Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek Nemesis

 Our final Star Trek TNG movie podcast. I can't tell if it brings a tear to my eye because it is the last, or possibly the worst. I shouldn't be too tough on them, but they did a bunch of weird things in this movie that didn't really make sense. If you are going to steal from one of the classic Star Trek scripts/plots then do it properly.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    What is Will Weaton doing in this movie as a Starfleet officer?
    Music Intro: Hear Me by Imagine Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 85: Shalom old friend

  Because the West Wing is sucking so much, Listener Jim has decided to focus on his family and schooling. Joey and I would like to personally thank Listener Jim for all of his emails week in and week out for the last year and a half. Thank you good friend, and Shalom. This podcast covers episodes 9-12 of The West Wing, Season 6.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Peter Nash Day is NOT a real thing
    10 Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly
    Welcome new listener Kris
    Movie podcast announcement: TRON
    Should TW5 get a Facebook page?
    Joey's Culture Corner: Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas
    Farewell Listener Jim
    Is the F-word appropriate office language?
    Music Intro: I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Impact Winter: 1hr 04min 44sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

Faith Based Initiative: 20min 50sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 5

Opposition Research: 24min 44sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 5

365 Days: 24min 38sec
Peter: Television - 4
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Apologies

Dear Listeners:
As some of you may know, I (Joey) have been suffering from some health issues this past year. Unfortunately, my physical body is trying (yet again) to re-assert its dominance in my life - this put me in the situation this weekend where I spent several days paralyzed with pain and was not even able to get to a phone to let Pete know there would be no podcast delivered for editing this week.

As circumstances provide, we will get our review of the last of the "Star Trek" films published, as well as return to our regularly scheduled programming with "The West Wing". On behalf of both Peter and myself, I apologize for the gap in the schedule.

Midweek Mini-Podcast: We need movie ideas

 Joey and I have run out of Star Trek movies, that we plan on podcasting about. We have a few ideas, but frankly we want to know what you, our loyal listeners, want to hear us discuss. So Joey threw together this little mini-podcast before he left on vacation. Please send us in your ideas by blog comments, email, or google voice. No idea is too stupid*. Thanks for listening.

*We reserve the right to mock you if we think your idea is too stupid.

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek Insurrection

 Much like our verbose online discussion of Watchmen, Joey and I split on our enjoyment of this movie. He loved it and I thought it was only ok. Hopefully, our listeners won't be split on their enjoyment of our review of the second-to-last TNG film.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Mordant's Need by Stephen R. Donaldson
    Blog posts about Watchmen: Peter and Joey
    Gilbert & Sullivan do not belong in Star Trek
    Would you rather be a Borg or a Sona?
    Would zippers still be used in the future?
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 84: Alan Alda Lovefest

  What a great night of podcasting we had! One of our new listeners JD sent us in a great picture of him wearing a piece of TrekWest 5 Paraphernalia (see image below). And of course we were introduced to one of the few season 6 bright spots, the great Alan Alda. It's clear what his acting experience lends to sub-standard writing. It almost becomes passable. One last thing is that JD actually called in on our Google Voice and left a message. Joey didn't notice it until after the recording was over, so we'll have to respond to it next podcast. Sorry about that JD. This podcast covers episodes 5-8 of The West Wing, Season 6.

For our iTunes subscribers: it appears that blogspot may have been going through a temporary outage when our FeedBurner feed (on which the iTunes listing is predicated) was updating this week. This may have caused your iTunes to not see the latest entry. We have tried to force a refresh through the FeedBurner service, this should force iTunes to see the post...whenever Apple decides to check again. Sorry for any trouble.

Success!

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Grace is Gone
    Principles of an American Life: Article 7 of the Constitution
    The Sword of Damocles
    Jellyman Kelly by James Taylor
    Burning the American flag
    Alan Alda impersonation
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Hubbert Peak: 37min 11sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 6

Dover Test: 19min 18sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 5

A Change is Gonna Come: 19min 56sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

In the Room: 25min 22sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek First Contact

 Our long standing TW5 intern Aaron joins us this week to talk about the 2nd TNG movie: Star Trek First Contact. Ostensibly this is an action movie set in a sci-fi world that made Joey and I split in our enjoyment of it. Regardless of that we both loved the performance by Alfre Woodard as she clearly stole the show. See this movie at least for what she offered as an actress. Plus, androids and cyborgs kissing! What could be more sexually charged?

