Storytime with GamerDude

Storytime with GamerDude

por Storytime with GamerDude

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Temporada 6

Egg Prices and Grocery Shopping: Can We Get More Exciting Than That?!?

The skyrocketing prices of eggs in early 2023 inspired this week's episode. GamerDude first talks about how the price spikes seem more like the result of collusion amongst the "vertically integrated" egg producers than the story those companies are feeding us about the avian flu and alleged supply line issues. GamerDude then shifts gears to talk about what shopping at the grocery store was like when he was a kid. He talks about the cereal and candy often sharing the same supermarket aisle when he was a kid. He talks about his mom's budgeting techniques and how he carried those over to his adult hood. He remembers the days before the UPC codes and scanners at the checkout line, when every item in the store had to be priced and individually rung up at the register. He also remembers how cashiers actually had to calculate change in their heads at the register, how cash was king, and how credit cards weren't even accepted at the supermarket. He also remembers the free sample stands they used to have in the supermarket, and how he and his friends basically ate lunch there during their college days.

More From The Cutting Room Floor

Long-time listeners know that GamerDude has collected stories from previous episodes of Storytime that didn't make the final cut. But, he's saved those stories for occasions just like this - when he can put together an episode of clips of stories GamerDude likes, but hasn't included in an episode yet. So, this week, he's put together an episode with stories about dating, and about why he decided not to stay in radio, and about some of his "cool toys" when he was a kid. He also remembers pop-tops (those tabs off old soda cans) and talks about the importance of believing in something.

A Lawyer's Tales

This week, GamerDude talks again about the practice of law, and also has a couple of stories from his early days as a lawyer. WARNING: This is not an upbeat episode, and the stories involve criminal cases, death, and sexual assault, so if you'd rather not hear stories about these kinds of things, you should skip this episode. GamerDude talks about how different areas of the law will result in having different kinds of people as clients, and how stories in criminal cases will differ from those is family law cases. He also talks about his days as a prosecutor and what it was like trying to get a temporary restraining order in the middle of the night in a domestic violence case. GamerDude then tells the story about a guy from out-of-town who was arrested one night for running naked through the halls of a hotel and knocking on doors. His bail was set the next day, but he elected not to post it. No one knows why. Sadly, he died in jail that night. GamerDude also tells the story about a client at the firm he first worked with. The case involved the guy sexually assaulting his step daughters, and then faking his suicide to try to avoid punishment. It's a story fit for Hollywood but it happened in small town Ohio.

Ham Croquettes, Turkey a la King, and Ambrosia Salad

GamerDude is talking about food this week. He remembers the meals his mother used to make, from the straight "meat and potatoes" fare like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, to the more "exotic" uses she found for leftovers, from ham croquettes to turkey a la king. He also talks about his mom's favorite appetizer to serve: the half-a-grapefruit, with a sprinkle of sugar (of course!). GamerDude also shares his recipe for Ambrosia Salad, which he made a couple of times over the holidays. He talks about how the old recipe included a dressing that actually required cooking and the use of vinegar, and how the revised recipe is so simple in comparison. A tub of Cool Whip and some sour cream is all you need for a delicious Ambrosia Salad dressing.

Some Unwritten Rules for Living in the World Today

GamerDude talks about some of the unwritten rules that he believes apply (or at least should apply) in the world today. These go beyond the manners he talked about in Season 1 (things like saying "please," and "thank you.") These are more common sense rules of behavior that can apply in almost any setting. The unwritten rules run the gamut from the courteous: Don't listen to your music, or make a call without a headset or earbuds, to the profound: Life is not fair, and you can do all the right things and still not win. And the rules apply to family settings, and friend settings, and work settings. Give a listen, see what you think, and feel free to send your own suggestions along too!

Temporada 5

New Year's Resolutions and "SMART" Goals

GamerDude talks about the end of the year and the latest idea in setting goals: the "SMART" goal. He talks about what a "SMART" resolution would be - something Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely - and how he doesn't believe a SMART goal or resolution is anything different from any other goal. It all comes down to a question of wanting to make the change. GamerDude also talks about three primary observations he's made about why we fail to keep our resolutions, or achieve our goals. He talks about how we don't like change, how we like to make excuses because we don't like change, and how we fear making changes, either because we're afraid of failing, or we're afraid of the change itself. GamerDude also shares his thanks for another year's worth of episodes, and for all of your support over the years.

Elves On Shelves, Green Pickles, and Seven Fishes

GamerDude talks about Christmas traditions this week. Some are particular to him, like his dad's giant star or his mom's ceramic N O E L letters. Others, like the Elf on The Shelf are more well know. GamerDude talks about where the Elf on the Shelf came from and why he's not a huge fan. He also talks about the green pickle ornament, which started in the late 1880s and actually has an origin story very similar to the Elf. He also talks about the Feast of the Seven Fishes and where that came from.

Some of The Best Of Christmas Stories

With thirteen Christmas episodes over the past four seasons, GamerDude has told a LOT of Christmas stories. This week, he decided to bring some of his favorite stories from Seasons 1, 2, and 3. He talks about the Sears Wishbook and Christmas concerts (from Season 1). He talks about some of the origins of the Christmas holiday, and how Christmas was actually banned in New England - by Christians! - in the 1600s (from Season 2). He also replays the story of the chaotic good gift he and his siblings bought for their Uncle John one year. It's one of those stories that family gatherings were made for.

Life With Covid

This week, GamerDude first welcomes new listeners who may be joining the podcast as a result of the switch to RSS.com. Then, GamerDude talks about the permanent changes in his life as a result of Covid, and the pandemic. He talks about how everything from going to the store, to shopping habits, to travel are different. He explains how he has developed a dislike for crowds, how he and Mrs. GamerDude are not comfortable eating out or traveling, and how they tend to stockpile more than they used to. He also talks about how he craves quiet now, more than before, and also how he is less concerned with time. He recognizes that time is precious, but cares less about the specific time of day it is than he ever used to.

Bonus Episode!

As GamerDude migrates Storytime from Blogtalkradio to RSS, he takes a few minutes to explain the transition, re-visits his "five-season rule," and thanks everyone for their continued support.

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