Topic: Gouda

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show discussing the correct Dutch pronunciation of Gouda cheese versus the Americanized version. Dvorak references a Scandinavian cooking show and notes that Gouda, Holland, is famous for exporting candles in addition to its namesake cheese. The hosts joke about Dutch names and the phonetic differences between European and American English.

The city of Gouda in the Netherlands is offering citizens a 250-euro subsidy to install Ring doorbells. In exchange, residents must provide the police with access to their recorded video footage, effectively expanding the local surveillance network.

The hosts discuss the culinary uses of sorghum syrup, comparing its taste to the molasses and chocolate sprinkles commonly eaten for breakfast in the Netherlands. They reminisce about Dutch traditions involving buttered bread with Gouda cheese. The segment also touches on the value of real maple syrup compared to commercial high-fructose corn syrup alternatives.

Protests in Gouda, Netherlands, regarding the character of Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) resulted in 90 arrests. The controversy centers on whether the black-faced companion of Saint Nicholas is a harmless tradition or a harmful racial stereotype rooted in the history of Dutch slavery.

The safety record of the French TGV and Thales rail systems is discussed, noting that 1.2 billion passengers have traveled without a casualty. However, the hosts mention specific accidents, including a 2008 collision at Gouda Station in the Netherlands and a 1998 fatal truck strike. They anticipate that safety statistics will be a major selling point for the U.S. high-speed rail push.

A discussion on imported food reveals that Gouda cheese was successfully brought into the U.S. despite customs restrictions. The conversation compares the quality of authentic Italian Parmesan and buffalo mozzarella to domestic versions, noting that certain high-quality European cheeses are difficult to find in America.