93 - The Past Times with Sam Sacks
Digest
The podcast hosts, along with guest Sam Sacks, discuss articles from the December 7th, 2001 edition of the Capital Times. They begin by comparing the events of Pearl Harbor and 9/11, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two attacks. The hosts then discuss the University of Wisconsin's refusal to cooperate with a terrorism investigation, citing concerns about the criteria for selecting individuals for interrogation. The episode delves into a controversial talk show hosted by Dave Anthony in Madison, Wisconsin, where Anthony is accused of spreading misinformation about the Monana Grove school district and its handling of the American flag. The hosts then discuss a play called "The Eight Reindeer Monologues," which features a disturbing plot involving Santa Claus sexually assaulting one of the reindeer. They express shock and disbelief at the play's content. The hosts continue by discussing a controversial column by University of Wisconsin regent Fred Mose, who suggested that African American students are "culturally disinclined" to dedicate themselves to school. They also review the East Town Springs Pizza Hut, offering a detailed description of the salad bar and a surprisingly critical assessment of the pizza itself. Finally, the hosts discuss an article about the first Wiccan minister to serve as a prison chaplain in Wisconsin. The article highlights the controversy surrounding her hiring and the reactions from both supporters and opponents.
Outlines
News from the Capital Times
The hosts discuss articles from the December 7th, 2001 edition of the Capital Times, focusing on the comparison between Pearl Harbor and 9/11, the University of Wisconsin's refusal to cooperate with a terrorism investigation, and the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Dave Anthony's Controversial Talk Show
The hosts discuss an article criticizing Dave Anthony's talk show in Madison, Wisconsin. The article accuses Anthony of spreading misinformation about the Monana Grove school district and its handling of the American flag.
The Eight Reindeer Monologues
The hosts discuss a play called "The Eight Reindeer Monologues," which features a disturbing plot involving Santa Claus sexually assaulting one of the reindeer. They express shock and disbelief at the play's content.
University Regent's Controversial Comments
The hosts discuss a controversial column by University of Wisconsin regent Fred Mose, who suggested that African American students are "culturally disinclined" to dedicate themselves to school.
Pizza Hut Review
The hosts discuss a review of the East Town Springs Pizza Hut, which includes a detailed description of the salad bar and a surprisingly critical assessment of the pizza itself.
The Wicked Prison Chaplain
The hosts discuss an article about the first Wiccan minister to serve as a prison chaplain in Wisconsin. The article highlights the controversy surrounding her hiring and the reactions from both supporters and opponents.
Introduction and Guest Introduction
The podcast hosts introduce the show and welcome guest Sam Sacks, the host and writer of Means Morning News. They praise Sam's show and encourage listeners to subscribe.
Guessing the Newspaper Year
The hosts play a game where they guess the year of the newspaper they're about to discuss. Sam correctly guesses the year as 2001, making it the most recent paper they've covered.
Keywords
Means Morning News
A daily news podcast hosted and written by Sam Sacks, known for its topical humor, current events coverage, and unique segments like "Working Class History" and "Dick of the Week."
9/11
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, becoming a defining event in American history and shaping national security policies.
Pearl Harbor
The surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, which brought the United States into World War II.
Wiccan
A modern Pagan religion that emphasizes nature worship, magic, and personal spirituality. Wiccans often practice rituals and celebrate seasonal festivals.
Talk Radio
A radio format that features hosts discussing current events, politics, and other topics, often with a strong emphasis on opinion and commentary.
Capital Times
A daily newspaper published in Madison, Wisconsin, known for its coverage of local and state news, politics, and culture.
Q&A
How does the article compare the events of Pearl Harbor and 9/11?
The article highlights the similarities and differences between the two attacks, noting that Pearl Harbor was an attack on a military outpost while 9/11 targeted civilians in a major city.
Why did the University of Wisconsin refuse to cooperate with the terrorism investigation?
The university declined the U.S. attorney's request for campus police assistance in interviewing students, citing concerns about the criteria for selecting individuals for interrogation.
What is the controversy surrounding the play "The Eight Reindeer Monologues"?
The play features a disturbing plot involving Santa Claus sexually assaulting one of the reindeer, sparking outrage and debate about its content and appropriateness.
What are the main points of the Pizza Hut review?
The review focuses on the salad bar, praising its variety and abundance of toppings, while offering a surprisingly critical assessment of the pizza itself.
What are the arguments for and against the hiring of a Wiccan prison chaplain?
Supporters argue that the chaplain can provide spiritual guidance to all prisoners, regardless of their faith, while opponents question her qualifications and the effectiveness of Wiccan practices in reforming prisoners.
Show Notes
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined by Sam Sacks of Means Morning News
Table of contents
United States
