Klassic Kolbert: Best of 2008 – Episode 4063 (05/08/08)

In this episode, Stephen remembers the “father of LSD,” Albert Hofmann, and contacts a Hero who is aboard the International Space Station. He also interviews Arianna Huffington. The highlight of the show for me is the Garrett Reisman segment. It’s awesome when Reisman spins the WristSTRONG bracelet, and Stephen’s excitement during the interview is contagious. OMG! Space!

Here are some notable quotes:

• Nation, on our very first broadcast, I said that this show was dedicated to the Heroes. And who are the Heroes? The people who watch this show.
• For the last eight years, the International Space Station has fostered cooperation between nations in the search for scientific knowledge. Now, I don’t like any of the words in that last sentence.
• Awesome! We’ve gone galactic! I can’t believe my voice is being broadcast to space right now. I should say something really profound. Eat it, Jon Stewart! I’m talking to space!
• Are you saying that you’re a janitor with a Ph.D.?
• Can we prove to people that you’re in space right now. Would you please take off your WristSTRONG bracelet and spin it in that astronaut way?
• Now, Sir. I, Oh, I could die and go to heaven now!
• Well, it’s good to hear that at least something can make you grow an inch because I get e-mails promising that all the time and I don’t believe any of them.
• Nation, I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but gas is getting kind of pricey. It’s getting to the point where I can’t burn anyone in effigy anymore.
• Even though 100% of gasoline prices are canceled out by costs, these companies are somehow able to wring mind-bending revenue out of their not-for-profit venture.
• No, I go to parties to celebrate my joy. They [TIME Magazine] had me on the list two years ago. If they want me to show up at their d*mn party, they can spread a little ink around in the forms of ‘Stephen Colbert.’
• I have no problem with Rev. Wright. He gives great video. I love the man… [turning to camera] And, you are welcome on my show, sir, any time. You should really respond to these terrible things Obama’s said about you.
• Oh, hi! Welcome back. Last fire before Memorial Day. After that, you’ve really got to crank up the AC to make it worth while.
• Ever since Dr. Hofmann’s passing, my staff has been joking that they are going to slip me a tab of acid – whatever that is. But so far they’ve only managed to slash my tires. Better luck next time, guys. And, in a gesture of goodwill, my interns have made me a sheet of tiny stamps featuring my likeness. Isn’t that nice?
• Wow! Wow, that painting’s like a painting inside a painting inside a painting inside a painting! Oh my God, they’re all me! Oh my God, my name is everywhere in here! It’s in the rafters. It’s on the screen down there. It’s running along the bottom of the desk… Even the desk is in the shape of a ‘C’. Why am I doing this? Why do I need this much validation? Where does this Stephen end and that Stephen begin? Which Stephen am I? Is this skin or a cage for my soul?

Please enjoy! Videos after the cut!