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Heart & Souls
    Joey gets sentimental/emotional about the Enterprise
    Joey gets signals from outer space
    Pete gets turned on by the Borg Queen
    Alfre Woodard gives the best performance in this movie
    What's more sci-fi than cyborgs and androids kissing?
    Music Intro: Hear Me by Imagine Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 83: Now with Merchandise

 What an incredibly busy week and podcast. We at TW5 are proud to announce that we now have TW5 merchandise! Check out our store link at Cafe Press. Listener Jim institutes a new rating system due to his extreme hatred of what is going on in the episodes. Check it out, you will laugh your head off. We discussed episodes 1-4 of The West Wing, Season 6.



Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Announcing TrekWest5 merchandise from Cafe Press
    Joey's Culture Corner: Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
    Principles of an American Life: Article 6 of the Constitution
    The WW writers really screw up the character of Leo
    Don't go skeet shooting with Aaron
    Joey should watch the movie Dirty Dancing
    Music Intro: I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
NSF Thurmont: 49min 31sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 5

The Birnam Wood: 20min 53sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Third Day Story: 17min 14sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 5

Liftoff: 23min 32sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 82: West Wing Season 5 wrap up

 As we have mentioned time and again this is truly the beginning of the decline of the West Wing. We had a great time rehashing the bright spots and abusing the mistakes in our season 5 wrap up. Thanks again to our loyal listeners for their thoughts (Jim, JD, and Mohammad). We also cover episodes 21-22 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Should we get TW5 merchandise?
    Joey's Culture Corner: Article 5 of the Constitution
    Principles of an American Life: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
    It's not the situation that made you act in a certain way
    The writers are wrong to be fiddling around with long standing characters
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show as well as Season 5 lists/recaps:
Gaza: 41min 48sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 5

Memorial Day: 16min 58sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6

Season 5 wrap up: 31min 15sec

Season 5 recaps and lists
Favorite Extra/Bit Part
Peter: John Goodman as President Walkin
Joey: Glenn Close as Evelyn Baker Lang

Most Hated Character
Peter: Will Bailey
Joey: Ryan Pierce

Favorite Villain
Peter: Speaker of the House Hafley
Joey: Will Bailey

Hot Chick
Peter: Zoey Bartlett as played by Elisabeth Moss
Joey: Young CJ Cregg as played by Alison Janney

Favorite Issue
Peter: Economics is a complex subject
Joey: Don't make promises you can't keep

Top 5 Hated Episodes
Peter:

1. Abut El Banat
2. Eppur Si Muove
3. Stormy Present
4. Slow News Day
5. Constituency of One

Joey:

1. Stormy Present
2. Eppur Si Muove
3. An Khe
4. Warfare of Ghengis Kahn
5. Full Disclosure

Top 5 Favorite Episodes
Peter:

1. Shutdown
2. Separation of Powers
3. 7AWF
4. Dogs of War
5. Memorial Day

Joey:

1. The Supremes
2. Shutdown
3. Dogs of War
4. Talking Points
5. 7AWF

Favorite Overall Moment
Peter: Shutting down the Federal government in Separation of Powers

Joey: President Bartlett talking to Josh in Talking Points


If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 81: The Invisible Hand

 Guided by the invisible hand of podcasting Joey and I take a meandering course through this weeks West Wing episodes. A special surprise awaited us as we received some great listener emails from new listeners JD and Mohammad, as well as podcast regulars Flamingo and Listener Jim. Thanks a bunch for all your interest and opinions. We discussed episodes 17-20 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    West Wing Episode Guide
    New listeners JD and Mohammad
    Joey's Culture Corner: Plato's The Republic
    Kind words from Flamingo
    Principles of an American Life: Article 4 of the Constitution
    Big named actors doesn't always make good production
    Is the 24 hour news cycle good for society?
    Economics is a complex subject
    Globalization is not bad
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Supremes: 1hr 7min 10sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 9

Access: 20min 20sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 6

Talking Points: 32min 34sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 8

No Exit: 15min 24sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek Generations

