10 chapters across the catalog
Associate Executive Producers, Donation Acknowledgments
A list of associate executive producers is read, with acknowledgments for various donation amounts. The hosts mention an upcoming handwriting comparison contest and the significance of the "Golden Ratio" for the next episode number, 1618. "Jobs Karma" is requested for several listeners and their family members.
A discussion about fine penmanship, attributed to the tutelage of Irish nuns, leads to a proposed "handwriting showdown" between show associates. The segment ends with an "executive decision" on new show soundboard clips (ISOs).
Dame Gina Knighting Ceremony, Tourette's and Dysgraphia
Gina Brown is elevated to the rank of Dame of the No Agenda Roundtable for her significant financial support. Following the ceremony, a discussion on dysgraphia ensues, exploring the link between Tourette's Syndrome and difficulties with written language and handwriting.
A school in Dallas is reintroducing cursive writing to third graders after a parent noticed his daughter could not read a handwritten letter. The hosts argue that the removal of cursive from school curriculums is a "subtle destruction of culture" that prevents younger generations from reading original historical documents like the Constitution.
Hope Hicks Career History, Parkland Note Controversy
Hope Hicks' professional background is reviewed, including her transition from a fashion model for Ivanka Trump to a key White House aide. Media scrutiny of a handwritten note used by President Trump during a meeting with Parkland families is discussed, with claims that Hicks may have written the "I hear you" reminder.
Technology Impact on Child Development, Motor Skills
British pediatricians warn that excessive iPad use is preventing children from developing the hand strength necessary to hold pencils. A study cited in The Guardian links high screen time to delays in expressive speech and the erosion of basic motor skills in toddlers.
Code Signatures, Handwriting Recognition, Sony Pitch
The hosts discuss the reality of code attribution, comparing a programmer's unique coding style to handwriting recognition. They suggest that even if identifiers are stripped, analytical programs can often identify the author. This leads to a satirical pitch for a "Doom Viking IP Identifier" service aimed at companies like Sony that have suffered major data breaches.
Producers from British Columbia, including Michelle Cartmel and Peter Henderson, submitted identical donation amounts of $69.69. The hosts discuss the benefits of receiving physical checks with handwritten notes, noting that it preserves a personal touch and saves on processing fees. Additional birthday shoutouts and "douchebag call-outs" are handled for various global contributors.
Cursive Writing Removal, Keyboard Skills Transition
Critics of Common Core argue that the removal of cursive writing requirements will leave future generations unable to read historical documents or sign their names. The hosts discuss the shift toward keyboarding and the potential loss of independent research skills.
John C. Dvorak complains about the poor quality of promotional pens collected from trade shows, noting that most fail to write shortly after acquisition. Adam Curry admits he rarely uses writing utensils anymore, relying instead on digital outliners and memory. The discussion highlights a generational shift away from doodling and manual note-taking, with handwriting now largely reserved for household grocery lists.
