Anne Trominski

Civics on the Rocks

History EN ↓ 58 episodes

A history teacher and an engineer walk into a bar...ouch! Except there isn’t a bar. But there are a few dad jokes. And whiskey. Two guys who know a few things, have been around a few blocks, and a few cocktails, discuss politics, science, history, technology, and—*gestures wildly*—, all while drinking and dropping pop culture references. Did we mention the dad jokes? Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for Civics on the Rocks.

Author

Anne Trominski

Episodes

What's an Acre? 04.03.2024 1:00:14

Come for the archaic units of measure, stay for the metric throwdown! The concept of an acre is so enigmatic that in a podcast titled “What’s an Acre?”, we still got it wrong. An acre is 4,840 square yards and not feet as we say repeatedly in this podcast: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Acre: Unit of measurement.” Updated February 9, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/acre...

Who Polices the Police? 05.02.2024 1:02:48

Mack and Steve dive into various types of immunity. Also, we go off on rockets for a while. References “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” Juvenal. Satire VI, lines 347–348. Alan Moore wrote Watchmen. Alan Moore (Author) and Dave Gibbons (Illustrator). Watchmen. (DC Comics, 1995). That guy that cracked his head open because they just shoved him: The Guardian. “Buffalo police cleared over pushing 75-y...

What Are Our Primary Concerns? 08.01.2024 53:24

Not to overstate the case, but the primary elections are where we can stage our revolution and overthrow the government! Listen to Mack and Steven discuss why the primaries are where it’s at. If you need a refresher: USA.gov. “Presidential primaries and caucuses.” https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses Because some people disagree with Mack’s opinion of the Iowa caucus: Oliphant, James. “Iowa Cauc...

Are We the World’s Peacekeepers? 04.12.2023 1:09:25

Mack and Steve wade into the role the United States plays in the world’s conflicts. This includes talking about several examples like the current war between Israel and Palestine. Fair warning: this episode covers some heavier topics than our previous ones have. References Just because they both like to say it a lot: Merriam-Webster. “Hegemony.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hegemony...

Are Your Tax Dollars Working for You? 06.11.2023 1:02:02

Mack and Steve talk about taxes, highway budgets, and there are two (count ‘em two!) separate references to presidential speeches! Come join the fun! What one doctor has to say about health insurance: Shmerling, Robert H. “Is our healthcare system broken?” July 13, 2021. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-our-healthcare-system-broken-202107132542 Does Jeff Bezos pay...

Is it Alright to Punch a Nazi? 02.10.2023 58:00

Steve and Mack tackle the hard-hitting question of whether violence is ever the answer. Did Buzz Aldrin really punch a guy? History.com Editors. “72-year-old Buzz Aldrin punches a moon landing conspiracy theorist in the face.” History. August 23, 2023. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/buzz-aldrin-punches-moon-landing-conspiracy-theorist-bart-sibrel Wondering about Mack’s story about Joh...

What is Civics? 04.09.2023 45:05

Mack and Steve discuss the concept of civics and why it's important. They also drop several refences along the way. Here they are, if you would like to learn a little bit more about what they are talking about and form your own opinion. If you want to learn about PragerU: Archie, Ayana. “A lot is happening in Florida education. These are some of the changes kids will see.” NPR, August 14, 2023. ht...

Trailer 31.08.2023 1:21

Our first episode drops on Labor Day 2023! Until then, enjoy this trailer!