7 chapters across the catalog
Major telecommunications and hospitality companies, including Comcast, AT&T, and Marriott, are identified as cutting off support for Republican representatives. The hosts argue this is a de-platforming of the voters' representation in Congress. Ford Motor Company is given a "pass" for merely "looking into" the matter without taking immediate action.
Gay Christmas Movie Trend, Identity Politics in Film
The CBC reports on a new trend of LGBTQ-themed Christmas movies, such as "Happiest Season" starring Kristen Stewart. The hosts argue that the focus on identity politics and "coming out" storylines detracts from the traditional "holiday mush" and comfort food nature of the genre.
The hosts wrap up the donation segment by acknowledging various contributors and discussing the origins of Father's Day as a reaction to Mother's Day. They note a lack of birthday announcements for the episode and reiterate the show's value-for-value model.
Mother's Day History, Commercialization and Official Proclamation
Mother's Day was officially designated by a joint resolution of Congress on May 8, 1914, following the efforts of Anna Jarvis. While Jarvis originally intended the day to be a personal memorial, she later campaigned against the commercialization of the holiday by the 1920s. The segment notes that the holiday is now a global phenomenon heavily influenced by the greeting card and floral industries.
Hallmark has introduced a line of greeting cards specifically for people who have been laid off. This inspires a satirical business discussion about creating "Karma Cards," "Douchebag Cards," and "In the Morning" cards to license to major retailers.
Easter Traditions, Pagan Origins, John Dvorak's Birthday
The origins and modern commercialization of Easter are examined, focusing on the disconnect between religious resurrection themes and secular symbols like the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs. The timing of the holiday is noted as the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, occasionally coinciding with John Dvorak's birthday on April 5th.
Commercial turkeys are criticized for being over-bred for white meat, leading to poor flavor and physical deformities in the birds. Heirloom turkeys are recommended as a superior alternative that tastes more like pheasant. The conversation shifts to the greeting card industry, specifically Hallmark, which is characterized as a business built on selling unoriginal sentiments for manufactured holidays.
