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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

Dive into the whimsical world of the "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" podcast, where the latest news is spun into comedic gold. In this episode, host Peter Sagal, alongside voices like Bill Kurtis, Tom Papa, and Dulcé Sloan, sifts through a peculiar medley of global happenings. They poke fun at President Biden’s foray into TikTok culture, Finnair's novel passenger-weighing policy, and singer Tyrese's melodramatic breakup—all with their signature blend of humor and satire.

Interspersed with the hilarity, the episode features an engaging interview with rock icons Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney. They candidly share insights about their enduring influence on new music talents, the evolution of their songwriting, and the anticipation surrounding their 2024 tour. From unique trivia about knitting enthusiasts to wedding bells ringing in the unlikely corridors of a former penitentiary, this episode weaves an intricate tapestry of laughter, music, and the delightfully unexpected.

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

1-Page Summary

Humor in the news

Recent news has seen President Joe Biden join TikTok to attract young voters, Scandinavian airline Finnair amusingly implementing a policy to weigh passengers, and singer Tyrese humorously breaking up with his girlfriend due to his new album's content.

Biden's venture into TikTok is an attempt to engage with younger demographics, marked by his very first post captioned "lol, hey guys." Instead of joining in on the typical dance trends, he humorously remained still, prompting jokes about his motionless state.

Finnair's new policy to weigh passengers was ostensibly introduced to gather accurate data on aircraft weight, but it has also become the butt of jokes. Commentators have made playful digs, suggesting the policy could lead to some embarrassing moments, especially for American passengers.

Singer Tyrese's personal drama became public when his relationship ended because his latest album had too many songs about an ex. The ironical album title "I Would Leave My Current Girlfriend" brought both sympathy and laughter from the public.

Interview with rock band Sleater-Kinney

The enduring rock band Sleater-Kinney discusses their long career, their influence on newer artists, and how their touring habits have evolved. Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker express pride in influencing new generations of musicians and joy in their continued relevance. They reflect on the changes in their music-making process, which has become more streamlined over the years.

Touring is now seen as a marathon that requires stamina and persistent effort. Despite the time that has passed, the thrill of live performances remains intact. The band looks forward to their 2024 tour, starting on February 28, cherishing the connection they make with audiences and emphasizing that the essence of their shows is still brilliantly alive.

Games about yarn trivia

Knitting has a dedicated fanbase that enjoys its nuances through various forms of entertainment, including a Norwegian slow TV show that aired a 12-hour program and video games celebrating the craft. The hobby's diverse community once witnessed David Babcock set a world record for knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon. This example illustrates knitting's place not only as a leisurely activity but also as an avenue for innovative and artistic expression.

Wedding at Old Prison

The Eastern State Penitentiary offers a unique venue for weddings, providing an unconventional setting with a distinct historical background. This location attracts couples desiring a certain vibe for their wedding, combining a sense of intrigue with the charm of the penitentiary's storied past.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sleater-Kinney, an influential rock band, has inspired newer artists through their distinctive sound and feminist punk ethos. Their touring habits have evolved over the years, with a focus on endurance and maintaining the excitement of live performances. The band's consistent presence on the music scene has allowed them to connect with audiences and maintain their relevance in the industry. Sleater-Kinney's upcoming 2024 tour reflects their enduring passion for performing and engaging with fans.
  • Knitting enthusiasts enjoy a 12-hour slow TV show for its calming and immersive experience, showcasing the intricate details of knitting projects. Yarn trivia video games provide a fun and interactive way for enthusiasts to test their knowledge of knitting history, techniques, and materials. These activities cater to the dedicated fanbase of knitting, offering unique and engaging ways to celebrate the craft.

Counterarguments

  • President Joe Biden's TikTok presence may not effectively engage younger voters if the content doesn't resonate with the platform's trends and user expectations.
  • Finnair's policy to weigh passengers, while practical for aircraft weight calculations, could raise privacy concerns and discomfort among passengers, potentially impacting the airline's customer satisfaction.
  • Publicizing personal issues like Tyrese's breakup for promotional purposes might be seen as exploiting private matters for commercial gain, which could be off-putting to some fans.
  • While Sleater-Kinney has had a long and influential career, some may argue that their impact on newer artists is overstated or that their music may not resonate with all audiences.
  • The slow TV show and video games about knitting, although innovative, might not appeal to a broader audience and could be perceived as niche entertainment with limited reach.
  • Hosting a wedding at the Eastern State Penitentiary, despite its unique charm, might be considered inappropriate by some due to its history as a place of incarceration and punishment.

