Lateral with Tom Scott 187: The lion and the poet
24 snips
May 8, 2026 
Verity Babbs, art historian and author, brings art-historical wit. Rowan Ellis, video essayist and culture commentator, explores language and quirky laws. Matt Gray, maker and YouTuber, adds humorous technical takes. They discuss biscuit-tin ballots and same-day marriages, contrasting clothes for deafblind signing, the tonal poem of the Lion-Eating Poet, presidential flag proportions, and Margaret Keane’s courtroom paint-off.
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Political And Cultural Names Began As Derision
- Many group names began as derisive nicknames that stuck and became official labels.
- Examples: "Big Bang" was popularised as a sneer by Fred Hoyle, "Tory" from Irish for outlaw, and "Quaker" from trembling in worship.
Parliamentary Biscuit Tin Decided A Marriage Bill
- New Zealand draws members' bills from a biscuit tin of numbered tokens to schedule debates.
- In 2012 a token draw led to the private member's bill that enabled same-sex marriage, and many couples (including Linley and Ali) married in 2013.
Dress Choice Improves Visual Signing For Deafblind Audiences
- Deafblind audiences may rely on visual signing that requires high contrast between hands and clothing.
- Jason, a deaf presenter, deliberately changed into a dark shirt so his light-skinned hands would be clearer to a deafblind audience.
