Ep.299: Whoa, Jon, Whoa

There is a narrative device which, when implemented, can add punch, power, and percolation to any sentence, essay, speech, play, poem. This device is called “diacope” and it is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is repeated, with one or more words in between the repetitions. It is used for emphasis, to create a memorable rhythm, and to heighten the emotional impact of a statement. For real, you tell me this, for real? (I see, what you did there, I see.) Join join and Kurt as they explore this fun and oft used tool. Rad, that is rad. 

Ah, siblings. No one better to complain about Mom and Dad, but no one who annoys you more. A brother or a sister can get under your skin more than anyone as they know exactly what buttons to push. Sometimes, it goes too far resulting in decades long feuds or, as in the case of the very first siblings, murder. Join Jon and Kurt as they look at famous sibling rivalries in history, pop culture, and fiction. You might want to listen and marinate on your own sibling relationships before that awkward Thanksgiving dinner….

Ever stop to think about two words that we usually interchangeably use to mean the same thing? Well, most of the time, there is a clear difference and distinction between the two words and we were given two of them because they mean different things. Jon decides to test Kurt throughout the episode with multiple examples. Take a listen, see how he did and compare it to your score. Then ask yourself, am I right or am I correct?

If tonight was your last night on earth, what would you choose for your final meal? Jon and Kurt look into famous last meals from historical figures, serial killers, and celebrities. What does it say about you or what do you want to send as a message? Or, do you just want to make sure you get that last chance to savor an epicurean delight? Grab your appetite and take a listen.

Anapodoton is a rhetorical device where the main clause of a sentence is omitted, and its meaning is implied by a subordinate clause that is provided, most commonly in well-known proverbs or phrases. The implied information is easily understood and mentally supplied by the listener or reader, such as saying "When in Rome..." and expecting the listener to complete the phrase with "do as the Romans do". “If the shoe fits...” “If you can’t beat ‘em...”, etc. The listener understands the complete thought because the full phrase is familiar. Of course, Jon and Kurt thought this would make an excellent topic for an episode of Smart Drivel. “We hope for the smart..."

Jon and Kurt decide to scratch their history itch by having a conversation about some of the world’s greatest unsolved history mysteries. Of course, this being Jon and Kurt, they meander a bit off topic, but do manage to come back each time to probe and theorize what the hell happened.

Money. We love it. We hate it. We crave it. We spend it. Money, in all its forms, has been an integral part of all societies. Whether it was huge stones, salt, emu feathers, or trillion dollar bills, it has always had dominion over civilization. In this episode, Jon and Kurt look into the history, the absurdity, the logic, and the just plain funny of money throughout time. 

It all started with a simple question: why are manhole covers round? And then it grew from there…why are eggs always sold in a dozen? Why do pigeons bob their heads when they walk? Why do round pizzas come in a square box? And an episode was born. Come listen to Jon and Kurt ask each other these enigmatic questions and have some fun along the way.

Jon and Kurt decide to look at famous hats throughout history and fiction. That’s right. Hats. What started as a random thought turned into a fertile patch of fun, interesting, and previously unknown stories about hats in legend, historical fact, pop culture, and  literature. Slip off your chapeaux and take a listen.

No matter how smart or talented you think your kids are, there are those among us who are just special. Amazing. Mind blowing. These are the child prodigies. The ones in history who are so talented they were doing incredible things at such a young age. Like Mozart. Like the kid who was giving public lectures at 4. Like Joan of Arc who led the French army as a teenager. These kind of special child prodigies. Jon and Kurt take a look at some of the known and lost to history child prodigies who did accomplish incredible things at a very tender age. Still think that pinch pot clay bowl you made your Mom in third grade was that great?