GeekNights Thursday

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider how you must tax the rich if you wish to have a society. In the news, Mayor Mamdani ends those ridiculous criminal summonses for cyclists, BTS returns, and America's war against Iran endangers the world.Related LinksForum ThreadTax the RichDiscord ChatTax the RichBluesky PostTax the RichThings of the DayRym - What's my What's My ΔEOK JND?Scott - JE8086 Emulation

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the assessment of risk. Apropos of nothing Rym talks about his broken arm. In the news, Washington state moves forward on taxing rich people, and New York City moves forward on banning foie gras.Related LinksForum ThreadAssessing RiskDiscord ChatAssessing RiskBluesky PostAssessing RiskThings of the DayRym - Max don't have sex with your ex (NSFW)Scott - Glass Armonica (spinning glass bowls... that break)

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about The Muppets. They were formative in the youth of our generation, and they are timeless. In the news, Ryan Dancey found out how little gamers like generative AI, the US president is about to attack Iran to distract from the Epstein files, and the Democrats have rightly denied the DHS funding until it reigns in ICE. Write your senators every day with a simple message: "abolish ICE."Related LinksForum ThreadThe MuppetsDiscord ChatThe MuppetsBluesky PostThe MuppetsThings of the DayRym - Every Time the Halo Saved a Driver's LifeScott - Flashpoint Archive

Tonight on GeekNights, we discuss our respective morning routines. How do you spend your mornings? In the news, skyrocketing RAM prices delay the Valve Steam Machine (along with the controller, and Steam Frame), NVIDIA isn't releasing new videocards for the same reason, bitcoin is (finally) collapsing, and someone left Horatio at the Goodwill.Related LinksForum ThreadOur Morning RoutinesDiscord ChatOur Morning RoutinesBluesky PostOur Morning RoutinesThings of the DayRym - The Bird Someone Has To Take When Your Aunt DiesScott - ReKindle

Tonight on GeekNights we review The Running Man (1987 film) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Dawson. In the news, the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO along with regional bodies throughout the state have called for statewide labor action in Minnesota over the brutality of ICE. The crazy house we rented once in Wildwood NJ is for sale, and the New York Sirens are on the verge of selling out MSG despite drawing tiny crowds in New Jersey (proving once again that few want to go to New Jersey on purpose).Related LinksForum ThreadThe Running Man (1987 Arnold Version)Discord ChatThe Running Man (1987 Arnold Version)Bluesky PostThe Running Man (1987 Arnold Version)Things of the DayRym - Puppet tests from Fantastic Mr FoxScott - “Food JPEGs” in Super Smash Bros & Kirby Air Riders

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider anti-intellectualism. In the news, Valve has new hardware including a new VR headset Rym is going to get, and you should learn about the 1981 Air Traffic Controller strike. We will be live at PAX Unplugged 2025!Related LinksForum ThreadAnti-IntellectualismDiscord ChatAnti-IntellectualismBluesky PostAnti-IntellectualismThings of the DayRym - Jesus Didn't Have Long Hair....So Why does Jesus Have Long Hair?Scott - Using OSINT to track US military murders at sea

Tonight on GeekNights, we review (without spoilers) the third installment in the Knives Out Mysteries: Wake Up Dead Man. Benoit Blanc is a character for the ages, and it's worth seeing. In the news, Zohran Mamdani is the next mayor of New York and his victory speech is worth a watch. Democrats overwhelmingly vote to fight for democracy. Kodak quietly begins selling film again.Related LinksForum ThreadWake Up Dead Man (2025)Discord ChatWake Up Dead Man (2025)Bluesky PostWake Up Dead Man (2025)Things of the DayRym - Porcupine Screenwriting ToolScott - HyperRogue

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider fancy restaurants. In the news, noted racist Terry Bollea has died at 71, Donald Trump is getting even more dangerously unhinged than usual, and the Canada World Junior assault case has ended.Here is a list of every significant lecture or panel that Rym and Scott have ever done, going back to the year 2002.Related LinksForum ThreadFancy RestaurantsDiscord ChatFancy RestaurantsBluesky PostFancy RestaurantsThings of the DayRym - Secret Train Station ApartmentsScott - IAMMP Piano Roll Archive