 We begin the TNG movie series with Star Trek Generations. Joey and I split our enjoyment of this movie. Frankly he was just pissed they blew up the Enterprise. At any rate we had a good time talking about it.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Avatar: The Last Airbender
    Don't talk to people during a movie (especially Peter)
    Joey has an obsession with popcorn Jelly Belly's
    Joey loves watching crap blow up
    Fear can be a successful motivator
    Book recommendation: Drive
    Music Intro: Hear Me by Imagine Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 80: From Sesame Street to Sodomy Laws

 What the heck were the writers thinking with this stupid Ben/CJ storyline? What a complete waste of our time. Although I suppose it does help to give us the best comment from this podcast: CJ Craig is not the Geordi La Forge of The West Wing. Special thanks to the TW5 intern, Aaron, and Jim for his comments. We discussed episodes 13-16 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Parliamentary Procedure is just a programming language for talking to people
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
    Principles of an American Life: Article 3 of the Constitution
    The Franking Privilege
    Joey thinks male CEO's are attractive
    Mutually Assured Destruction: Societal Safety Net or Fallacy?
    There is no purpose in sensationalism
    everyone should be expected to be honest
    Where should NIH money go?
    Music Intro: I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Warfare of Genghis Khan: 58min 33sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6
Aaron: Television - 6

An Khe: 27min 21sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 5
Aaron: Television - 5

Full Disclosure: 16min 10sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 6
Aaron: Television - 4

Epur Si Muove: 19min 35sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 5
Aaron: Television - 5

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 79: Where's my social safety net?

 Joey and I had a pretty good discussion this week on the political third rail of Social Security. While it is no surprise we (and everyone else in the world) think it is broken, we came to no great solution. Privitization was discussed to some detail. We would love to get some listener feedback on some of their ideas for how to fix this failing system, before Joey and I end up needing it. Please hurry. In this podcast we discuss episodes 9-12 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Randy Pausch Last Lecture
    Principles of an American Life: Article 2 of the Constitution
    Lessons in Parliamentary Procedure
    Dysfunctional Family Dinners
    Assisted suicide revisited
    Mandatory Minimums revisited
    Social Security
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Abu el Banat: 48min 07sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 6

Stormy Present: 25min 11sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 4

Benign Prerogative: 20min 16sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Slow News Day: 26min 38sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 78: Nobody puts Josh in a corner

 Back at last to our blessed West Wing television series this week. We were graced by the return of listeners Jim and Mandi who were kind enough to send in comments. I went off on a long rant about the responsibilities of being fiscally responsible with our governmental budgets and Joey actually had a good idea! In this podcast we discuss episodes 5-8 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: 97th Step by Steve Perry
    Principles of an American Life: Article 1 of the Constitution
    Career advancement is not being a traitor
    Can a Supreme Court Justice be removed?
    The problem with Budget Deficits
    New tax idea: apportion a percent to programs you want funded
    New board game: Budgetary Chicken
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Constituency of One: 41min 37sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 6

Disaster Relief: 17min 43sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 5

Separation of Powers: 31min 25sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Shutdown: 17min 21sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 9

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Poetry Podcast Special 2

 After a very long tease (approx 5 months), it is finally here: Poetry Podcast Special 2. We were joined by Brandon, Jared, and Anne. They shared some great poems that some of us have never heard of and some we have. Join us for a pleasant evening of poetry.

Music Intro: Here Me by Imagine Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

 Since Joey went out of town for a long vacation, he took some time off this week and prepared our podcast for Trek West 5 Movie Special - Star Trek 6. "Once again I find myself surprised at how divisive the Trek movies can be - Pete and I always seem to find plenty to argue about when we do these Movie Specials. We hope you enjoy the insights we discovered in the course of watching this final movie of the "Original Crew" (not counting Capt. Pike's crew, of course), and we will return to our regularly scheduled programming in the coming weeks." - Joey Smith

Music Intro: I Fight Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 77: What's so great about Truman?

