7 chapters across the catalog
Knighting Ceremony, Dame Karen and 3x3 History
A knighting ceremony is held for Dame Karen, "Keeper of the Travel Hounds," who celebrated her birthday with a donation from her partner. The hosts reminisce about the "3x3" segment, a historical comparison of news coverage across ABC, CBS, and NBC. A discussion on fine wine features Spring Mountain Vineyard's 2004 Elivette, noted for its connection to the 1980s soap opera Falcon Crest.
Producers from Dripping Springs and Canyon, Texas, send in donations and birthday greetings. Kyle Rainey requests "yak karma" for his upcoming wedding and a mention of "The Big Dumb Podcast." The hosts discuss the frequency of Texas-based support and the possibility of organizing a meetup in Dripping Springs.
Apple Billion-Dollar Campus Investment, Austin Traffic Concerns
Apple announced a billion-dollar investment to build a new 133-acre campus in Austin, Texas, which is expected to accommodate up to 15,000 employees. While the expansion makes Apple the largest private employer in the city, local residents express concern over worsening traffic conditions on the 405 and surrounding areas. The move is attributed to Texas' favorable tax structure, specifically the lack of state personal income tax compared to California.
Sutherland Springs Church Shooting, Donation Segment Wrap
Breaking news of a shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, is briefly mentioned as the donation segment winds down. The hosts emphasize that the show's "formula" relies on listener support to continue deconstructing such events. They promise to address all pending credits and "error" messages in future broadcasts.
Listeners in Spring, Texas, including Robert Hegedus, invite the hosts to a local meetup. Adam Curry expresses interest in attending if there is black powder shooting involved. The hosts discuss the logistics of traveling to the Houston area for a listener gathering.
The segment continues with a breakdown of how PayPal "shuffles bits" to take a cut of donations. Donors from Spring, Texas, Chicago, and Boulder are thanked. The hosts emphasize the transparency of their funding and the "miracle" of the 69.69 donations remaining consistent despite the fees.
Meta-Prepper Strategy and Electric Vehicle Stealth
John C. Dvorak explains his "meta-prepper" strategy, which involves keeping a list of local preppers so he can seize their supplies during a collapse. He notes that his electric vehicle allows him to approach their locations silently. The hosts also acknowledge a donation from a "cellist friend" in Spring, Texas, and discuss the concept of "science karma."
