On The Presidents’ Watch AND “Quixote Nuevo”


UCI political science professor Matthew Beckmann returns to talk about the impossible job of the American presidency amidst legislative currents, some of which flow right up to a bluff. Watch next summer for his latest book: “The President’s Day; Every Day Work in an Impossible Job.” In the second segment (approx. minute 37:00) is playwright and director Octavio Solis, with his play now being performed at the South Coast Repertory, “Quixote Nuevo.” The show runs now til Oct 28th at Segerstrom Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa. The Rep is in a celebratory mood; this richly re-told story of a classic is a fitting performance to herald their 60th season.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Las Cafeteras, “If I Was President;” David R Molina-composer and performer, “Rusting Soul I and II.”

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/BeckmannSolis10-10-23.mp3

Irvine Mayor’s Foreign & Personal Policy AND Examining the Presidents’ Calendars

This action packed show starts with Kev Abazajian, UCI astrophysicist and Director of the Center for Cosmology, who zoomd from the international to the municipal in this week’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks in 1915. On April 22nd at 7:30 pm, the Armenian Center in Santa Ana will host a somber occasion for the community to learn about centuries old and recent developments in Armenia.

In the second segment (minute 31:11), UCI political scientist Matthew Beckmann parses how American presidential schedules signal each administration’s involvement, priorities, and capacities; the subject has returned to our radar since the former president’s schedule’s eye-opening seven hour gap on 1/6/21.

Music credits: Chimora, “African Americano,” Sounds of Africa- album; Djivan Gasparian, “A Cool Wind is Blowing,” I Will Not Be Sad in the World – album; Michael Dessen, “Water Seeks,” Between Shadow and Space – album. http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/AbazajianBeckmann4-19-22.mp3

Hail To The 46th Chief AND More Irvine Watchdog Considerations

UCI political science professor, Matthew Beckmann weighs in with our ritual examination a new presidency, at the first 100 days of the administration. Tune in for what hasn’t already been said.

In the second segment (minute 37:02) Branda Lin, co-founder of Irvine Watchdog, returns to raise locals’ civic game with more delicate issues. This time it is the recent City Council resolution on anti-Asian hate and the Council’s proposals toward expending $53 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. If you are an Irvine resident, you can still weigh in . . . https://www.cityofirvine.org/city-council or https://irvinewatchdog.org.


Music credits: Greg Foat, “Symphonie Pacifique;” Didier Rachou, “Hail to the Chief,” Uptown Uncle Sam; Sly5thAve, “Pour It Up,” Composite EP.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/BeckmannLinPod4-27-21.mp3