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

Humor in the news

A sprinkle of humor can be found in recent news stories, ranging from President Biden’s foray into TikTok to a unique airline policy and an artist's personal drama spilling over into his work.

Biden joins TikTok

In a lighthearted attempt to connect with the youth of America, President Joe Biden has made his debut on the popular social media app TikTok, known for its dancing videos and viral challenges.

To appeal to young voters

Joe Biden's inaugural post on TikTok featured the caption "lol, hey guys," clearly signaling his intent to engage with a younger demographic. Despite joining a platform famous for dance videos, Biden humorously stood motionless in his video, prompting jokes from the panel about his static appearance being akin to a Wi-Fi outage.

Airline to start weighing passengers

In a move that caught the attention of many, Scandinavian airline Finnair has begun asking passengers to step on a scale before boarding flights.

To estimate aircraft weight

The new policy aims to gather more accurate data on aircraft weight, but it provoked some playful ribbing from commentators. They jokingly accused the airline of targeting Americans and remarked on both the impractical aspects and the potentially embarrassing situations that such a policy might create for passengers.

Singer's girlfriend breaks up over songs about ex

The p ...

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Humor in the news

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • President Joe Biden made his debut on the social media platform TikTok as a way to connect with a younger audience. TikTok is known for its short videos, often featuring dances and challenges. Biden's first post on TikTok was a static video, which led to humorous comments about his lack of movement.
  • Finnair's policy of weighing passengers before boarding is aimed at gathering more accurate data on aircraft weight for safety and operational reasons. This practice is not about charging passengers based on their weight but is solely for the airline's operational purposes. While it may seem unusual, such measures are common in the aviation industry to ensure safe and efficient flights. The policy has sparked some playful commentary but is primarily a technical procedure to enha ...

Counterarguments

  • President Biden's attempt to connect with young voters on TikTok might be seen as pandering or trying too hard to be relatable, which could potentially backfire if the audience perceives it as inauthentic.
  • While Biden's motionless appearance in his TikTok debut was intended to be humorous, it could be criticized for not fully embracing the platform's culture of creativity and movement.
  • Finnair's policy of weighing passengers, although for the practical purpose of estimating aircraft weight, could be criticized for potentially infringing on privacy and causing discomfort among passengers.
  • The playful accusation that Finnair is targeting Americans with their weighing policy could be seen as perpetuating stereotypes and might be insensitive to the diverse body types and backgrounds of passengers from all nationalities.
  • The end of Tyrese's relationship ...

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

Interview with rock band Sleater-Kinney

Sleater-Kinney, the renowned rock band, discusses their longevity in the music industry, the influence on new generations, and how their approach to touring has evolved over time.

Band has influenced new generations

Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker from Sleater-Kinney share how they feel about continuing to create music and influence new musicians.

Feel good to still be making music

Carrie Brownstein jokes about the band's early formation and the impact they've had on new generations of musicians. Corin Tucker expresses joy in meeting young musicians, exchanging ideas, and listening to their music. They both convey a sense of pride and satisfaction that Sleater-Kinney remains relevant in the music scene, influencing new artists along the way. Their ongoing passion for music-making is highlighted by Tucker who says they're happy to still be crafting new work after all these years. Brownstein adds that the understanding and language they've built around their music-making process make it easier.

Approach touring differently now

Touring has changed for the band over the years, with Brownstein explaining that it feels more like a marathon now, requiring endurance and resilience.

More of a marathon, but shows still great

Carrie Brownstein contrasts the days ...

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Interview with rock band Sleater-Kinney

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sleater-Kinney, a pioneering rock band, has influenced new generations of musicians through their innovative sound, feminist perspectives, and raw energy in their music. Their impact can be seen in how they have inspired and paved the way for many artists, especially in the indie and punk rock scenes. The band's authenticity and powerful lyrics have resonated with fans and aspiring musicians, contributing to their lasting influence in the music industry. Sleater-Kinney's legacy continues to shape and inspire a diverse range of artists across different genres.
  • Sleater-Kinney, a rock band formed in 1994 in Olympia, Washington, consists of members Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker. Known for their feminist and punk rock influences, the band's raw and energetic sound has inspired a new generation of musicians. Their early albums, marked by powerful vocals and intricate guitar work, have been influential in shaping the indie and punk music scenes. The band's commitment to authenticity and social commentary has resonated with fans and aspiring artists alike.
  • Sleater-Kinney's touring approach has evolved from touring in vans in their early days to a more demanding and endurance-focused experience now. Despite the challenges, the band still finds live performances thrilling and values the connection with their audience through music. Their upcoming 2024 tour reflects their enduring passion for performing live despite the changes and demands that come with an extensive to ...

