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Anne Trominski

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Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksEverything You Wanted to Know About Federalism But Were Afraid to AskSteve, Mack, and Anne dig into the power dynamics of these United States. REFERENCES What about Washington, D.C.? Duignan, Brian. “What State Is Washington, D.C. In?” June 13, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-state-is-washington-dc-in Federalism is… Legal Information Institute. “Federalism.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/federalism We should start with the Tenth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Tenth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/ When James Madison and the first Congress under the Constitution were drafting a Bill of Rights: NCC Staff. “...
2025-12-081h 07Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksEverything You Wanted to Know About Federalism But Were Afraid to AskSteve, Mack, and Anne dig into the power dynamics of these United States. REFERENCES What about Washington, D.C.? Duignan, Brian. “What State Is Washington, D.C. In?” June 13, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-state-is-washington-dc-in Federalism is… Legal Information Institute. “Federalism.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/federalism We should start with the Tenth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Tenth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/ When James Madison and the first Congress under the Constitution were drafting a Bill of Rights: NCC Staff. “...
2025-12-081h 07Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Populism
2025-11-1711 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Populism
2025-11-1711 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat’s Going On Here?Get out your dictionaries, folks! It’s time to figure out what’s happening in the U.S. of A. In this listener-suggested episode of Civics, we look at -archies, -acracies, and -isms. REFERENCES Oligarchy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligarchy Many of them had a council of elders: Hodkinson, Stephen. “Gerousia.” December 22, 2015. Oxford Classical Dictionary. https://oxfordre.com/classics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-2832 For Aristotle in his Politics: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Aristotle: Politics.” https://iep.utm.edu/aristotle-politics/ Aristocracy: https://www...
2025-11-031h 30Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat’s Going On Here?Get out your dictionaries, folks! It’s time to figure out what’s happening in the U.S. of A. In this listener-suggested episode of Civics, we look at -archies, -acracies, and -isms. REFERENCES Oligarchy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligarchy Many of them had a council of elders: Hodkinson, Stephen. “Gerousia.” December 22, 2015. Oxford Classical Dictionary. https://oxfordre.com/classics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-2832 For Aristotle in his Politics: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Aristotle: Politics.” https://iep.utm.edu/aristotle-politics/ Aristocracy: https://www...
2025-11-031h 30Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on the Budget Process
2025-10-2006 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on the Budget Process
2025-10-2006 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat is Congress Supposed To Do?Mack, Steve, and Anne get into what one branch of the government isn’t doing right now. REFERENCES Congress is defined in Article I of the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article I.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/ They didn’t want a king: Pereira, Ivan. “Nation’s Founders Pushed Against ‘Elected King’ When Framing Presidential Powers.” July 2, 2024. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nations-founders-pushed-elected-king-framing-presidential-powers/story?id=111621798 You know how Aristotle called for “balanced government”: Smith, Steven. “9. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle’s Politics, VI...
2025-10-061h 16Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat is Congress Supposed To Do?Mack, Steve, and Anne get into what one branch of the government isn’t doing right now. REFERENCES Congress is defined in Article I of the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article I.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/ They didn’t want a king: Pereira, Ivan. “Nation’s Founders Pushed Against ‘Elected King’ When Framing Presidential Powers.” July 2, 2024. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nations-founders-pushed-elected-king-framing-presidential-powers/story?id=111621798 You know how Aristotle called for “balanced government”: Smith, Steven. “9. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle’s Politics, VI...
2025-10-061h 16Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Term Limits and Qualifications
2025-09-1510 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Term Limits and Qualifications
2025-09-1510 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksShould the Justice Department be Independent?Mack, Steve, and Anne debate Constitutional law and look to fix the problems of our country in our first episode of season 3. References What is independent? Merriam-Webster. “Independent.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent What is justice? https://youtu.be/wEBlaMOmKV4?si=difVAzt3cTdBuLvG So, we have three branches: USA.gov. “Branches of the U.S. Government.” https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government The power of the executive is vested in one person: Legal Information Institute. “Executive Power.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.corn...
