8 chapters across the catalog
The XBB.1.5 variant has been nicknamed "Kraken" by some media outlets and researchers to increase public awareness and concern. Bloomberg reports that the variant was first detected last year and is particularly dominant in New York. Despite the aggressive name, health officials state they do not yet know if the variant is more contagious or deadly than previous Omicron strains.
Parody songs detail the "COVID vacation" characterized by school cancellations and the frantic hoarding of toilet paper. The audio transitions to the political debate over naming the virus, featuring clips of President Donald Trump using the term "Chinese Virus." Media figures and politicians argue over whether such terms are racist, while songs like "Kung Flu Fighting" satirize the cultural tension.
WHO Variant Naming, Stigmatization, and Political Correctness
The World Health Organization's Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove urged the public and media to stop using geographic labels like "South African variant" or "UK variant." The WHO aims to remove stigmatization against countries that identify mutations, preferring technical names like 501Y.V2. This shift in nomenclature is compared to other politically correct language changes in public health reporting.
Military and scientific entities at Fort Detrick refer to the virus as SARS-CoV-2 rather than COVID-19, highlighting its similarity to the original SARS virus. The 30-day window for federal fund allocation suggests the crisis may be politically or financially managed to conclude by early April. Observers note the disconnect between official emergency declarations and the casual behavior of local politicians once funding is secured.
AR-15 Nomenclature, ArmaLite, Assault Style Branding
The "AR" in AR-15 stands for "ArmaLite Rifle," the company that originally developed the platform, not "assault rifle" or "automatic rifle." The hosts explain that the AR-15 is a semi-automatic civilian rifle that has been "glamorized" by its military appearance. They argue that the term "assault style" is a media invention used to describe the aesthetics of a weapon rather than its mechanical function.
Religious Titles, Prophet Muhammad vs King of Pop
The use of the title "The Prophet" before Muhammad's name in government and media speech is questioned. An anecdote is shared about MTV being contractually obligated to refer to Michael Jackson as "The King of Pop" in all broadcasts.
FDA Ruling, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Sugar Labeling
The FDA rejected a petition from the Corn Refiners Association to rename high fructose corn syrup as "corn sugar." The ruling specifies that "sugar" must be a solid, crystallized substance, whereas "syrup" is a liquid. The hosts analyze the legal language, suggesting the industry may attempt to create a crystallized version of the syrup to bypass the naming restriction.
LGBTQ Pride Month Proclamation and Naming Conventions
President Obama officially proclaimed June 2011 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. The discussion covers the evolution of the acronym from GLBT to LGBT and the addition of "Q" for Queer. The hosts joke about the exclusion of "bi-curious" individuals from the proclamation and the internal politics of which letters receive priority in the naming convention.
