Hurk March 13th, 2009

Global Potpourri. I always love that category on Jeopardy! Potent Potables and Famous Titles are also good for a few laughs too.

Hurk March 13th, 2009

Wow, it must be a Friday. I just re-read that past comment. I sound like George McFly. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a mention about Lorraine's casserole or something like that.

Thomas March 15th, 2009

Our country would have a better reputation internationally if other American companies who operate overseas would take their cues from Mr. Stanley. I genuinely liked and admired him. Although, I would have to disagree on one of his points, I would say that our government is not benevolent in the altruistic sense of the word as Mr. Stanley described the U.S. Remember John Gotti? When on trial for murder and racketeering, his neighbors in Queens described Gotti as generous and kind also, he threw block parties, gave jobs to people, provided security for the block, while at the same time he terrorized and extorted thousands of people in the NYC area for his own interests… When people are benefiting in some form or another, they will be reluctant to whistle blow or take a moral stance based on principal, especially if it will be at their expense and loss. Our military has helped facilitate transnational companies to hijack our enemies natural resources, slaughtering women and children in the process (collateral damage), that's we're viewed by other countries as gangsters. We're just gangsters, who like John Gotti, know how to play the public relations game… This was one of my favorite shows, keep up the great work guys!

George McFly March 16th, 2009

Hurk, I just made some Lentil soup. Would you care for some?

Kristie March 18th, 2009

I really love the program and have listened to all archieved broadcasts. On this program I know Eric was trying to liven up the interview with Mr. Stanley, but my suggestion for a better program would for him to sit quietly in his little glass booth and let Steve and Kathy do the interviews. No offense to Eric I'm sure he's a great producer.But after listening to many of the programs my advice is Steve needs a quiet producer.

Erik March 18th, 2009

No comment.

kathy March 20th, 2009

Re: Kristie's comment about Erik. I must say that this is one of the few comments with which I totally agree.

Erik, all I ask is that you pray about this seriously. I have heard this from many people to whom I have recommended Steve Brown, etc.

There is never enough time to interview your guests, just take a minute and use a stopwatch and see how much time you use being 'clever'.

This is a loving comment, please consider it seriously.

Thank you.

Tracy March 20th, 2009

I didn't find this show as interesting as I find most SBE episodes. I thought Erik's comments were funny–perhaps the show's ost redeeming quality–but I was afraid he was going to annoy the guest. Now, I hear that the guest thought it was funny…go figure.

I'd be interested in a couple of examples of transnational companies partnering with the US military to plunder other nations' natural resources. We've made some foreign policy mistakes; Cuba is a perfect example. On the other hand, USA has been very generous in giving lives for and money to other nations. Consider the Marshall Plan.

mark anderson March 22nd, 2009

I've just finished listening to the JIm Stanley interview and reading the comments and I want to put in a word for Erik. I think he's a breath of fresh air. I not only enjoy his humor, but I think he asks pertinent questions. And he is willing to repeat his questions until they are answered. I admire that.

His lament about inviting on a talk show a person who can't talk(for fear of endangering others) , for example, is well taken. After listening to the interview, I'm still not sure what exactly Jim Stanley's organization does or how they go about doing it. I would also like to know a little about JIm Stanley's personal background and how he got involved in his work.

Erik March 22nd, 2009

Kristie,

I'm so glad you like the show enough to listen to all those archived broadcasts. You're hard core! Sorry I don't make that easier for you. I'm just doing the best I can to do what I've been hired to do.

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it falls flat, but in the end, I'm really only concerned with Steve's opinion of my performance on the program. He's kept me on the payroll as the snarky producer for 11+ years, so I'm doing alright so far.

Kathy,

I won't prayerfully consider not doing my job. Steve knew the consequences (good and bad) when he gave me a microphone and the responsibility of producing the show. I'll be eternally grateful to him for valuing what I do. I also appreciate that he practices what he preaches and gives me the freedom to be myself.

Unfortunately, you'll keep hearing from me. Hope you can manage to keep listening. Thank you so much for recommending the program to friends.

kathy March 24th, 2009

Dear Eric,

I'm sorry that my comment wasn't clearly enough stated. Of course I wasn't asking you to examine your whole job. Just the very small part of it that results in the amount of time your voice is on the air on 'sbetc.' on Friday afternoons.

I'm sorry if that didn't come across as I intended it to.

Kathy

Erik March 26th, 2009

I understand that there are many aspects to my job. However, it seems that you don't understand that one of my responsibilities (albeit a joy for me personally) is to talk on SBE.

I don't make comments to interrupt the show, I'm paid to make comments as part of the show. My input may not be appreciated by you, and I take full responsibility for sucking at times, but it has been solicited by Steve.

Heck, you should have heard this show in its first two years of existence starting back in 1998. It was more like a group of friends hanging out than an interview show. While we've had to fine tune what we do for an hour long program, conveying the essence of the participant's personalities is still part of the DNA of the show.

What I'm saying is, the program isn't just about listening to guests (while that is a big part of it). It's also about loosening up, not taking yourself so seriously, hanging out with friends and simultaneously discussing serious matters with interesting people.

I understand you don't like it, but I'm part of that and will continue to bring my input to the show.

Thomas March 26th, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._foreign_interventions_since_1945 Hey Tracy, you can start with this bit of info, also you might want to google KBR, Halliburton and blackwater security. Type in Blackwater massacre which occurred in Iraq. VP Cheany was a major owner of Haliburton before relinquishing his title upon entering the executive branch, they did all of the oil infrastructure building in Iraq. KBR is a subsidiary company of Haliburton and were heavily featured in a documentary called 'Iraq for sale' which detailed the company's many corrupt business practices in Iraq. Might want to check that out.

Thomas March 26th, 2009

Tracy thanks for mentioning the the Marshall Plan, I learned something historicly new. If America used the Marshall plan as a template for business after a war ( Europe WW2 ), third world countries would make it their business to protect their relationship with U.S. and thwart terrorist/ extremist factions in their country, but because their resources are plundered by the western world anyway, they simply look the other way or hail them as heroes… I should have clarified in my earlier comment that I was speaking from a third world stand point.

kathy March 31st, 2009

Dear Eric,

thanks for explaining! I get it! You were very kind in your explanation, and I appreciate it alot!

BTW-I still listen every!! Friday and plan to keep on doing it!

Kathy