2025-09-011h 20Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksShould the Justice Department be Independent?Mack, Steve, and Anne debate Constitutional law and look to fix the problems of our country in our first episode of season 3. References What is independent? Merriam-Webster. “Independent.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent What is justice? https://youtu.be/wEBlaMOmKV4?si=difVAzt3cTdBuLvG So, we have three branches: USA.gov. “Branches of the U.S. Government.” https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government The power of the executive is vested in one person: Legal Information Institute. “Executive Power.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.corn...
2025-09-011h 20Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Schoolhouse Rock
2025-08-1807 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Schoolhouse Rock
2025-08-1807 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWe're Two!To celebrate two years of Civics on the Rocks, we’re going on vacation! We’re not going to have a full episode this month. Instead, you get this silliness. Enjoy!
2025-08-0406 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWe're Two!To celebrate two years of Civics on the Rocks, we’re going on vacation! We’re not going to have a full episode this month. Instead, you get this silliness. Enjoy!
2025-08-0406 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on We The People
2025-07-2105 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on We The People
2025-07-2105 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksPardon Me?Mack and Steve show no forgiveness as they discuss one of the president’s broadest powers. REFERENCES Who does have the power? The President: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.3.1 Overview of Pardon Power.” Congress.gov. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013316/ It depends on each state and each state constitution, but each state governor has it: ACLU. “What’s at Stake.” https://www.aclu.org/issues/smart-justice/parole-and-release/clemency-and-pardons A commutation: Legal Information Institute. “Commutation.” Reviewed January 2025. Cornell Law School. https://www.law...
2025-07-071h 09Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksPardon Me?Mack and Steve show no forgiveness as they discuss one of the president’s broadest powers. REFERENCES Who does have the power? The President: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.3.1 Overview of Pardon Power.” Congress.gov. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013316/ It depends on each state and each state constitution, but each state governor has it: ACLU. “What’s at Stake.” https://www.aclu.org/issues/smart-justice/parole-and-release/clemency-and-pardons A commutation: Legal Information Institute. “Commutation.” Reviewed January 2025. Cornell Law School. https://www.law...
2025-07-071h 09Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on The Undead
2025-06-1614 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on The Undead
2025-06-1614 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs the Judiciary Independent?Listen to Mack and Steve discuss checks, balances, and how it always comes back to we, the people. REFERENCES There’s three coequal branches: The White House. “Our Government.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/ Take France: Georgetown Law Library. “The Structure of the French Legal System.” https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/francelegalresearch/legalsystem Or Britain: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. “Overview of the Judiciary.” https://www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/history-of-the-judiciary-in-england-and-wales/history-of-the-judiciary/ What you would call a civil law system: Legal Information Institute. “Civil Law.” Revi...
2025-06-021h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs the Judiciary Independent?Listen to Mack and Steve discuss checks, balances, and how it always comes back to we, the people. REFERENCES There’s three coequal branches: The White House. “Our Government.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/ Take France: Georgetown Law Library. “The Structure of the French Legal System.” https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/francelegalresearch/legalsystem Or Britain: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. “Overview of the Judiciary.” https://www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/history-of-the-judiciary-in-england-and-wales/history-of-the-judiciary/ What you would call a civil law system: Legal Information Institute. “Civil Law.” Revi...
2025-06-021h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on a Parade
2025-05-1902 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on a Parade
2025-05-1902 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do You Regulate A Militia Well?Steve and Mack get into the legalities of militias, and they may not be what you think. They’re definitely more complicated. REFERENCES A bunch of farmers that run home to get their guns to come to the common defense against the Redcoats: American Battlefield Trust. “Lexington and Concord.” https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord Even though we have selective service: Selective Service System. “About Selective Service.” https://www.sss.gov/about/ We haven’t had the draft be active for a while: Selective Se...
2025-05-051h 21Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do You Regulate A Militia Well?Steve and Mack get into the legalities of militias, and they may not be what you think. They’re definitely more complicated. REFERENCES A bunch of farmers that run home to get their guns to come to the common defense against the Redcoats: American Battlefield Trust. “Lexington and Concord.” https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord Even though we have selective service: Selective Service System. “About Selective Service.” https://www.sss.gov/about/ We haven’t had the draft be active for a while: Selective Se...