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the keeping of houseplants. In the news, the fascists are going after Harvard, but Harvard is fighting back in multiple ways. I recommend the free course "U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies." More interesting is the (not free) Public Leadership Credential. Long Island City finally has good bagels, and next week brings us a bunch of exiting nerd stuff including John Wick: Ballerina, The Phoenician Scheme, and Deltarune. Also Rym got a 1/4 scale Dig Dug machine.Related LinksForum ThreadHouseplantsDiscord ChatHouseplantsBluesky PostHouseplantsThings of the DayRym - PizzaScott - Real Real Japan

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the painting of minis, from Ral Partha to Ralidium. In the news, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) will likely (and justifiably) strike, here's a starting point if you are interested in the dynamics of a broader anti-fascist General Strike, and the Twitter AI is obsessed with defending South African white supremacists.Related LinksForum ThreadPainting MiniaturesDiscord ChatPainting MiniaturesBluesky PostPainting MiniaturesThings of the DayRym - The Violent World of Football UltrasScott - KUNG FURY 2 FILTRADO!

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about surgery. Warning: we talk about surgery. In the news, capitalism has destroyed Polygon and a federal judge has permanently blocked the Trump administration from deporting people to concentration camps using the archaic Alien Enemies Act of 1798, setting up an existential supreme court showdown.Related LinksForum ThreadSurgeryDiscord ChatSurgeryBluesky PostSurgeryThings of the DayRym - Stealing Power !!Scott - Joon Lee

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the concept of retirement. I know what my plan is. In the news, James Bond is captured by an evil megacorporation, and supplements will destroy your liver.Related LinksForum ThreadRetirementDiscord ChatRetirementBluesky PostRetirementThings of the DayRym - Tom's Diner (Cover)Scott - The 88x31 GIF Collection

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about fear. Rym was on a panel about fear at PAX South back in 2016, plus a video essay. In the news, it turns out Santa Claus is a myroblyte, ChatGPT went down, Russia shot down another commercial airliner, and Finland seized a Russian sabotage tanker.Related LinksDiscord ChatFearForum ThreadFearBluesky PostFearThings of the DayRym - Caga Tió de NadalScott - What Happened to the World's Largest Tube TV?

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about knives. Learn to use the right knife for the right task with the right technique in the kitchen, and your life will be better. Also learn how to care for them. In the news, the assassination of a health insurance CEO brought a deep simmering anger to the surface of American society, surprising many, and the Interstella 5555 "remaster" isn't.Related LinksForum ThreadKnivesDiscord ChatKnivesBluesky PostKnivesThings of the DayRym - Restored - Star Trek The Animated Series Public Service AdScott - Lord of the Maps

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the humble tradition of carving pumpkins. You may recall in 2006 when we reviewed Pumpkin Scissors or our review of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, but we have never dedicated an entire episode to the carving of pumpkins.In the news, tonight is the 19th anniversary of GeekNights. (The brave can listen to the remastered pre-launch beta episodes (with commentary)). Also jaywalking is no longer illegal in New York.Related LinksForum ThreadPumpkin CarvingDiscord ChatPumpkin CarvingThings of the DayRym - Megilat Ḥam-Ed — the Scroll of the Steamed Portions of ChamScott - What is the first American graphic novel?

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the concept of debt. In the news, the FTC makes a move against dark patterns in subscriptions and North Korea blows up its connection to South Korea and decrees that unification is no longer possible.Related LinksForum ThreadDebtDiscord ChatDebtThings of the DayRym - Wireless Non-Electrical RemoteScott - The woman who revolutionized the fantasy genre

Tonight on GeekNights we review the absolutely fantastic LUPIN III Kabuki Production. Even if you have never experienced kabuki and know nothing about it, this is 100% worth watching. It's a top tier experience. In the news, everything on Temu and Shein is full of poison and the updated Chicago Manual of Style just dropped!Related LinksForum ThreadLUPIN III Kabuki ProductionDiscord ChatLUPIN III Kabuki ProductionThings of the DayRym - ConsciousnessScott - The Podcast Index

Tonight on GeekNights, we discuss fragrances. You may recall in 2013 we covered the opposite side of the smell spectrum. In the news, GeekNights officially endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States, the world's first medieval electronic instrument has launched, and this is the kind of thing you only expect to see in movies.Related LinksForum ThreadFragrancesDiscord ChatFragrancesThings of the DayRym - The World’s Fastest Bomber: The XB-70 ValkyrieScott - Can You Tune A Fish?

