4 chapters across the catalog
A personal anecdote describes a visit to the MIT Media Lab with Will Hearst, where Nicholas Negroponte discussed a book deal with Stewart Brand. MIT had reportedly pre-purchased 50,000 copies of the book to secure its publication, a common industry practice. The story concludes with the narrator being removed from the meeting by Marvin Minsky after being identified as an un-vetted observer.
Hearst Corporation Woke Policies, Scott Adams Agent
The San Francisco Chronicle and other Hearst-owned papers dropped the Dilbert comic strip, citing Adams' "right-wing conspiracy" content and controversial ESG-themed cartoons. Adams' agent also terminated their relationship following the backlash. The hosts discuss the corporate pressure on agents to drop controversial clients and the shift in editorial standards at major newspaper chains.
The discussion explores the versatility of the hemp plant, which can be used for milk, rope, paper, and fabric. It is suggested that the Hearst Corporation historically lobbied against hemp to protect its timber and paper mill interests. The hosts note that industrial hemp contains negligible THC and is an easy-to-grow "weed" that was unfairly criminalized.
John C. Dvorak shares a rumor about a backdoor in the OpenTable reservation system used by consultants to track the meetings of Silicon Valley executives. He claims to have seen an itinerary of restaurants visited by Will Hearst, suggesting that reservation data can be used to predict mergers and acquisitions.