2025-05-051h 21Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on a Tornado
2025-04-2119 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on a Tornado
2025-04-2119 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs It Supposed to Rain This Weekend?We’re not just chatting about the weather. I mean, we are…but there is also social commentary and a bit of moral outrage. This episode is longer than most because we left in more of the silliness. It felt called for. REFERENCES A warning for a tornado outbreak: National Weather Service. “Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of March 14–15, 2025.” https://www.weather.gov/pah/Mar14-15_2025Severe Footage of 18-wheelers getting blown off the road around Amarillo: The Weather Channel. “Powerful Winds Flip Trucks, Cause Texas Pile-Ups” [Y...
2025-04-071h 27Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs It Supposed to Rain This Weekend?We’re not just chatting about the weather. I mean, we are…but there is also social commentary and a bit of moral outrage. This episode is longer than most because we left in more of the silliness. It felt called for. REFERENCES A warning for a tornado outbreak: National Weather Service. “Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of March 14–15, 2025.” https://www.weather.gov/pah/Mar14-15_2025Severe Footage of 18-wheelers getting blown off the road around Amarillo: The Weather Channel. “Powerful Winds Flip Trucks, Cause Texas Pile-Ups” [Y...
2025-04-071h 27Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on the Soviet Inch
2025-03-2403 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on the Soviet Inch
2025-03-2403 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat Makes An Order Executive?Okay, so it’s not our best show title, but you get what it’s about don’t you? Yep, we’re jumping headfirst into the chaos machine. Won’t you join us? REFERENCES There have recently been a whole bunch of executive orders: Federal Register. “2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.” National Archive. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025 If you didn’t get the weather map joke: Stracqualursi, Veronica. “Washington Post: Trump Was the One Who Altered Dorian Trajectory Map With Sharpie.” September 6, 2019. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/06/polit...
2025-03-101h 05Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat Makes An Order Executive?Okay, so it’s not our best show title, but you get what it’s about don’t you? Yep, we’re jumping headfirst into the chaos machine. Won’t you join us? REFERENCES There have recently been a whole bunch of executive orders: Federal Register. “2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.” National Archive. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025 If you didn’t get the weather map joke: Stracqualursi, Veronica. “Washington Post: Trump Was the One Who Altered Dorian Trajectory Map With Sharpie.” September 6, 2019. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/06/polit...
2025-03-101h 05Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Star Trek
2025-02-2415 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Star Trek
2025-02-2415 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs Even the Government Bigger in Texas?Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers. References Our capital is taller: Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html Back to the constitution of 1876: Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/constitution-of-1876 Learn about the Reconstruction period in Texas (a very racist time): Moneyhon, Carl H. “Recons...
2025-02-101h 12Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs Even the Government Bigger in Texas?Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers. References Our capital is taller: Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html Back to the constitution of 1876: Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/constitution-of-1876 Learn about the Reconstruction period in Texas (a very racist time): Moneyhon, Carl H. “Recons...
2025-02-101h 12Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Corporations
2025-01-2015 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Corporations
2025-01-2015 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat’s the Civil Service?Mack and Steve discuss the government worker bees who don’t serve at the pleasure of the president, and how the new administration wants to change that under the auspices of 2025. Also, there may be a UFO flap. Stay tuned! REFERENCES What’s the civil service? Page, Edward C. & Bridges, Edward. “Civil Service.” Updated December 15, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-service Let’s talk about the Pendleton Act: National Archives. “Pendleton Act (1883).” Reviewed February 8, 2022. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/pendleton-act The problem with the spoils system...
2025-01-061h 21Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat’s the Civil Service?Mack and Steve discuss the government worker bees who don’t serve at the pleasure of the president, and how the new administration wants to change that under the auspices of 2025. Also, there may be a UFO flap. Stay tuned! REFERENCES What’s the civil service? Page, Edward C. & Bridges, Edward. “Civil Service.” Updated December 15, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-service Let’s talk about the Pendleton Act: National Archives. “Pendleton Act (1883).” Reviewed February 8, 2022. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/pendleton-act The problem with the spoils system...
