Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:50 — 36.7MB)
This week, we finally learn why there is so little blackcurrant in the US, and listener Jochen enlightens us about the real name of the German national anthem. Then, we hear some tips for French people traveling in the USA, everything from firmness of handshake (firm) to when to cut in line (never.) Zut alors!
Oh: the Colbert bit mentioned in the show is here. Seriously, that guy is WHITE.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:49 — 30.3MB)
We open this week’s show talking about our recent (small) earthquake, then hear about a huge example of the French national anthem used in popular culture. Then Johnson tells us what he learned at the Queen Victoria exhibit at the Getty, and we talk about the mystery that is the huckleberry, via 80s television. Later, Johnson takes on Sam (and the entire United Kingdom) in the quiz.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:07 — 27.8MB)
In this week’s show, our listeners come through for us and explain Tony Hancock’s use of the phrase “salt cellars” hanging over from last week. Then we chat about national anthems, specifically which ones we can sing; then I warm up Johnson for the quiz by asking him to identify the meanings of various Victorian expressions. Later, Cocker calls in for the real quiz, and tries to guess what an “odometer” is, while Johnson guesses at “throwing a wobbly.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:35 — 26.7MB)
It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, so naturally we chat about St. George’s and St. David’s Days, along with Marie Curie and wheelie bins. Then we get to the previously overlooked Fat (Shrove) Tues (Pancake) Day, and people who smear dirt on themselves on Ash Wednesday. Listener Beth clears up chaw and dip, and we discuss synesthesia and Big League Chew – both, amazingly, real things. Later, Lil & Ryan take the quiz and try to figure out what an “October Surprise” is, while Johnson inserts a “Rawlplug” where the sun doesn’t shine. Sigh.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:34 — 28.8MB)
This week, we chat about Black History Month (or the lack of it), and how I can’t understand anyone in The Wire – sometimes even the people from England. We also talk about rain, and how it affects the Oscars, London’s streets, and spiders the size of Mini Metros. Rob then takes the quiz, at least until the planet Mercury (or possibly the ghost of Harold Ramis) causes us to lose him forever, forcing Sam to step into the red tights. Johnson sort of keeps “wide boy” above the waist, Sam has a guess at “chaw”, and we go to yet another gripping tiebreaker!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:16 — 29.3MB)
This week, we discuss something that British McDonald’s have that American ones don’t; we also compare school potatoes, and I say the word “metadata” a lot. Then, after a brief foray into a list of some words that have different meanings in our two countries, my mum returns to the quiz. It’s a close match, finally decided by the most gripping round of Rock Paper Scissors ever recorded. Oh: the Flanders & Swann song that mentions an omnibus is here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:12 — 29.2MB)
This week, after briefly discussing the terrible weather Britain is having, we chat about the exchange rate between Scottish and American tooth fairies. Then, we list some surprising phrases in common use that were written by William Shakespeare. Later, my big bro Jon takes the quiz, and tries to guess what a “tagalong” might be, while Johnson sets a new record for going below the waist with his guess for “wetting the baby’s head” (2.3 seconds.)
Couple of links for things mentioned: Billy Bragg’s “Milkman of Human Kindness”, and Homer saying “trampoline” wrong.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:04 — 29.8MB)
Scott’s sitting in for Johnson this week who’s up a mountain; and following last week’s hiatus, we catch up on the Superbowl final (!) and Groundhog Day, then discuss British people’s aversion to ice. Then we chat about CVS expediting its cigarette disposal, and read some listener mail, most of it disturbing. Then Jordan takes the quiz, and tries to guess what a “menorah” might be, while Scott tries to imagine what a “cricket box” might be for.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:27 — 37.0MB)
This week, the Kinder Egg waters are further muddied by the discovery of something called a “king cake”; then, Johnson and I argue over whose pronunciation of words makes the least sense. Later, Cocker takes the quiz, and tries to guess what “Chapter 11” might be, while Johnson tries to figure out who the hell “TIM” is.
Oh: a link to the Smith & Jones darts bit we mention is here. Pretty sure that scorekeeper is now in Downton Abbey…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:20 — 28.6MB)
Not really, but the quiz will feel a bit different this week. On the show, we revisit some themes from last week: the Kinder egg thing rears its head again, and also the phrase “blue hairs.” Then, we get some closure on the Clue/Cluedo discussion, and wonder about nearsighted/farsighted vs. shortsighted/longsighted. Then, I torture Johnson with the word “tarpaulin,” and we hear a use for draught excluders we hadn’t thought of. Then: Sam hosts the quiz, while Johnson and I guess the meanings of newer British slang words. He gets a “boyf,” while I get “Winona.” Lucky me!