Topic: Fly

The parasitic New World screwworm fly lays eggs in the open wounds of animals, where the larvae then consume the host's flesh. While primarily a threat to livestock, the infestation can also affect pets and, in rare cases, humans. The current outbreak is traced to the movement of infested animals from South America through Mexico into the Laredo area.

During a state banquet, President Xi Jinping referenced the 250th anniversary of American independence and explicitly used the phrase "Making America Great Again" alongside "Chinese rejuvenation." The speech touched on the historical alliance between the two nations during World War II, including the Flying Tigers. Trump extended an invitation for Xi to visit the White House in September 2026.

John Kiriakou has been promoting the idea of Tucker Carlson running for president in 2028, claiming Carlson is under threat and requires heavy security. The hosts dismiss this as a potential "op" or Kiriakou simply seeking attention on podcasts. They note that Carlson appears to enjoy his private life as a fly fisherman and has expressed little genuine interest in entering politics.

The hosts discuss the technical evolution of Podcasting 2.0, emphasizing the speed and decentralization of the new system. They review listener-submitted artwork for the episode, including a piece by Blue Acorn that references 1980s computing and the "Flying Toasters" screensaver. The segment reinforces the "Value for Value" model as the sustainable future for independent media.

Alef Aeronautics is promoting its "Model A" flying car, claiming 3,500 pre-orders at $300,000 each. However, skeptics point out that the vehicle is currently a lightweight prototype with bicycle-style wheels and limited road capabilities. The FAA's "airworthiness certificate" for the vehicle is limited to experimental testing at airfields, contradicting claims that it is ready for public use.

Reports from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) regarding the "Blackbird" flying car by CycloTek are met with skepticism due to performance limitations. The vehicle's 49 mph top speed and 20-minute battery life are cited as evidence that flying cars remain "useless toys" without significant breakthroughs in power-to-weight ratios. The hosts argue that electric flight is currently sustained only by government subsidies rather than practical utility.

The history of "flying cars" is explored, from the Zapata air scooter to the decades-long efforts of Paul Moller and his "Skycar." The hosts discuss the limitations of EVTOL technology, such as short battery life and licensing requirements. They conclude that most of these inventions are recycled publicity stunts that fail to provide a practical alternative to traditional aircraft or automobiles.

New hybrid flying car models are emerging that use electric motors for takeoff and jet engines for sustained flight, offering a range of 100 miles. However, a recent attempt to fly a "pod" across the English Channel ended in a crash after the engines failed. The hosts remain skeptical of the current "pre-order" investment schemes in the flying car industry.

Recurring news stories about the discovery of Noah's Ark in Turkey have resurfaced, with researchers claiming to find "decayed wood" in a boat-shaped geological formation. The hosts noted that similar claims appear every few years without definitive proof. They also critiqued recent "flying car" prototypes, describing them as glorified quadcopters that lack the physical capability to function as practical transportation.

The concept of "Fliegschamte" or "flying shame" is gaining traction in Europe, where individuals are socially pressured to feel guilty about their carbon footprint from air travel. Adam Curry notes the hypocrisy of climate activists like Leonardo DiCaprio using private jets while the public is shamed for commercial flights. The term is becoming a significant cultural marker in the Netherlands.

Drone manufacturer DJI reportedly removed automatic no-fly zone geofencing capabilities from its products, shifting responsibility for airspace compliance to the operators. This change allows drones to enter previously restricted areas, though users still receive warnings. The move coincides with reports of China producing massive quantities of drones for various applications.

Speculation arises regarding the origin of the fires, with some pointing to homeless encampments and burn barrels. Additionally, reports suggest that a VIP no-fly zone established for President Joe Biden's visit may have hindered aerial firefighting efforts, though this claim remains unconfirmed.

Adam Curry reviews the film "Fly Me to the Moon," expressing disappointment in the $19 rental price and the movie's quality. He critiques the casting of Channing Tatum and the "nepotism" of including SNL's Colin Jost. Curry jokes that Kamala Harris should campaign on making streaming movies cheaper.

The promised debut of electric "flying taxis" (eVTOLs) at the Paris Olympics has been downgraded to demonstration flights due to a lack of certification. The hosts discuss the technical limitations of battery-powered flight, noting that the power-to-weight ratio makes commercial air taxis currently unfeasible.

The artwork for episode 1675, titled "Flying Cars," is discussed alongside a notable piece by Sir Shug (Faux Diddley) featuring a giant bunny at the Resolute Desk. The bunny imagery references a real-world incident where a staffer in a bunny suit intercepted President Biden. Listeners are encouraged to submit art via the No Agenda Art Generator.

A satirical AI-generated clip of Joe Biden being told he is "retarded" circulated online, highlighting the increasing role of deepfakes in political discourse. Meanwhile, media outlets criticized Donald Trump's policy proposals, including a 16-week abortion ban, mass deportations, and the creation of ten "Freedom Cities" featuring flying cars. Trump's platform also includes eliminating the Department of Education and enacting federal laws regarding gender.

The current leadership of the FAA is criticized for lacking a pilot's license or deep industry experience. This is contrasted with the historical hiring practices at Ziff Davis, specifically PC Magazine and Flying Magazine, where editors were required to be hobbyists or licensed pilots to ensure technical expertise.

Alef Aeronautics claims to have received FAA approval for the world's first fully electric flying car, but critics point out the "special airworthiness certification" is limited to experimental test flights. The hosts argue that current battery technology lacks the power-to-weight ratio necessary for viable flying cars or long-haul semi-trucks. They characterize the pre-order campaign as a public relations hoax designed to attract investors.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show from the Texas Hill Country and Northern Silicon Valley. They discuss baseball terminology, specifically stealing home base, leading to an anecdote about Curry's youth playing for the KLM Flying Dutchman team. Dvorak questions Curry's athletic ability while Curry describes using his grandfather's vintage three-fingered glove from a Pawtucket team.

A segment on Formula One racing focuses on the recurring appearance of the number 33 in relation to driver Fernando Alonso's quest for his 33rd win. Despite the "stars aligning" for Alonso, the "Flying Dutchman" Max Verstappen continues to dominate the pole position, leading to a discussion on the significance of numbers in sports.