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about the insidious and underestimated problem of noise pollution. We've previously talked about computer noise specifically. In the news, GeekNights endorses whoever the Democratic candidate for President is in the 2024 election, the Russian government plotted assassinations in Europe, red light cameras remain controversial, and the Jersey Shore played itself.Related LinksForum ThreadNoise PollutionDiscord ChatNoise PollutionThings of the DayRym - What's that pipe for?Scott - TASER Chess

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the nature of the Easter Egg. They're good for society. In the news, the mayor of New York lost a duel, and it's not just you.Related LinksForum ThreadEaster EggsDiscord ChatEaster EggsThings of the DayRym - So THAT'S where Bugs Bunny got it from!Scott - Sweet Home (1989) [Full Film, Domesday Capture, Subbed]

Tonight on GeekNights, we discuss noodles. In the news, Alabama Republicans decide that embryos are literally children with extreme and harmful legal consequences, and Fubo has raised an antitrust suit against the coming massive sports streaming consolidation.Related LinksForum ThreadNoodlesDiscord ChatNoodlesThings of the DayRym - Which is Worse?Scott - GoPro Ride Through an Electron Beam Irradiator at Full Beam Power

Tonight on GeekNights, after talking about people who use their phones in public at full speaker volume, we review the fantastic convention that was Super MAGFest 2024. We previously covered the games of this MAGFest in MIVs. In the news, the Superb Owl is the least interesting it's ever been, and late capitalism claims another digital victim.Related LinksForum ThreadSuper MAGFest 2024Discord ChatSuper MAGFest 2024Things of the DayRym - The Odd History of Goalie MasksScott - pinaffo & pluvinage's cardboard installation

Tonight on GeekNights, we review the year 2023. Sort of a personal retrospective. In the news, Donald Trump argues in court that a president has the right to assassinate their enemies, and 2023 was the hottest year in human history,Related LinksForum Thread2023 (2023)Discord Chat2023 (2023)Things of the DayRym - Adults giving you directionsScott - Sauna Security

Tonight on GeekNights, against the backdrop of ongoing tech layoffs we talk about layoffs. (No, neither of us has been laid off). In the news, New York's Clean Slate Act is good news for millions of people trying to get their lives back together, Apple shocks the world by adopting RCS, andRelated LinksForum ThreadLayoffsDiscord ChatLayoffsThings of the DayRym - The Insane Engineering of the F-16Scott - RECOIL - Retro Computer Image Library

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider scams. In the news, the first malaria vaccine slashes early childhood mortality, Hookworms used to ravage the southern United States, the statue of the traitor was melted into slag, and Travis Dermott singlehandedly forced the NHL to change a terrible policy.Related LinksForum ThreadScamsThings of the DayRym - Nothing's Working Out - WaluigiScott - Puzzmo

Tonight on GeekNights we are back with a new web site! In the news, there is tragic war in Israel and Palestine, the House is paralyzed by Republican incompetence, Twitter has destroyed itself in a way that requires us to invoke the "Jack Thompson Rule," and Apple makes a minor change to podcast downloads.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Back with a New Web SiteThings of the DayRym - Bohemian Rhapsody in 9 different scalesScott - Castlevania Speedrunners Discover Nuclear Fusion

Tonight on GeekNights, we review the Warwick Applefest. If we can review a concert or a convention, we can review a small town apple festival. In the news, America has yet another political crisis as Republicans oust their own Speaker of the House while engaging in extreme pettiness, and there is a "crisis" in ticket reselling arbitrage after people aren't that interested in seeing Travis Scott live for some reason.Related LinksForum ThreadThe Warwick ApplefestThings of the DayRym - Speed Racers VEHICLE of VIOLENCEScott - Classic Video Poker

Tonight on GeekNights, we review The Janelle Monáe Age of Pleasure Tour which we saw at Radio City Music Hall. It's a hell of a show and you must go to it if you can. In the news, "Detroit Pizza Kitchen" is a lie, the Nikon Z f cometh, the WGA lifts its strike with a huge victory, and the evil companies lose their bid to block a minimum wage for delivery workers in New York.Related LinksThings of the DayRym - What That Famous Gorilla Suit Study Didn’t SeeScott - Paulie B

