8 chapters across the catalog
Operation Petticoat Television Series and Pink Submarines
The hosts use an AI "Book of Knowledge" to settle a dispute regarding a 1970s television show featuring a pink submarine. The series, titled Operation Petticoat, aired on ABC from 1977 to 1978. The discussion serves as a brief diversion from geopolitical news to test the accuracy of AI-assisted research.
David Brooks on Democratic Strategy, Never-Trumper Bias
In an interview on Book TV, David Brooks expressed optimism that President Trump will lose the 2020 election, advising Democrats to "go with the bland" to ensure a victory. Brooks admitted he has no desire to be in the same room as the President, leading the hosts to label him a "Never-Trumper" whose reporting is compromised by personal bias.
C-SPAN Addiction, Show Prep and the Freedom Controller
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss their heavy reliance on C-SPAN for show material, praising its unedited coverage and searchable video archives. Curry describes his "Freedom Controller" system for organizing show notes and links using Gmail labels and specialized software. They often send each other real-time alerts to watch specific C-SPAN segments, comparing themselves to the Muppets' Statler and Waldorf.
C-SPAN Research, Video Archives and Public Service
Adam Curry describes his rigorous show preparation process, which involves monitoring C-SPAN, HLN, and various cable news networks. He praises the C-SPAN video library for its searchable transcripts, which allow him to find specific quotes and clips efficiently. Dvorak highlights "Book TV" as a valuable resource for long-form intellectual discussion.
The "Win by Losing" Strategy for Presidential Candidates
Analysts suggest that many secondary presidential candidates, such as Lindsey Graham, are running "vanity campaigns" designed to secure lucrative consolation prizes like TV contracts, book deals, and speaking fees. This "win by losing" strategy allows candidates to raise their national profile and influence the party platform even if they have no realistic path to the nomination.
Show Preparation and C-SPAN as Entertainment
The hosts detail their rigorous show preparation routines, which involve monitoring C-SPAN, CNN, and MSNBC. Curry describes using Gmail labels to organize story leads, while Dvorak highlights C-SPAN's "Book TV" as a superior source of long-form intellectual discussion. They admit to occasionally texting each other to tune into specific live broadcasts simultaneously.
Michael Moore, Keith Olbermann, Media Ratings
Michael Moore is accused of using the Occupy Wall Street protests primarily to promote his book, "Here Comes Trouble," during appearances on Keith Olbermann's program. Olbermann's viewership on Current TV is reported to be extremely low, with some estimates placing it at 40,000 viewers. The hosts suggest Olbermann's "old school" approach is failing in the modern media landscape.
During a C-SPAN "Book TV" interview, Joe McGinnis addresses the persistent rumors regarding the parentage of Trig Palin. While McGinnis remains cautious, he notes that if the allegations were true, it would represent one of the largest hoaxes in American political history.
