7 chapters across the catalog
New knights are officially dubbed at the No Agenda Round Table, including Sir Andy Cantrell and Sir Mike Kleckner. The hosts also react to being mentioned on Stephen Fry's popular UK podcast "No Such Thing as Fish," where they were credited with coining the term "pornado."
A 1984 newspaper column by John C. Dvorak is revisited, in which he predicted the Apple Macintosh would fail because of its use of a mouse. The "No Such Thing as Fish" podcast recently cited this column, leading to a discussion about historical context and the coining of the term "pornado" for pop-up ad storms.
Jewel Wasps, Cockroach Zombies and Show Outro
The episode concludes with a nature clip from Stephen Fry describing the life cycle of the jewel wasp, which turns cockroaches into "zombies" to feed its larvae. The hosts jokingly compare the cockroach's fate to the career of Piers Morgan. They sign off with final Thanksgiving wishes and a reminder of the upcoming Sunday broadcast.
Mental Health Diagnostics, Lisbon Treaty, EU Charter Article 52
A trend in mental health reporting is identified, linking the "celebrity effect" of figures like Stephen Fry to a rise in bipolar diagnoses. The hosts connect this to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the Lisbon Treaty's Article 52.3, which allows for the detention of individuals deemed "mentally ill" or of "unsound mind" in Europe. Similar trends are noted in California, where UCLA research suggests one in five adults may need mental health care.
Alice in Wonderland 3D, Tim Burton Film Review
The hosts review Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," offering conflicting views on its quality. While the visual execution and Stephen Fry's performance as the Cheshire Cat are praised, the 3D technology is criticized for darkening the image and causing physical fatigue. Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter is compared to British actor Robert Benchley rather than a more traditional "mad" interpretation.
British Library, Gutenberg Bible and Manuscript Handling
The director of the British Library discussed the institution's policy against using white gloves when handling rare manuscripts like the Gutenberg Bible to prevent page tears. The segment references a Stephen Fry documentary on the history of the printing press and the financial ruin of Johannes Gutenberg.
Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Twitter Promotion
Stephen Fry's appearance on the Jonathan Ross show is discussed, including his promotion of Twitter to a mainstream British audience. Fry's documentaries about America are highlighted for their positive perspective on U.S. culture compared to typical British cynicism.