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the concept of Halls of Fame. In the news, the ravages of climate change have caused an ongoing crisis in Hawaii, and the fascists lost an election in Ohio,Related LinksThings of the DayRym - Say LessScott - Michael Chabon's Book Store

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the food that is served on airplanes and in airports. You're trapped there, and they know it. In the news, Donald Trump is arrested again, and the Boomers are dying out but somehow Henry Kissinger is still alive.Related LinksThings of the DayRym - The Balearic SlingScott - Creative Astrophotography

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Magic and illusions. In the news, Rangers, and America's openly fascist "news" network FOX admits they lied about voter fraud.Related LinksForum ThreadMagicThings of the DayRym - CLOWN ROOMScott - I hope you will never see this letter

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Colosseums, Stadiums, and Arenas. In the news, the NHL Playoffs are imminent, Republicans in the state of Tennessee are going mask-off fascist in the (breaking) expulsion of Democrats from the chamber. Rep. Pearson had poignant words that you should watch and listen to.In at least some lighter news, there are actually a lot of good movies coming up. Some that we might even go see.Related LinksForum ThreadColosseums, Stadiums, and ArenasThings of the DayRym - Neighborhood Nostalgia Comes to LifeScott - Calling The Rich Out on Their Bluff

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Hanukkah. We've previously talked about Christmas. You're lucky we did a show at all since the Rangers game is about to start. Send your show ideas to the GeekNights Forum. In the news, Rym bought a new devil carriage, Rym cried watching Ted Lasso, and Fusion Power has reached a critical milestone.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - HanukkahThings of the DayRym - Look at this bikeScott - The Best Damn Barbershop in Town

Tonight on GeekNights, similar to our episode on Indian food, we consider Chinese food including American Chinese food. We're big fans, but we are not experts, so don't expect to learn anything from two white guys in New York. In the news, snow's a-comin', Democrats defied history, and Ticketmaster is as evil now as it was in the 90s.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Chinese FoodThings of the DayRym - Get tf out (the Test Chamber)Rym - get tf out (of Disco Elysium)Scott - dani daortiz

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Beetlejuice. The timeless classic movie from 1988, the bizarre animated series, even the musical, loom large (with the possible exception of the latter) in cinema history, and luckily we've never talked about it on GeekNights until now. In the news, late capitalist dystopia attacks the city skyline, late capitalist dystopia attacks the concept of color (making a lot of Adobe users rightfully angry), and Scott's Chair finally broke.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - BeetlejuiceThings of the DayRym - [Himari and bear] Test of courageScott - Card Magic: Impossible Card Trick DEFEATS the Internet

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Vending Machines. In the news, HBO Max is being destroyed, two of the worst airlines in America are merging, noted fascist propagandist Alex Jones is going down in the trial over his harassment of the parents of mass shooting victims, and Girls' Generation is BACK!Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Vending MachinesThings of the DayRym - The evolution of HBO's Sonic IDsScott - A closer look at Padmount Transformers

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Zoos. In the news, Rym finally ran out of razor blades, climate change is destroying the world, and we're loving this purported Fake IPL Scam.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - ZoosThings of the DayRym - MEGAVALANCHE 2022Scott - Wikipedia:Long-term abuse

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about trains. (Not the X train). Critically important in the era of radically accelerating climate change, trains are our future. In the news, Republicans are now the leading cause of death for kids in the US, Republicans have filibustered the gun bill from the previous mass shooting, and Twitter was fined for stealing your phone number to target ads at you.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - TrainsThings of the DayRym - How to do the YUM YUM DanceScott - How Scallops Move

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider swimming, especially in swimming pools. Pool toys, diving boards, swimming lessons, the works. In the news, the COVID meat shortage was fake, AleXa wins the "American Song Contest", and Christopher Walken will play the Emperor in Dune 2. Also convention drama.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - SwimmingThings of the DayRym - Let's Copy the Key to T-Pain's New PlaceScott - chelmico - Meidaimae

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the concept of handwriting. In the news, idiots are in trouble with the FAA, another unrelated idiot is in trouble with the FAA (weirdly echoing an episode of Bob's Burgers), and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are imminent.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - HandwritingThings of the DayRym - San Francisco 1906Scott - Star Wars Fonts