 Either the episodes are becoming less interesting or we have run out of things to say, because this weeks podcast is under 1.5 hours! I think I'll put my money on West Wing getting less interesting. Oh well, still had a good time, and Listener Si graced us with another email. In this podcast we discuss episodes 1-4 of The West Wing, Season 5.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
    Principles of an American Life: The 27th Amendment
    Listener Si PHD
    Joey finally admits to being a sociopath
    Peter wants a war dog
    TW5 needs an omelet bar
    Joey hates fireworks
    Joey knows the price of milk
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
7A WF 83429: 31min 44sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 8

Dogs of War: 22min 16sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 9

Jefferson Lives: 16min 20sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Han: 15min 44sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 76: West Wing Season 4 wrap up

 Live* from the secret bunker, alternate recording location in Utah, TrekWest 5 brings you the West Wing season 4 wrap up special. We also cover episodes 21-23 of The West Wing, Season 4.

*recorded from a previously live event

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: The movie: TiMER
    Principles of an American Life: The 26th Amendment
    Appropriate graduation gifts
    Peter is not in love with John Goodman
    Joey's daughter is embarrassed by him
    Listener Si email
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show as well as Season 4 lists/recaps:
Life on Mars: 42min 46sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8

Commencement: 21min 25sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 9

Twenty Five: 18min 00sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 8

Season 4 wrap up: 36min 39sec

Season 4 recaps and lists
Favorite Extra/Bit Part
Peter & Joey: Joe Qunicy as played by Matthew Perry

Most Hated Character
Peter: Will Bailey
Joey: Jean Paul

Favorite Villain
Peter: Jean Paul
Joey: President Walkin

Hot Chick
Peter: Carol Fitzpatrick played by Melissa Fitzgerald
Joey: Cathy played by Amy Adams
Honorable Mention: Marion Cotesworth-Haye played by Helen Slayton-Hughes

Favorite Issue
Peter: Hard work gets you the story in the end
Joey: Long term side effect of killing Abdul Shareef

Top 5 Hated Episodes
Peter:

1. The Long Goodbye
2. Angel Maintenance
3. Evidence of Things Not Seen
4. Process Stories
5. Swiss Diplomacy

Joey:

1. The Long Goodbye
2. Swiss Diplomacy
3. Red Haven's on Fire
4. Angel Maintenance
5. Process Stories

Top 5 Favorite Episodes
Peter:

1. Twenty Five
2. Commencement
3. 20 Hours in America pt 2
4. Game On
5. Holy Night

Joey:

1. Commencement
2. Twenty Five
3. 20 Hours in America
4. Game On
5. Holy Night

Favorite Overall Moment
Peter: Guns Not Butter: You want to be the guy who gets things done for the guy.

Joey: Twenty Five: Leo was right!


If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, The One Where we Possibly Violate Copyright

 Ugh, I can't believe we actually did this, but we finally covered Star Trek V, The Final Frontier. And what makes it worse is that we did this as a movie commentary, which meant we had to watch it twice. I hate this movie so much. I will admit that we did have a good time recording this commentary though. My Friend Jon Madsen and the Trekwest 5 intern, Aaron, joined us. Without them this would have been way worse. We have 2 options for you to listen to this commentary: us and the movie playing in the background, or just us (meaning you will need to use your own copy of the movie while you listen to it). Anyway, enjoy us making fun of this horrible atrocity to Trek. If you like this then you should totally check out My Friend Jon Madsen's Star Trek V podcast.

Music Intro: Here Me by Imagine Dragons

us and sound track
just us

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 75: Eggs and Equinox

 And I thought 75 was the diamond anniversary. My Friend Jon Madsen stops in to join us as another guest host as we help to dispel the myth of balancing an egg on the equinox. Oh yeah and we still hate Will. But Jon comes through with a very plausible reason why people could like Will. In this podcast we discuss episodes 17-20 of The West Wing, Season 4.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Rob Lowe West Wing issues clarified
    Joey's Culture Corner: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
    Orson Scott Card's review of toilet paper
    Principles of an American Life: The 25th Amendment
    Jon likes the character of Will Bailey
    Jon still has weird ratings
    Matthew Perry is on the West Wing!
    The Monty Hall Problem
    I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Red Haven's on Fire: 55min 58sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6
Jon: Television - 7.5

Privateers: 26min 25sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7
Jon: Television - 7.5

Angel Maintenance: 13min 34sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 6
Jon: Television - 7.5

