The Dave Bowman Show

One of the least discussed and acknowledged periods in US History got its start on March 11, 1880, with the birth of the man, Harry L. Laughlin, who would be among the driving figures in the eugenics movement in the United States. The ideas for which he would advocate included sterilization and would not actually end until well into the 1970s. It all sounds good on the surface – to improve humans through genetics. Today we tend to think of these ideas as the stuff of Nazi history and dystopian science fiction. The hard realization though is that these ideas – that we can eliminate undesirable genetic traits from the gene pool, like many ideas, was a European invention that was snagged onto and improved upon by American idealists. And if you thought that it would be stopped by high minded ideals found in the Constitution, you will be surprised to learn that the Supreme court not only supported and upheld these ideas, but once quipped that “three generations of imbeciles is enough…“

The good news is that Apple Podcasts has started creating great transcripts of the show. The bad news, nobody can figure out how to use them. Meanwhile, Rabbi Dave is getting… well… anxious abut the upcoming replacement knee replacement. He has a odd heart beat that has caused problems in the past, and still has to clear that hurdle to get on to Knee Surgery VII. The President’s state of the Union has left a lot of people rather confused. Including the New York Times, while Robert Di Niro and Bill Maher – who is NOT a conservative no matter what he says – think that a Trump Presidency would mean that they will be disappeared. Classic films are now becoming reality; a Korean Pop star is in deep trouble and Dave got distracted by an article about how to suck up to your boss without seemingly like you are sucking up to your boss… Friar Rod saw Dune 2 – in the Imax – while Dave has not. That doesn’t stop them from discussing the film and wandering through the desert to get to other films that should not have been trilogies. All that and more this week on What The Frock!

On Monday, the Supreme Court released its much anticipated but anti-climatic per curiam ruling in Trump v Anderson, the Colorado attempt to remove him from the 2024 Primary ballot. While there was nothing truly surprising in the ruling – that it is Congress that decides to enforce 14.3 – there was a bit of blowback from the fact that Justice Barrett appeared at first glance, to join the dissent in part. We had a caller to the show on Tuesday who referred to what she said as “the most naive thing” he had ever heard. One of the the things that I most dislike about the immediacy of Talk Radio is that there are too many occasions when there isn’t time to fully digest a story after it breaks, and even less time to form anything but a surface level opinion about it. Often we lose out on the opportunity for deeper consideration of an idea or what someone has said. Certainly that is the case with Justice Barrett’s comment. While I fully agree that it was unnecessary, that does not equate to being “naive.” Moreover, what if what she said was to counter the dissent (in part) and point out the fact that the ruling was 9-0. Which, by the by, is exactly what was unexpected in the ruling, but not for the reasons that you might think…

More and more, people are NOT happy. The reasons for this are as varied as there are international conglomerates willing to fund scientific studies that prove whatever their particular scientific viewpoint may be. But it also turns out that for all of these things that are making us unhappy, there are also things that could provide solutions to all this unhappiness. Among these things could be less choices, less money, less day dreaming, less work, more sibling interactions and moving to a lower altitude. Oh… and an OnlyFans account… Meanwhile there is a lot of good coffee out there that isn’t found at the Home of the Sirens. But for all of that, a young lady in Rickmansworth suddenly realized why we are so unhappy and what (and who) can actually do something about it. All that and more this week on an unhappy episode of What The Frock!

On February 27, 1951, the United States ratified the 22nd Amendment, a pivotal moment in American constitutional history that imposed term limits on the presidency. This landmark amendment was the culmination of decades of debate over the concentration of power in the executive branch and reflected the nation’s evolving attitudes toward leadership and democracy.

