempt to overthrow a democratic system. Peru’s (now former) president, Pedro Castillo, was removed from office. The Economist notes that Castillo attempted to “close Congress, convene a new one with powers to write a new constitution, and “reorganize” the judiciary and the prosecutor’s office.” Alex gives a brief history of recent Peruvian leaders and discusses why these revelations are not surprising. Simply put, a lot of Peruvian presidents have ended up in jail or been removed from office. A problem for democracy? Probably.