Evidence of Things Not Seen: 19min 53sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7
Jon: Television - 7.5

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 74: We are so sick of Will Bailey

 Jim has a little bit of fun with Joey and I but that does not deter us in our hatred of the character Will Bailey. This podcast begins a very long rant of hatred against that character. We aren't sure yet if we hate him more than Mandy but we'll probably discuss that at some point. Listener Question: do you want to hear a blooper reel of Joey and I screwing up? In this podcast we discuss episodes 13-16 of The West Wing, Season 4.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    JR watches Star Trek for the first time TNG finale coming soon
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
    Principles of an American Life: The 24th Amendment
    We don't care for high school reunions
    What should we have the President swear in on?
    Should we protect freedom for everyone throughout the world?
    What is the difference between genocide and civil war?
    Consumption based tax
    It's not private when you are an elected official
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Long Goodbye: 33min 34sec
Peter: Television - 4
Joey: Television - 4

Inauguration: Part 1: 33min 35sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 6

Inauguration: Over There: 21min 16sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

California 47th: 26min 22sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 6

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 73: Jared's bug bear*

 We suckered another person to listen to us! Welcome in to the podcast Listener Jaybird (or whatever name you decide you want). Thanks to he and Listener Jim for some great insight on racial profiling. We also discussed episodes 9-12 of The West Wing, Season 4.

*"Often, especially when learning some large new system, programmers get stuck on something that looks like a bug and ask someone for help. Halfway through explaining their problem they realize where they had gone wrong. Never mind, never mind, it's not a bug, I'm an idiot. At a company I used to work for we had a stuffed bear called the bugbear. Before you could bug anyone else about your bug, you had explain it to the bugbear. Just thinking to yourself doesn't always work; there is something about vocalizing your mini-mental crisis to another being that engages the brain." -- http://carlos.bueno.org/

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Weird Fortune Cookie fortune: Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy
    New listener Jay and his Podcast: Geek Squared Podcast
    More discussion on Racial Profiling
    Online Book Website: Daily Lit
    Joey's Culture Corner: Flatland by Edwin Abbott
    Principles of an American Life: The 23rd Amendment
    Peter is Jared's bug bear
    Joey and Peter do not have a Star Trek fetish
    Music and Memory
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Swiss Diplomacy: 48min 52sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 6

Arctic Radar: 31min 01sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 8

Holy Night: 31min 46sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8

Guns Not Butter: 20min 24sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 72: We're calling you out Orrin Hatch

We hereby lay down an open invitation/challenge to Senator Orrin Hatch to come on this podcast. If he is a real man then he'll show up. My Friend Jon Madsen dropped by long enough to call him a tyrant. Bold words. But we are very glad that Jon could stop by. We also discussed episodes 5-8 of The West Wing, Season 4.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    My Friend Jon Madsen comes by to chat
    Joey's Culture Corner: Conspiracy of Fools by Kurt Eichenwald
    Principles of an American Life: The 22nd Amendment
    Podcast series test: The Simpson's
    Joey is too good to move his own stuff
    Is racial profiling ok to use?
    Shaky cameras are dumb
    How do you make big decisions?
    Electronic voting machines can be hacked!
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Debate Camp: 1hr 04min 36sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6

Game On: 36min 32sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 8

Election Night: 19min 53sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Process Stories: 12min 32sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 71: Subsidized by the Government

 Welcome back from our Independence Day holiday! It turns out that we can get government funding for this little podcast of ours. So many thanks to all of you tax payers out there subsidizing our work. Well... actually there is no funding for us, but it's nice to dream once and a while. We did however discuss episodes 1-4 of The West Wing, Season 4.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Stars Like Dust by Issac Asimov
    Jules Verne gives birth to Science Fiction
    Principles of an American Life: The 21st Amendment
    Are farm subsidies good?
    Being the smartest kid in the class
    Justice served in secret
    Needle Exchange
    3rd Party Candidates
    I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
20 Hours in America: 1hr 03min 06sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 8

College Kids: 32min 45sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

Red Mass: 27min 53sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 6

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 70: West Wing Season 3 wrap up