2025-01-061h 21Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangents on Court PackingJust in case you were wondering, yes, Mack has tried to tell you about this twice and it has been cut twice. Cheers!
2024-12-1608 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangents on Court PackingJust in case you were wondering, yes, Mack has tried to tell you about this twice and it has been cut twice. Cheers!
2024-12-1608 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksNow What?Mack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in the new year. Happy holidays. Be excellent to one another. References Some crazy-ass people burning ballots: Bo...
2024-12-021h 01Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksNow What?Mack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in the new year. Happy holidays. Be excellent to one another. References Some crazy-ass people burning ballots: Bo...
2024-12-021h 01Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Ducks
2024-11-1803 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent on Ducks
2024-11-1803 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs Voting a Privilege or a Right?Because I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history. Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywhere” button was posting everywhere but Spotify. We’ve fixed the problem and you should see new episodes going forward. If you want to listen to what you m...
2024-11-041h 19Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs Voting a Privilege or a Right?Because I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history. Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywhere” button was posting everywhere but Spotify. We’ve fixed the problem and you should see new episodes going forward. If you want to listen to what you m...
2024-11-041h 19Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent On the Electoral College
2024-10-2122 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangent On the Electoral College
2024-10-2122 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksDoes It Have To Be Two Parties?Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all. References Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords The prime minister is a member of the legislature: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Prime minister.” Updated: September 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minist...
2024-10-071h 17Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksDoes It Have To Be Two Parties?Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all. References Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords The prime minister is a member of the legislature: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Prime minister.” Updated: September 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minist...
2024-10-071h 17Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangents: It’s Our Birthday!Celebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!
2024-09-1610 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksUntethered Tangents: It’s Our Birthday!Celebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!
2024-09-1610 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do You Rate Public Opinion Polls?Mack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable. References A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have: Folkenflik, David. “Media Circus: Fox Struggles With Obama’s Win?” November 7, 2012. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/11/07/164576251/media-circus-fox-struggles-with-obamas-win How much did Obama win by? National Archives. “2021 Electoral College Results.” Last reviewed: June 26, 2024. https://www.archive...
2024-09-021h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do You Rate Public Opinion Polls?Mack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable. References A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have: Folkenflik, David. “Media Circus: Fox Struggles With Obama’s Win?” November 7, 2012. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/11/07/164576251/media-circus-fox-struggles-with-obamas-win How much did Obama win by? National Archives. “2021 Electoral College Results.” Last reviewed: June 26, 2024. https://www.archive...
2024-09-021h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksCan We Still Call the Court Supreme?It’s the highest court in the land, but is it all that great? Steve and Mack pass judgement on the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. References Where the words “supreme court” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ Where the words “commander in chief” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.1.11 Presidential Power and Commander in Chief Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-1-11/ALDE_00013473/ If you want to learn more about how Con...
2024-08-051h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksCan We Still Call the Court Supreme?It’s the highest court in the land, but is it all that great? Steve and Mack pass judgement on the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. References Where the words “supreme court” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ Where the words “commander in chief” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.1.11 Presidential Power and Commander in Chief Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-1-11/ALDE_00013473/ If you want to learn more about how Con...
2024-08-051h 08Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs it Jerry-Mandering or Gary-Mandering?You’ve heard the term before, but did you realize how bad the situation really is? Buckle up, kids, this is a bumpy one. References Well? Steve is archaically correct. According to Merriam-Webster gerrymandering was originally pronounced with a hard g, but it now most commonly pronounced with a soft one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerrymandering Who was Elbridge Gerry? Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. “Gov. Elbridge Gerry.” Original source: 1978. National Governors Association. https://www.nga.org/governor/elbridge-gerry/ Want to see the “Gerry-Ma...
2024-07-081h 15Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs it Jerry-Mandering or Gary-Mandering?You’ve heard the term before, but did you realize how bad the situation really is? Buckle up, kids, this is a bumpy one. References Well? Steve is archaically correct. According to Merriam-Webster gerrymandering was originally pronounced with a hard g, but it now most commonly pronounced with a soft one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerrymandering Who was Elbridge Gerry? Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. “Gov. Elbridge Gerry.” Original source: 1978. National Governors Association. https://www.nga.org/governor/elbridge-gerry/ Want to see the “Gerry-Ma...