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider James Bond (in cinema). In the news, Rym is back from London, and New York has a lot of good options for connecting LGA to the rest of the city. Your regularly scheduled GeekNights should resume from this point forward!Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - James BondThings of the DayRym - Did Dua Lipa ACTUALLY Plagiarize Levitating? (No)Scott - Ice-America : UGA Hockey Rink

Tonight on GeekNights, we review Saint Patrick's Day (the holiday). We have a fraught history with it, frankly. In the news, Scott is trying out Obsidian, Daylight Saving Time is likely going to be permanent in the US (for the second time) much to the surprise of some of the senators who made it happen, and New York governor Hochul continues to be a mixed bag.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Saint Patrick's DayThings of the DayRym - Crack That Tank!Scott - Opening a dam gate after years of it being closed

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider Greeting Cards and other cards of this ilk. In the news, the Doomsday Clock is 100 seconds to midnight, the handful of people "buying" NFTs are not that invested in them, and the Democrats in the US Senate forced a vote to protect voting rights that failed due to the undemocratic and broken nature of American Democracy.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Greeting CardsThings of the DayRym - Commercials of the Dot Com BubbleScott - Golf ball factory in South Korea that makes new balls from discarded golf balls

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the science and the art of Sports Commentating. In the news, legendary sports commentator John Madden has died, The New York Times is buying The Athletic, a sports commentator made a terrible mistake that is somehow distantly related to this ridiculous nonsense, and United States President Joe Biden calls out the fascist coup attempt by Donald Trump and the American Republican Party directly.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Sports CommentatingThings of the DayRym - Terrible Mountain Biking Course DesignScott - Cassette Case Card Boxes

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the Alien franchise. While clearly the first two movies are the best the franchise will likely ever have to offer, much like Spiderman it is so iconic to be nearly universally recognized. In the news, Youtube is removing dislike counts, the economy isn't in great shape (in ways you might not even realize), and the Playdate is delayed.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - The Alien FranchiseThings of the DayRym - HDMI to Waterhose AdapterScott - Crow Time

Tonight on GeekNights, we review Denis Villeneuve's Dune (part 1). It's Dune. It's hard to imagine doing better at Duning on the big screen than this. Recall that we discussed Dune extensively on the GeekNights Book Club.In the news, the Shiba Inu shitcoin is in the news due to a high volatility situation, you can buy 1/1000 of a Warhol for $250 after some clever people literally attempt to destroy its provenance, Facebook flees is toxic brand with a new name, Queens successfully opposed an upgraded fossil fuel power plant, and the NAACP is urging professional athletes to boycott Texas sports teams due to the extreme threat Texas has put American democracy under.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Dune (2021)Things of the DayRym - What Happens If You Put A MANUAL Transmission In REVERSE While Driving?Scott - Umpire Scorecards

Tonight on GeekNights, we discuss aliens and UFOs and such. The 90s were a wild time with alien autopsies and The X-Files. Nevermind real alien topics like the Drake equation, the Rare Earth hypothesis, or the Great Filter. In the news, avoid using computers in Missouri, IATSE will strike on October 18th unless their (extremely reasonable) demands are met, Kellog's workers and John Deere workers also strike as a new labor movement comes alive in America.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Aliens and UFOsThings of the DayRym - The Great Fear (1958)Scott - House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider the humble beverage. From soda to pop, orange juice to bourbon, milk to yilk, and even good old reliable "water" we consider the general concept of drinks. In the news, the IATSE is mobilizing for a possible strike, we encourage you to murder Spotted Lanternflies if you live in New York, and we encourage you to delete your Facebook account.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - BeveragesThings of the DayRym - THATCHER'S TECHBASEScott - How Cast Iron Pans are Made

Tonight on GeekNights, we consider outerwear. Jackets and coats and such. In the news, Scott went to the US Open, America continues its spiral into ruin as abortion is banned in Texas, (we are boycotting Texas henceforth), and House Democrats are taking action to protect abortion rights.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - OuterwearThings of the DayRym - SIMCITY 2000 GENERATORScott - Playing massive jump rope

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about natural disasters. In the news, there's a reason we don't make much anime content anymore, cars are back to destroying the world, Cuomo is (rightly) out as New York's governor, and the US military will (rightly) require vaccination against COVID-19.Related LinksForum ThreadGeekNights Thursday - Natural DisastersThings of the DayRym - Cult Name GeneratorScott - Mr. T on Late Night With David Letterman 1982