Eccentric Toad Forgetting

The News Bang cover story kicks off with a sensational update from the world of Belgian comic strips. The renowned character Tintin, alongside his trusty dog Snowy, dives into an unexpected narrative twist in *Tintin in Tibet*. This development is attributed to Herge, the cartoonist behind Tintin, who is humorously reported to have been possessed by a yeti spirit. As citizens of Brussels react with a mix of disbelief and enthusiasm, the comic's serialization prompts children to embark on mountain adventures in pursuit of mythical creatures, leading to a ban on certain fashion trends by the Belgian government to mitigate further incidents. Following this lighthearted chaos, the focus shifts to NASA, announcing nine new astronauts in its Apollo program. Dubbed the "Next Nine," these astronauts undergo bizarre testing regimes, including surviving a centrifuge while reciting Shakespeare. Chuck Ironbladder Johnson stands out for his remarkable ability to hold his urine for three days during the selection process, embodying the comedic absurdity of the space race era. NASA insists these astronauts epitomize American ingenuity, with Jim Noguts Lovell quipping about fearlessness in the face of danger. In a more historical segment, attention turns to a 1878 incident involving British surveyor Reginald Fiddlesticks, who finds himself detained by Zulu warriors after straying into their territory. Armed with minimal equipment and an inflated sense of entitlement, Fiddlesticks attempts to teach trigonometry to his captors, who aren't swayed and quickly strip him of his surveying tools, leading to an ultimatum from the British government demanding his release. This tense narrative hints at larger colonial conflicts brewing in the region. Next up, weather correspondent Shakanaka Giles delivers a quirky forecast, pointing out that unpredictable weather will reign, with potential "scandal" in sunbathing decisions, while residents should prepare for flying chimney pots amid expected gales. The humor emphasizes the eccentricity of British daily life, merging the mundane with whimsical imagery. The news then drifts back to the historical account of the Zulu conflict, where tensions are presented as a precursor to the Anglo-Zulu War. Correspondent Brian Bastable provides a vivid field report detailing the mounting Zulu resistance against British incursions, which leads to the stirring narrative of the impending conflict ignited by territorial disputes. The show introduces a more inspirational segment detailing Harriet Tubman’s 1849 escape from slavery. Melody Wintergreen chronicles Tubman's legacy and the implications of her courageous journey as she rescues others via the Underground Railroad. This history is not just about her individual feat but highlights a significant movement toward freedom and equality. As the episode continues, the channel switches gears to space exploration, as science correspondent Calamity Prenderville humorously examines the British ties to NASA’s astronaut selection process. The report spills over into jokes about British culinary contributions to space travel, such as Yorkshire tea and Marmite, painting an absurd picture of astronauts equipped with tea dispensers in their suits. Royal correspondent Sandy O'Shaughnessy takes center stage next, recounting the intriguing tale of Joshua Norton, who fancied himself the Emperor of the United States in 1859. His antics brought levity and eccentricity to San Francisco, showcasing the whimsical nature of self-appointment and governance that captivated the local populace. Lastly, the broadcast wraps up with a dynamic flashback to the zeitgeist of 1958, celebrating *Tintin in Tibet* for its cultural significance and Herge's portrayal of adventure intertwined with deeper themes of friendship and spirituality against a backdrop of global unrest. Smithsonian Moss’ energetic recap champions the comic's impact on the medium, emphasizing its enduring legacy in the literary canon. Concluding the show, a quick overview of the next day's headlines is presented with comedic flair, peppering the news cycle with absurdity and drawing laughter from the tangled web of history, science, and humor. The News Bang encapsulates a variety of topics with a uniquely satirical spin, delivering both entertainment and insight into the historical fabric of our society.