2024-07-081h 15Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksImpeachment, What Is It Good For?Not to oversell it, but this type of episode is why we created this podcast. Do you really know how impeachment works? Are you sure of your dusty memories of high school civics class? Come, find out! References What is impeachment? USA.Gov. “How federal impeachment works.” Last updated February 2, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/impeachment Learn about the impeachment of King Charles I: Paradis, Michel. “Three Lessons From the First Time a Head of State Was Impeached.” October 3, 2019. Lawfare. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/three-lessons-first-time-head-state-was-impeached How impeachment works be...
2024-06-031h 07Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksImpeachment, What Is It Good For?Not to oversell it, but this type of episode is why we created this podcast. Do you really know how impeachment works? Are you sure of your dusty memories of high school civics class? Come, find out! References What is impeachment? USA.Gov. “How federal impeachment works.” Last updated February 2, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/impeachment Learn about the impeachment of King Charles I: Paradis, Michel. “Three Lessons From the First Time a Head of State Was Impeached.” October 3, 2019. Lawfare. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/three-lessons-first-time-head-state-was-impeached How impeachment works be...
2024-06-031h 07Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do We Save The Republic?Due to it being May, we decided to take our discussion to a galaxy far, far away. It went on a bit longer than intended. Also, somehow, we got to Oz. But stick with us, y’all. We eventually get back to this reality around the 18-minute mark. Enjoy, and may the force by with you. References Wookieepedia is a little vague on how the Jedi Council relates to the Galactic Senate, so the debate stands: Star Wars Fandom. “Jedi High Council.” https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jedi_High_Council But during...
2024-05-061h 25Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksHow Do We Save The Republic?Due to it being May, we decided to take our discussion to a galaxy far, far away. It went on a bit longer than intended. Also, somehow, we got to Oz. But stick with us, y’all. We eventually get back to this reality around the 18-minute mark. Enjoy, and may the force by with you. References Wookieepedia is a little vague on how the Jedi Council relates to the Galactic Senate, so the debate stands: Star Wars Fandom. “Jedi High Council.” https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jedi_High_Council But during...
2024-05-061h 25Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat's the Verdict on the Jury System?Listen to resident foremen, Mack and Steve, make the call on our system of law. There’s also some references to pandemics and hurricanes in this show. Good times! References What’s the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury? United States Courts. “Types of Juries.” https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/types-juries Steve was wrong. Louisiana does, in fact, have juries: Louisiana State Bar Association. “Jury Duty.” https://www.lsba.org/ChildrensLaw/COAJuryDuty.aspx Anne was wrong. Petit juries and petite clothes are not spelled the...
2024-04-081h 12Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat's the Verdict on the Jury System?Listen to resident foremen, Mack and Steve, make the call on our system of law. There’s also some references to pandemics and hurricanes in this show. Good times! References What’s the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury? United States Courts. “Types of Juries.” https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/types-juries Steve was wrong. Louisiana does, in fact, have juries: Louisiana State Bar Association. “Jury Duty.” https://www.lsba.org/ChildrensLaw/COAJuryDuty.aspx Anne was wrong. Petit juries and petite clothes are not spelled the...
2024-04-081h 12Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat's an Acre?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-unit-of-measurement Believe it or not, the measurement of a chain is still used in the world: National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Chain, Pace, Walking a Chain.” https://www.nwcg.gov/c...
2024-03-041h 00Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat's an Acre?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-unit-of-measurement Believe it or not, the measurement of a chain is still used in the world: National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Chain, Pace, Walking a Chain.” https://www.nwcg.gov/c...
2024-03-041h 00Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWho Polices the Police?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-year-old George Floyd protester.” April 10, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/10/buffalo-police-cleared-over-pushing-75-year-old-george-floyd-protester The NYPD not arresting people to put pressure on the mayor and...