 The ending of season 3 has brought another grouping of great television, as well as the introduction of a new music intro from the group Imagine Dragons. This podcast covers episodes 21-22 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Six Bad Things by Charlie Huston
    Principles of an American Life: The 20th Amendment
    Assassinations
    Are there moral absolutes?
    Could you shake the hand of the man you were about to kill?
    Joey pretends to be Batman
    Here Me by Imagine Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show as well as Season 3 lists/recaps:
We Killed Yamamoto: 57min 33sec
Peter: Television - 10
Joey: Television - 8

Posse Comitatus: 41min 48sec
Peter: Television - 10
Joey: Television - 10

Season 3 wrap up: 25min 07sec

Season 2 recaps and lists
Favorite Extra/Bit Part
Peter: Cliff Caley
Joey: Deborah Fitterer

Most Hated Character
Peter: Amy Gardner
Joey: Bruno Gianelli

Favorite Villain
Peter & Joey: Omar Shareef

Hot Chick
Peter: Ainsley Hayes played by Emily Procter
Joey: Amy Gardner as played by Mary Louise Parker

Favorite Issue
Peter: Stand up for your mistakes
Joey: The way people pull together in crisis situations

Top 5 Hated Episodes
Peter

1. 100,000 Airplanes
2. Dead Irish Writers
3. 2 Bartlets
4. Stirred
5. The Indians in the Lobby

Joey

1. The Women of Qumar
2. Dead Irish Writers
3. Manchester part 1
4. War Crimes
5. The Indians in the Lobby

Top 5 Favorite Episodes
Peter:

1. Posse Comitatus
2. Manchester part 2
3. Bartlet for America
4. We Killed Yamamoto
5. The Black Vera Wang

Joey:

1. Posse Comitatus
2. The US Poet Laureate
3. Night 5
4. Bartlet for America
5. Manchester part 2

Favorite Overall Moment
Peter: Manchester part 2: Don't you dare lecture me Mr President!

Joey: Manchester part 2: President Bartlet apologizing to his staff


If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 69: No Sex Jokes Please

 Woot, under 2 hours! We are really getting good at this podcast thing (assuming the object is to keep it under 2 hours). Lots of fun this week discussing the latest installment of WW. Special thanks to DeDe for loaning Joey to me on their 11th wedding anniversary. Well done on a fine accomplishment. Here's hoping the next eleven we be less eventful. We discuss episodes 17-20 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Happy Anniversary Joey and DeDe!
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Gods Themselves by Issac Asimov
    Principles of an American Life: The 19th Amendment
    New poetry podcast coming soon
    Are college transcripts an indicator of ones ability?
    message boards and forums; good blog post here
    Stupid ideas to do with nuclear waste
    How do you get out of going to a meeting?
    NCIS rocks and CSI sucks
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The U.S. Poet Laureate: 40min 41sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 9

Stirred: 12min 25sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 7

Enemies Foreign & Domestic: 17min 31sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 8

The Black Vera Wang: 14min 10sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 68: Tee-Totaled, sort of - itunes link fixed again

 Well, who knew that two Mormon guys would be against prohibition? This ended up being a rushed podcast (due to a Saturday recording and my soccer game) that worked out really well because this weeks episodes really didn't have that much conversational meat in them. We also got a special visit from the TW5 intern. We discuss episodes 9-12 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Helen Thomas is an idiot
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks
    Principles of an American Life: The 18th Amendment
    Affirmative Action revisited
    Should the President be required to see a therapist?
    Sexual Harassment
    Don't mess with other people's stuff
    Chess is a tough game
    I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Two Bartlet's: 39min 44sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 8
Aaron: Television - 4

Night Five: 23min 11sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 8
Aaron: Television - 6

Hartsfield's Landing: 16min 36sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8
Aaron: Television - 8

Dead Irish Writers: 16min 32sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 4
Aaron: Television - 5

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 67: Tang: The only thing we got from NASA

 You don't want to miss this week as Joey declares Tang to be one of the best things that came from NASA. One of the really big discussions we had is about prostitution and pornography. I would love to get some female feedback on the subject. We discuss episodes 9-12 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow
    Principles of an American Life: The 17th Amendment
    Mad Cow Disease
    Legalize Prostitution? Why not? Pornography is legal.
    Alcoholism/Addiction: Isn't it just a willpower issue?
    Tell all books are stupid
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
The Women of Qumar: 1hr 1min 38sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 4