Ahoy, listeners! This week on “What The Frock,” we’re setting sail on a voyage through the bizarre and unexpected with our latest episode, “The Bible Pirates.” Prepare yourself for an exploration of oddities and revelations that’ll have you questioning the very fabric of reality (or at least, the sanity of its weavers). In a curious melding of faith and piracy, we delve into the mysterious case of the “Pirate Bible,” a unique edition rumored to be circulated by none other than the LDS Church. How did this swashbuckling version of the holy scriptures come to be, and what secrets does it hold? We uncover the tales of its origins, the symbolism behind its passages, and the reactions it has sparked among the faithful and the curious alike. Navigating the treacherous waters of healthcare can be as daunting as facing the kraken itself. Fear not, for Dave is here with his quintessential guide to dealing with medical stuff. From deciphering doctor speak to hacking the health insurance maze, Dave’s insights are the compass you need to steer through these stormy seas. In a scandal that’s as shocking as it is hilarious, we uncover the story of priests caught in the act of illegally selling Viagra. Beyond the headlines, we explore the implications of this unholy alliance between religion and the pharmaceutical underworld. What drove these men of cloth to turn to such ungodly enterprises, and what does this tell us about the state of spirituality and sin? In a lighter vein, we ponder one of the English language’s most amusing quirks: the ability to turn almost any word into a euphemism for being intoxicated. From “hammered” to “wasted,” and beyond, we examine the creativity of English speakers in describing their inebriated escapades. But is there any word immune to this transformation? Join us as we embark on a linguistic treasure hunt. “The Bible Pirates” episode is a testament to “What The Frock’s” commitment to exploring the odd, the overlooked, and the outright unbelievable. Whether you’re here for the historical curiosities, the moral quandaries, or just for a good laugh, this episode promises to deliver a bounty of insights and entertainment. So, batten down the hatches and prepare to be boarded by a wave of wonder and whimsy. The “What The Frock” crew is delighted to have you aboard for this journey through the peculiar and the profound. Tune in, and let’s navigate the high seas of absurdity together!

Welcome to “Dave Does History,” on Bill Mick Live, this week we have a journey through the annals of history to the heart of the American Civil War, focusing on one of its lesser-known yet pivotal figures, General Joseph Finegan, and the defining moment of his military career: the Battle of Olustee. We will delve into the life of General Finegan, from his early days to his strategic triumph in Florida’s largest battle, exploring the intricacies of his leadership, the fierce combat of Olustee, and the lasting legacy of this historical episode. Join us as we uncover the stories of bravery, strategy, and survival that marked this critical point in American history, shedding light on the man behind the valor and the battle that shaped the fate of Florida during the Civil War.

Both the Good Friar and the Rabbi are religious people, but while sarcastic goliards, neither of them could really be called “zealots.” So when they take a look at a couple of religious stories from the week, it is with an eye to have a deeper understanding of things. Not just to sing bawdy songs and drink booze. The Superb Owl was… eh… but the commercials, with a singular exception were a complete bomb. That one exception though, has had Dave giggling all week. Would you buy a $400 pair of tennis shoes? What if they were being sold by a politician? And last week we were told that the strategic situation was completely unhinged since Russia was about to launch something – nobody knows what – into space. Is this a James Bond flick? And we now know what is going on with Dave’s knee. It’s even worse than we had thought… How ’bout them donuts?

Yesterday was the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Today on Bill Mick Live, Dave takes a very brief overview look at the life and legacy of one of the great Presidents of the United States. from his days in the Illinois Legislature to the US Congress, to the stump debating Stephen A. Douglas. His election as the first republican Party candidate for President would lead to the split of the nation and the devastation of the American Civil War. His assassination would insure that much of the anger that divided the country would continue, even to today.

In the middle of a mid-term exam, Rabbi Dave realizes something about the past. The people who wrote for Star Trek were geniuses. The lessons they were trying to teach us were every bit as important then as they are now. If we can only listen to what they were… and are.. saying, we might find that the ideas they were reiterating have reasoned for more than a century. Which leave the rabbi and the Good Friar wondering what there is today teaching those same lessons? The Special counsel report on Joe Biden’s handling of Classified materials was released this week. There’s nothing in it that surprised anybody. And whether you see it as a ringing damnation of a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory, or as a conniving evil manipulator with the intent to destroy America, really depends less on the report and more on where you personally started the day. In any case, the report will result in no actual action, but leaves us wondering, really… is this the best we can do? Sharks and Rays living and fornicating together! Mass hysteria! Floridians driving 200mph! Insanity! And it’s Superb Owl Day. Once again, Dave faces his usual problem – who to root for in the “big game,” which we never call by it’s real name…

Today, we turn back the pages to the era of revolutions and explore the life of a man whose pen ignited the flame of liberty across continents. Thomas Paine, a name synonymous with the struggle for freedom and democratic ideals, was more than just a writer; he was a visionary whose words laid the groundwork for modern democracies. From the humble beginnings in England to the battlefields of the American Revolution, and onto the radical politics of the French Revolution, Paine’s journey is a testament to the power of ideas. So, sit back as we unfold the story of this influential figure, whose legacy continues to inspire the quest for liberty and justice around the world. This is “The Life of Paine.”

