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552 Death and Taxes
DAILY MARKERS
NATIONAL DAY: National Hospital Day — A day recognizing hospitals, nurses, doctors, support staff, and healthcare workers who keep the medical system running, often under stressful and demanding conditions.
BIRTHDAY: George Carlin (1937–2008) — Legendary stand-up comedian and sharp-edged social critic famous for his fearless observational humor, counterculture commentary, and the iconic routine “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.”
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1994 — *Pulp Fiction* premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, launching Quentin Tarantino into mainstream Hollywood fame and redefining independent crime cinema for an entire generation.
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IN CASE OF DEATH… BREAK GLASS
The What: Reports indicate North Korea has expanded its military doctrine to include automatic nuclear retaliation protocols if Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is killed during an attack or assassination attempt. The announcement comes amid rising tensions involving Iran, Russia, China, and growing instability across multiple global hotspots.
The Take: Nothing says “stable world leadership” quite like building a planetary dead-man’s switch. The frightening part isn’t just the weapons anymore — it’s the increasing number of governments openly discussing scenarios where humans are intentionally removed from the decision-making process entirely.
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STATE GAS TAXES: THE NEVER-ENDING ROAD TRIP ROBBERY
The What: New comparisons of state and federal gas taxes are once again reminding drivers just how wildly fuel costs vary across the country. California continues to sit near the top of the list thanks to layered state taxes, environmental fees, and regulatory costs that push prices far above the national average.
The Take: Americans used to judge road trips by mileage. Now we judge them by whether we need a small personal loan before filling the tank. At some point people stop asking “Why is gas expensive?” and start asking “Where exactly is all this money going?”
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FIVE GUYS… FEWER GUYS
The What: Five Guys is reportedly closing multiple California locations as financial pressures continue hitting fast-food chains across the state. Rising labor costs, operational expenses, inflation, and shifting consumer spending habits are creating serious challenges even for once-booming restaurant brands.
The Take: California keeps proving that eventually somebody has to pay for “progress,” and increasingly it’s the businesses and customers splitting the check. When burgers, fries, and a drink start approaching steakhouse pricing, people begin reconsidering how badly they really wanted the fries.
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SHOW CREDITS:
Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio
Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs
Cast:
Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker
Aaron of I had to Say it
Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show
Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0
Cody the Beard as the Last Word.
Supporters:
Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News
Josh Roberts from New Hampshire
and you can always leave a comment by email: bruce@weatherdsoul.com
