6 chapters across the catalog
Mickey Mouse Public Domain, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Steamboat Willie, the original version of Mickey Mouse, enters the public domain on January 1, 2024. The discussion transitions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, noting snubs of artists like Cher, Sonny Bono, and Ted Nugent. The hosts contrast the modern HBO-produced ceremony with the private, unrehearsed jam sessions held at the Waldorf Astoria in the late 1980s.
The hosts argue that wearing a wristwatch and learning to read analog clocks provides essential training in perceiving the "flow" of time. They link the decline in time management skills among "Zoomers" to the removal of analog clocks and cursive writing from school curricula. They suggest that digital numbers do not provide the same sense of completion as a circular clock face.
New York City Vaccine Apps, Excelsior Pass Security
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a vaccine requirement for indoor dining and gyms. Security experts, including Albert Fox Cahn, demonstrated flaws in the city's "NYC COVID Safe" app by successfully uploading a photo of Mickey Mouse as a valid vaccine record. Additionally, the state's "Excelsior Pass" was reportedly hacked in 11 minutes, raising concerns about the security and efficacy of digital vaccine passports.
The hosts review a list of old phrases and idioms submitted by listeners, including "too big for your britches" and "thick as thieves." They explore the origin of the term "piss poor," which dates back to when poor families sold their urine to tanneries for leather processing. The segment also covers the term "bender," referring to bending one's elbow to drink.
Disney Copyright, Steamboat Willie and ABC Anti-Trump Bias
Adam Curry posits a theory that ABC's aggressive anti-Trump stance is motivated by Disney's fear of losing copyright protection for Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie) in 2018. He suggests the network is pressuring the administration to ensure further copyright extensions.
Rick Santorum, Mickey Mouse Club NLP, and Frothy Drinks
Rick Santorum is analyzed for his repetitive use of the phrase "why because," which a producer identifies as a neuro-linguistic programming trigger derived from the Mickey Mouse Club theme song. The hosts discuss the "Santorum" cocktail recipe involving peppermint patties and vodka. A debate ensues regarding the history and various iterations of the Mickey Mouse Club featuring stars like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
