Topic: Fleas

The FDA has approved Prevecto Quantum, a long-acting injectable drug for protecting dogs against fleas and ticks for up to one year. The report notes potential side effects including muscle tremors and seizures, leading to host skepticism about the drug's safety.

The producer of the "3x3" segment jingle, Brian in West Philly, confirmed that the music is based on the song "Spanish Flea" by Herb Alpert. The segment's history was clarified following numerous listener emails inquiring about the origins of the melody. The jingle has become a staple for the recurring media comparison segment.

The mystery of a recurring jingle used on the podcast is solved by a listener who identifies it as "Spanish Flea" by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. The song is famously associated with "The Dating Game," where it played during the introduction of contestants. The segment highlights the deep cultural knowledge of the show's audience in identifying obscure media references.

Observations of King's Day in Amsterdam suggest a subdued atmosphere compared to previous years, potentially due to poor weather and a "waiting room depression" state in the country. The traditional flea market featured a shift from vintage goods like radios and vinyl to cheap plastic toys, alongside an increase in offered services like massages and shoe shines.

A teenage girl in Bend, Oregon, contracted the bubonic plague, likely from a flea bite during a hunting trip. NBC News reports that while rare, there have been 16 cases in the US this year, primarily transmitted through rodents like rats and squirrels. The disease remains treatable with antibiotics if caught early, but it still poses a threat in certain wild areas.

Adam Curry prepares for a trip to Plano, Texas, to attend HamCom, a major amateur radio convention. He describes his truck's antenna setup for 20-meter and 40-meter bands and his plans to visit the event's famous flea market. The trip involves a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin and an overnight stay to catch the early morning sessions.

Dvorak prepares for Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) in Amsterdam, noting that the primary celebrations begin the night before. The tradition involves a city-wide "free market" where residents sell second-hand goods on the streets and in Vondelpark. Curry provides advice on the timing of the parties and mentions "Taxi Eric" as a local contact for transportation.

Curry plans to visit Amsterdam for Queen's Day on April 30th, a national holiday characterized by massive street parties and a country-wide tax-free flea market. The discussion briefly touches on UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's role in the credit crisis and the current exchange rate of the British pound against the dollar.