Bartlet For America: 22min 19sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8

H Conn 172: 19min 13sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 8

100,000 Airplanes: 13min 36sec
Peter: Television - 5
Joey: Television - 7

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast Movie Special: Star Trek IV The One About the Whales

 Whether it is The Journey Home or The Voyage Home, I think we can all agree that The One About the Whales is an enjoyable movie all around. Come on, who wouldn't love listening to Chekov saying Nuclear Wessiles, or Klingon Birds of Prey landing in Golden Gate Park unnoticed, or Spock awkwardly swearing in an attempt to blend in to 80's culture because he did a little "too much LDS" in the 60's. This is a great movie. Fun for the entire family.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Profanity
    We were mean to whales
    My Friend Jon Madsen's Star Trek IV podcast
    I Fight Dragons

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If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 66: "Guest Host" Indeed!

 In spite of being labelled the "guest host" by Peter and listeners alike (yes, Jim, I'm looking at YOU), it turns out that I am the only one who remembers our motto: The Podcast, First and Always. Peter got distracted by hosting a Lost TV party for a few members of The Homestarmy, and never got me the last edit for this week's podcast - so, here I am, doing the edit and writing the paragraph. If this doesn't get me "Co-Host" status, this podcast is OVER! On the other hand, I'm obviously solely responsible for any errors this week as we discuss episodes 5-8 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    TrekWest5 Culture Corner: Daniel Suarez's Daemon and Freedom ™
    Laser Induced Plasma Channel - and a video of it in action
    Flamingo explains why she's a liberal - great, thought provoking stuff!
    Principles of an American Life: The 16th Amendment
    "Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society."
    What constitutes "News"?
    "Hard" & "Soft" Money
    At what age do you become responsible for your own actions?
    I Fight Dragons


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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:

On the Day Before: 1hr 14min 50sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 8

War Crimes: 31min 59sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 6

Gone Quiet: 23min 20sec
Peter: Television - 6
Joey: Television - 5

The Indians in the Lobby: 16min 51sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 65: Don't you dare lecture me

 Back at the alternate secret location (AKA - my house) for this weeks recording. West Wing season 3 comes out strong with some very well written episodes, though some of our listeners didn't care for the 9/11 episode Isaac & Ishmael. Either way, Joey and I had a good conversation about a lot of interesting topics. We discuss episodes 1-4 of The West Wing, Season 3.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Getascent.com Scentsy product review
    Joey's Culture Corner: Lamentation, by Ken Scholes, plus the short story "prequel" A Weeping Czar Beholds the Fallen Moon
    Principles of an American Life: The 15th Amendment
    Civil Liberties vs. Security
    Don't applaud/cheer for Peter & Joey
    A woman's right to choose
    Mom Jeans SNL commercial
    Estate Tax
    Amnesty for illegal immigrants
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:

Isaac & Ishmael: 58min 48sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7

Manchester Part 1: 34min 04sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 6

Manchester Part 2: 25min 31sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 7

Ways & Means: 35min 11sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 64: West Wing Season 2 wrap-up

With the completion of what may arguably be one of the best seasons of television, Joey and I discuss our "favorites" list. Also new to our podcast is Joey's Culture Corner, where he showcases a new book each week for your potential enjoyment. Thanks to all who sent in comments. This podcast covers episodes 21-22 of The West Wing, Season 2.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Joey's Culture Corner: Kiln People by David Brin
    Free Scentsy samples provided by GetaScent.com.
    Principles of an American Life: The 14th Amendment
    Do you choose the good of the party or go with your own wishes?
    Don't medically treat your own family members
    Why wear hats to a funeral?
    You should question your religious beliefs
    Josh Woodward's track Morning Blue

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show as well as Season 2 lists/recaps:
18th & Potomac: 50min 18sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 9

2 Cathedrals: 31min 32sec
Peter: Television - 10
Joey: Television - 9

Season 2 wrap up: 18min 37sec

Season 2 recaps and lists
Favorite Extra/Bit Part
Peter: Bernard Thatch
Joey: Senator Stackhouse

