Topic: Thumbs Up

The "Thumbs Up" organization in Austin received city funding to promote a certification system for ride-sharing vehicles, utilizing the B Corporation model. B Corporations, such as Ben & Jerry's and Etsy, sign a declaration of interdependence and pay certification fees based on revenue to prove they meet specific social and environmental standards. Critics argue these certifications act as a "social justice warrior seal of approval" and create unnecessary financial barriers for independent contractors.

The evolution of the "Siskel and Ebert" movie review show is discussed, specifically the transition to "Ebert and Roeper" and the abandonment of the iconic "Thumbs Up" trademark. The new rating system—"See it, Rent it, or Skip it"—is criticized as a branding failure that lacks the cultural impact of the original. The "Rent it" category is particularly viewed as a "sellout" designed to provide positive quotes for future DVD releases.