Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:20 — 37.6MB)
For our Boxing Day show, Paul Johnson tries Marmite for the first time ever. Ordinarily, that should be enough for any show, but we also look at some British problems, wonder what’s going on with New Yorkers’ pronunciation of “hot,” argue about cakes vs. pies, and chat about words that are more rude in one country than the other. Later, James’ mum calls in for the quiz and, unfortunately, gets ornery.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:29 — 34.2MB)
We prepare for the earth’s imminent destruction by talking about the time James met Bob Hope, the Manchester derby, and the origins of cockney rhyming slang. Later, the “That’s Not English” quiz continues the family theme from last week as James’ big brother Jon calls in and quite possibly cheats … or at least takes a suspiciously long time guessing what “the lower 48” might be.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:14 — 27.9MB)
In our Pearl Harbo(u)r Day show, we talk about Noah Webster, the man most responsible for Americans spelling things wrong. We also make fun of an international protocol guide, and wonder how much HALF a shave and a haircut might cost. Later, James’ dad crushes the “That’s Not English” quiz with the cunning use of dramatic fiction, while Paul can only sit and gaze in wonder at the majesty of a “cat’s eye.”
Happy birthday, dad!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:16 — 38.2MB)
This week we discuss the musical Rorschach test that is the show’s opening theme, Johnson suggests improvements for soccer, we chat about the “Twinkies” ads in old Marvel comics, and complain about how x-ray specs never worked. We also get political talking about British vs American imperialism, but that quickly gives way to the more weighty issue of sandwich-ordering. Later, the infamous “That’s Not English” quiz pits Paul against Paul as Cocker calls in to play — and while one Paul wrestles with the definition of a “boffin”, the other tries to guess what a “bear claw” might be.