We are quite sure that virtually nobody in this audience has ever asked the question, “Why do they call it ‘Starbucks?'” But.. it became quite the point of contention this week for the Rabbi and the Rebbetizin. On the other hand, have you ever wondered who exactly it is that is watching TV and then going to their Doctor specifically to ask for the latest drug they saw advertised on TV? You’ve never done that. we’ve never done that…. so who exactly is doing that? The answer might surprise you. Or… it might not if you think about it. If you happen to be a Windows 3.11 expert, there may be a job for you. Is it time for a giant space beach umbrella? The Rabbi bought a new monitor. Why? You might believe his story about needing it for school…

In the recent past, we have seen a couple of more statues removed. First Thomas Jefferson was hauled out of the New York Capitol. Back in 2020, in Charleston (SC), a figure of John C. Calhoun, like Jefferson, a former Vice President of the United States was taken away. Then Jackie Robinson was stolen from a ball park in Kansas – albeit probably not for the same reasons. Now, the reason that we are given for this is, of course, that they were white, patriarchal, cisgendered, slave owning racists. Which, was true. Although in fairness they would have no idea what “cisgendered” means or that anything else existed. In the bigger picture, why would any statue be removed? If you consider it clearly, the answer cannot be that it is because they were white, patriarchal, cisgendered, slave owning racists. Why not? Because is not… logical. So what are we left with? In Communist West Taiwan, Imperious Leader Xi has pushed for an educational program that venerates the traditions of Chinese history and culture. His reasoning is based in two things. first, that traditional Chinese culture is rooted in Confucianism and second, that western liberal thinking is not…

Ah, “What the Frock?” – always diving into the deep end of society’s pool, aren’t we? This time around, we’re stirring the pot with an episode that’s sure to get the tongues wagging and maybe a few brows furrowing. The title? “A Failure of Mating Strategies?” Now, that’s a headline that’s both a question and an exclamation, a real hook. We kick off with a juicy theory that’s been simmering in the social pot: the idea that our mating strategies, or rather the apparent failure of them, are at the heart of the division ripping through modern society. It’s a bold claim, one that our experts dissect with the precision of a surgeon. We’re talking about the evolution of dating, the swipe-left culture, and how the digital age has transformed our quest for companionship. It’s an analysis that’s as enlightening as it is controversial. Then, we pivot to a listener email that takes us down a different road, one that’s equally bumpy. The topic? Illegal immigration. This isn’t just any email; it’s a heartfelt narrative that paints a vivid picture of the complexities and human stories behind the headlines. It’s a perspective that might just challenge your preconceptions. But hey, it’s not all heavy stuff. We’ve got an update on Rabbi Dave’s knee – because, let’s face it, we’ve all been on the edge of our seats about that one. And we dive into the lighter side of life with a cautionary tale that’s as hilarious as it is bizarre. Why you should never, and I mean never, go through a drive-thru hamburger place after taking super-Viagra or park in a geothermal hot spring. It’s a story that’s got everything: humor, absurdity, and a life lesson you won’t forget. So, dear listeners, buckle up for an episode of “What the Frock?” that’s guaranteed to entertain, enlighten, and maybe even enrage. It’s a rollercoaster ride through the quirky, the serious, and the downright bizarre aspects of our society. Don’t miss it!

In 1916, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in the Brushaber v. Union Pacific Railroad Co. case, a ruling that profoundly shaped the legal landscape of federal income taxation in America. This case, brought forth by Frank Brushaber, a shareholder in the Union Pacific Railroad Company, challenged the constitutionality of the recently enacted federal income tax imposed by the 1913 Revenue Act. The significance of the Brushaber case lies not only in its direct impact on tax law but also in its broader implications for federal authority and the scope of the 16th Amendment. Today we talk about constitutional and legal arguments, the historical context surrounding the case, and the enduring influence of the Supreme Court’s decision on the American fiscal system.

