📖 Read the essay: “Penguins, Popcorn, and the End of Decimal”

Flat Earth? Sure. Lizard people in the Denver airport? Let’s talk. But penguin tariffs? That’s where it gets weird.

What starts with Minecraft movie ticket prices and Aldi receipts spirals into a conspiracy of decimal disappearance, AI-generated trade math, and the secret geopolitics of undersea cable choke points. It’s economics, but fun. It’s policy, but suspicious. And yes, it’s deeply caffeinated.

CREDITS:

• Superman 1947 Theme + PSA – link / radio episode

• TS Eliot reads “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” – used under fair use for literary commentary

• Mr. Krabs Theme Song – YouTube

• Margaret Thatcher Falklands Clip – YouTube

• Penguin Scream (Yes, really) – YouTube

• Uncle Ben is Dead – Spider-Man Clip – YouTube

• Spider-Man Theme Song – YouTube

• Coffee Shop Ambience – Pixabay / freesound_community

  Look, all the above was blatantly stolen, all copyrights totally ignored. If you're a license holder, let me know and we'll maybe do something about it.

Steve Bargdill is not an economist, international trade attorney, or AI policy expert. He’s just a man with Wi-Fi, questions, and a spreadsheet full of suspicious round numbers. For financial, legal, or penguin-related guidance, consult a professional who still believes in decimals.

Steve is a licensed REALTOR® with Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains. Opinions are his own. Tariffs are everyone's problem.

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Listen in on Christa Williams of Wildside Candles riff on being a small business person dealing with social media. This episode was pre-recorded all the way back in July, so when she says get stuff ready for Christmas, she’s talking summer.

Send your Audio Questions to sbargdill@kw.com!

Read the companion blog here!

Check out Wildside Candle Company

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On Writing by Stephen King

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COFFEE WITH STEVE

Steve Bargdill (office) 603 610 8500, (direct) 603 617 6018

In Episode One, Scott and Stephanie offer a warm and insightful conversation spilling the beans on love, family, the LGBTQ+ community, mental health, and business. Their secrets to growing personally and professionally!

Episode Links:

Think and Grow Rich - not the 1937 version!

The Gap and The Gain

Inspector Empire Builder - IEB

WIN Home Inspections

The Companion Blog at stevebargdill.com!

Seacoast Outright -- Serving, supporting, and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area and beyond.