Most Hated Character
Peter& Joey: Dr. Bartlet

Favorite Villain
Peter: The 2 Gunmen who shot Josh
Joey: Anne Stark

Hot Chick
Peter: Joey Lucas as played by Marlee Matlin
Joey: Ellie Bartlet as played by Nina Siemaszko

Favorite Issue
Peter: Puerto Rico to possibly become a state
Joey: Presidential Pardoning

Top 5 Hated Episodes
Peter

1. Ellie
2. The Drop In
3. Lame Duck Congress

Joey

1. Lame Duck Congress
2. And It's Surely To Their Credit
3. Portland Trip
4. The War at Home
5. In this Whitehouse

Top 5 Favorite Episodes
Peter:

1. Noel
2. 2 Cathedrals
3. In the Shadow of 2 Gunmen
4. 17 People
5. 18th & Potomac

Joey:

1. Noel
2. 2 Cathedrals
3. 17 People
4. 18th & Potomac
5. In The Shadow of 2 Gunmen

Favorite Overall Moment
Peter & Joey: 2 Cathedrals: President Bartlet's rant against God


Honorable Mention: Shibboleth: President Bartlet pardoning a second turkey


If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 63: Almost like a Filibuster

We had a lot of stuff to talk about this week that wasn't even related to the West Wing episodes. Many thanks to Listener Si for sending in some great stuff about British Politics. As an example, take a look at some of the great photos of the current Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, below. The TW5 intern also joined us for the second week in a row. We need a new guest so he will stop coming on (only kidding Aaron). We discuss episodes 17-20 of The West Wing, Season 2.

I can't tell if he is hitting on me or just pleased with what I am doing.

Extreme patriotism: saluting the flag on the bike you are riding.

Bored? No, I thought I was taking a bite of a sandwich

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Listener Si with more of a British perspective on healthcare and the political system
    Jon Stewart on British scandals
    Puerto Rico to vote on self determination
    National healthcare is a possible 10th Amendment violation
    Ronnie Lee Gardner to use death by firing squad
    Principles of an American Life: The 13th Amendment
    Filibustering - would you pee your pants to maintain the filibuster control?
    Autism
    The first 2000 Prime Numbers
    I Fight Dragons

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Stackhouse Filibuster: 1hr 26min 17sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 8
Aaron: Television - 9

17 People: 26min 58sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 7
Aaron: Television - 8

Bad Moon Rising: 19min 22sec
Peter: Television - 9
Joey: Television - 8
Aaron: Television - 7

The Fall's Gonna Kill You: 20min 05sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7
Aaron: Television - 5

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.

Podcast 62: Surgeon General's Warning: Too Much TrekWest5 May Be Bad For Your Health

We had a lot of fun this week as we were joined by the TrekWest5 Intern to discuss a wide range of topics - from the "War on Drugs" and the legalization of marijuana, to marital arguments and Presidential Pardons. Joey runs counter to form and argues that we should just pardon everyone to make people "feel better" - perhaps he had been doing too much research on the legalization of marijuana before the podcast? We discuss episodes 13-16 of The West Wing, Season 2.

Various topics discussed in this podcast include:
    Listener Si explanation of The British House of Commons & House of Lords
    Flamingo's explanation of Global Warming
    Principles of an American Life: The 12th Amendment
    School Uniforms
    Why aren't we talking more about Social Security?
    How do you diffuse a spousal argument?
    Should we decriminalize Marijuana?
    Joey hates time zones
    Liberal Joey invades the podcast and wants to pardon guilty people, like the pinko bleeding heart that he is.
    Music by Shayna Zaid

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Here are the ratings that we gave for each show:
Bartlet's 3rd State of the Union: 1hr 26min 16sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7
Aaron: Television - 6.5

The War at Home: 31min 27sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 6
Aaron: Television - 5.5

Ellie: 26min 53sec
Peter: Television - 7
Joey: Television - 7
Aaron: Television - 6

Somebody's Going to Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail: 29min 22sec
Peter: Television - 8
Joey: Television - 7
Aaron: Television - 7.5

If you have something to say then we welcome your comments below, or feel free to email us at trekwest5@thehomestarmy.com, twitter us at hashtag TrekWest5, or leave us a voicemail at 801-788-4913.