2024-02-051h 02Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWho Polices the Police?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-year-old George Floyd protester.” April 10, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/10/buffalo-police-cleared-over-pushing-75-year-old-george-floyd-protester The NYPD not arresting people to put pressure on the mayor and...
2024-02-051h 02Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat Are Our Primary Concerns?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 Caucus 2024: How does it work and why is it important?” January 2, 2024. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/iowa-caucus-2024-how-does-it-work-why-is-it-important-2023-12-19/ Who shot what in the...
2024-01-0853 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat Are Our Primary Concerns?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 Caucus 2024: How does it work and why is it important?” January 2, 2024. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/iowa-caucus-2024-how-does-it-work-why-is-it-important-2023-12-19/ Who shot what in the...
2024-01-0853 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksAre We the World’s Peacekeepers?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 Everything that’s going on in Ukraine: AP News. “Russia-Ukraine War.” https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine If you don’t live in Mauritania: Gerteiny, Alfr...
2023-12-041h 09Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksAre We the World’s Peacekeepers?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 Everything that’s going on in Ukraine: AP News. “Russia-Ukraine War.” https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine If you don’t live in Mauritania: Gerteiny, Alfr...
2023-12-041h 09Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksAre Your Tax Dollars Working for You?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 any taxes: Eisinger, Jesse, Ernsthausen, Jeff, and Kiel, Paul. “The secret IRS files: Trove of never-before-seen records reveal how the wealthiest avoid income tax.” June 8, 2021. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/the-secret-irs-files-trove-of-never-before-seen-records-reveal-how-the-wealthiest-avoid-income-tax Curious about how...
2023-11-061h 02Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksAre Your Tax Dollars Working for You?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 any taxes: Eisinger, Jesse, Ernsthausen, Jeff, and Kiel, Paul. “The secret IRS files: Trove of never-before-seen records reveal how the wealthiest avoid income tax.” June 8, 2021. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/the-secret-irs-files-trove-of-never-before-seen-records-reveal-how-the-wealthiest-avoid-income-tax Curious about how...
2023-11-061h 02Civics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs it Alright to Punch a Nazi?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 John D. Rockefeller? Consider this footnote from Michael Reksulak and William F. Shughart II’s, “Of Rebates and Drawbacks: The Standard Oil (N.J.) Company and the Railroads,” Review of Industrial Organization (2011) 38:267-283: Rockefeller was relentless in ferreting out ways to cut co...
2023-10-0258 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksIs it Alright to Punch a Nazi?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 John D. Rockefeller? Consider this footnote from Michael Reksulak and William F. Shughart II’s, “Of Rebates and Drawbacks: The Standard Oil (N.J.) Company and the Railroads,” Review of Industrial Organization (2011) 38:267-283: Rockefeller was relentless in ferreting out ways to cut co...
2023-10-0258 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat is Civics?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. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/14/1193557432/florida-education-private-schools-prageru-desantis If you want to read up on the allegory of the cave: Plato. Plato’s The Re...
2023-09-0445 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksWhat is Civics?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. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/14/1193557432/florida-education-private-schools-prageru-desantis If you want to read up on the allegory of the cave: Plato. Plato’s The Re...
2023-09-0445 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksTrailerOur first episode drops on Labor Day 2023! Until then, enjoy this trailer!
2023-08-3101 minCivics on the Rocks
Civics on the RocksTrailerOur first episode drops on Labor Day 2023! Until then, enjoy this trailer!
2023-08-3101 minLight Me Up
Light Me UpLet's Get Vegan-Ish with Anne Trominski (FOOD)EPISODE DESCRIPTION: It's episode 3 of the Light Me Up podcast! Today I chat with my good friend, Anne Trominski. We met while working at an educational publishing company in TX. Although our roles were pretty different, we found one commonality… food! We both have taste buds that crave and need variety. Anne is trying to navigate a plant-based diet and she does so with a non-judgmental attitude which I think you'll enjoy! She relates stories from her planty adventures on my Plantastic blog on Flapper Press. Join as as we chat about the benefits of canned veggies, Buddah bowls an...
2020-01-1556 min