It’s one of “those” days again. The Good Friar is still on his deathbed with the consumption, while Rabbi Dave has had almost no time to prep the show because life keeps getting in the way. Who exactly is “The Patriot Front?” And why do so many people believe that it is a 110% phony organization designed to do the opposite of what it claims to be? Even Elon seems to believe that it is completely fake. So given the nature of what the organization claims to be, why do so many believe that it is not telling the truth? Humor used to be cutting edge and designed to make you laugh at being uncomfortable. Now, it seems that anything that is actually funny is, by definition, offensive and requires an attention whore to attention whore by complaining about it. All that and more this week on What The Frock?

Yesterday the Kitsap Superior Court held a hearing regarding a petition to remove Donald J. Trump from the ballot fro both the Primary and General elections in the State of Washington. This is, of course, based in the now well understood 14th Amendment Section 3 argument, and apparently, a radio show interview that encouraged the petitioners to file as soon as they could under Washington state law which they did… in Kitsap County. For reasons, I went to the hearing. And I am here today to tell you, we have some issues in this country. One of which is that people – on both sides – have no clue how to behave in a courtroom…

On January 17, 1920, the United States embarked on a bold and unprecedented social experiment with the enactment of Prohibition via the Volstead Act. This act, named after Congressman Andrew Volstead, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who managed the legislation, was designed to enforce the 18th Amendment, effectively outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. Prohibition was not merely a legislative act but a national movement, born out of a growing temperance campaign that had gained considerable momentum in the early 20th century. It marked a significant shift in American social policy, reflecting deep societal divisions and sparking debates around morality, individual rights, and the role of government. The Volstead Act was a cornerstone in this transformative era, heralding a decade that would be marked by drastic changes in the American way of life, law enforcement, and the rise of illicit activities that challenged its very purpose.

Gather ’round! I’ve got a tale to spin about our latest episode of “What The Frock?” with our ever-entertaining duo, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod. This week’s episode, “A Cultlike Adherence to Political Dogma,” is a wild ride, I tell ya – it’s got curses, politics, moon landing conspiracies, and even a dash of personal medical drama! Let’s kick things off with a journey back in time, shall we? Picture this: the Spanish Conquistadors, decked in their armor, landing in the New World. But, get this – our hosts dive into how these conquerors might have been cursed by Native American gods. Spooky, right? The discussion weaves through history and myth, creating this tapestry that’s both eerie and fascinating. I mean, who doesn’t love a good curse story? Then, we snap back to the present with American politics. The big news? Chris Christie, big personality and even bigger opinions, bowing out of the 2024 Presidential race. Dave and Rod chew over this like it’s the last piece of brisket at a barbecue – dissecting the whys and hows with their usual flair. They’re not just talking politics; they’re unraveling the fabric of American political theater. And just when you think it can’t get any more outlandish, we veer into conspiracy territory. Yes, the moon landings – or should I say, the “faked” moon landings? Our hosts put on their detective hats and dive deep into this rabbit hole. I’m not saying they’re convincing me, but let’s just say they know how to spin a yarn that makes you go, “Hmmm.” But wait, there’s a twist! In the midst of all this, we get a personal story from Dave, and it’s about his disdain for getting an IV. It’s not just a grumble – it’s a full-on epic saga of a man versus the needle. His recounting is so vivid, you can almost feel the cold antiseptic and the pinch on your own arm. It’s a human moment that brings us back down to earth after all that high-flying conspiracy talk. So, there you have it, folks – this week’s episode of “What The Frock?” is a blend of the mystical, the political, the controversial, and the personal. It’s like mixing a historical documentary with a late-night talk show and a dash of your grandpa’s tall tales. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this. Tune in, kick back, and let Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod take you on a journey that’s as wild as it is weird. And remember, in the world of “What The Frock?”, expect the unexpected! But NOT the Spanish Inquisition!

I am literally five days into my “college” experience. It’s been… interesting. I always enjoy learning things. I enjoy seeing things from a different perspective. And at least one of my professors seems to agree with that idea. Others seems unsure of how to conduct a class in an online environment. An, of course, the kids in these classes are panicking over stuff that doesn’t matter. But they don’t have the life experience to know that… yet. So what have I learned in a week?