Counterarguments

  • While Sleater-Kinney has influenced new generations, it's possible that their impact is more niche and not as widespread as other contemporary or classic artists.
  • The feeling of satisfaction in influencing new musicians might not necessarily translate to commercial success or mainstream recognition in today's rapidly changing music industry.
  • The joy in meeting young musicians and exchanging ideas is commendable, but it doesn't guarantee that the influence is mutual or that it shapes the young musicians' work significantly.
  • Remaining relevant in the music scene is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including media exposure, critical acclaim, and the band's ability to adapt to new trends.
  • An ongoing passion for music-making is essential for longevity, but it doesn't always mean that the music produced will resonate with or be well-received by all audiences.
  • The evolution of the band's approach to touring might reflect changing personal circumstances, such as age or family commitments, which could affect the intensity and frequency of live performances.
  • Describing touring as a marathon requiring endurance and resilience could imply that it's become more of a challenge than a pleasure, which might affect the quality of the performances.
  • While live performances may re ...

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

Games about yarn trivia

Knitting has loyal fans

Tom Papa emphasizes that knitting attracts a dedicated and loyal fanbase that engages with the hobby in diverse forms of entertainment.

Norway TV knitting show, knitting videogames

As part of the unique genre of slow TV, Norway's national broadcaster NRK aired a 12-hour knitting show, showcasing the country's passion for the craft. This program is just one example of how knitting enthusiasts find pleasure in their hobby through various platforms.

Innovative knitted items

Playgrounds, marathon scarf

David Babcock set a unique world record that combines athleticism with cr ...

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Games about yarn trivia

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Slow TV is a genre of television programming that features long, uninterrupted shots of mundane or everyday activities. It originated in Norway and gained popularity for its calming and immersive nature. Slow TV programs can include activities like train journeys, knitting, or nature scenes, allowing viewers to relax and appreciate the slow pace of life. The genre aims to provide a contrast to fast-paced, heavily edited content typically found on television.
  • David Babcock achieved a unique world record by knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon. This feat combined his passion for knitting with his endurance in marathon running. Babcock's dedication and ...

Counterarguments

  • While knitting does have a dedicated fanbase, it's important to recognize that not all hobbies have the same level of visibility or media representation, which could lead to an overestimation of its popularity compared to other activities.
  • The success of Norway's 12-hour knitting show might not necessarily translate to a global audience, as slow TV is a niche genre that may not appeal to viewers in different cultural contexts.
  • Engaging with a hobby through various platforms is not unique to knitting; many hobbies and interests have diversified into different forms of media and entertainment.
  • Setti ...

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WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

Wedding at Old Prison

Creates certain vibe

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, known for its historical significance and as the birthplace of solitary confinement, now offers a rather unique wedding venue. This old, abandoned jail provides a distinctive atmosphere for couples lookin ...

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Wedding at Old Prison

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is historically significant for being one of the first prisons to implement the concept of solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is a form of imprisonment where inmates are isolated in their cells for the majority of the day, with limited human interaction. This practice was believed to encourage reflection and penitence in prisoners, hence the term "penitentiary." The Eastern State Penitentiary played a pivotal role in the development and widespread adoption of solitary confinement as a method of incarceration.
  • Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is a historic former prison known for its unique radial design and innovative approach to incarceration in the 19th century. It operated from 1829 to 1 ...

Counterarguments

  • While the Eastern State Penitentiary may offer a unique wedding venue, some may argue that the association with incarceration and the history of solitary confinement could be seen as an inappropriate or somber backdrop for a celebration of marriage.
  • The distinctive atmosphere of an old prison might not be to everyone's taste, and some guests or family members might feel uncomfortable or find it disrespectful to celebrate in a place associated with punishment and suffering.
  • Choosing a non-traditional location like an old prison could complicate logistics, such as accessibility for guests, availability of amenities, and comfort, which might not be as well catered for as in more conventional wedding venues.
  • The intrigue and historical charm of such a venue might be overshadowed for some by the ethical implications of using a site of ...

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