Topic: Pet Peeve

A linguistic annoyance is expressed regarding the phrase "by and large," which the speaker first noticed being used frequently by CEOs like Carly Fiorina. The discussion explores the ambiguity of whether the phrase is "by in large" or "by and large" and its use as a filler in political speech.

A detailed complaint is made regarding the "fisting method" of eating peanuts on airplanes. The speaker describes the annoying habit of passengers shaking a palmful of peanuts in a closed fist to "shoot" them into their mouths, which results in salt and grease getting everywhere.

John C. Dvorak highlights a common pronunciation error made by professional announcers regarding the word "zoological." He notes that the correct pronunciation should be "zo-o-logical" rather than "zu-logical," using a news report about "Chance the Gator" at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm as a specific example of the mistake.

John C. Dvorak presents his "Pet Peeve of the Day" regarding the mainstream use of the word "veggies" by adults and in Ragu commercials. He argues the term is childish and contributes to the general "dumbing down" of the masses. The critique extends to Yelp reviews where users use simplistic terms like "yum" instead of descriptive language.

A discussion on social interactions at campgrounds focuses on the repetitive questions Airstream owners face from strangers. An anecdote involves a couple dressed as a pirate and a fortune teller inquiring about the trailer and a Ford Explorer, which the owner quips was acquired in a divorce.

Jason Schrader is knighted following a $202 donation. The hosts address a listener's complaint about being unable to unsubscribe from a PayPal donation plan, explaining that most missed payments result in automatic cancellation. Dvorak's "pet peeve" is that people do not check their credit card statements closely enough.

John Dvorak highlights a clip of Charles Barkley on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart where Barkley uses the phrase "that's a great question." Dvorak reiterates his annoyance with this rhetorical filler, arguing that it is used to stall for time rather than acknowledge a truly insightful inquiry.

The hosts critique modern linguistic trends in advertising and media. They express annoyance at the overused phrase "very exciting" in reality television and the use of the word "veggie" in Centrum vitamin commercials, characterizing the latter as juvenile.

A critique of the common phrase "that's a great question" used in public forums and White House briefings suggests it is a stalling tactic or a learned social tic rather than a genuine compliment. The hosts discuss an interview with Jonathan Kay, author of "Among the Truthers," noting that even intellectual authors fall into the trap of using the phrase when confronted with challenging observations about their own biases.

An op-ed in the Los Angeles Times echoes a long-standing pet peeve regarding the linguistic dilution of the word "amazing." The author argues that the word has lost its true significance due to constant overuse in casual conversation and marketing.

A specific brand of recycled multipurpose paper is called out for being wrapped in thick, non-recyclable plastic. The hosts label this "faux green" marketing, where environmental branding contradicts the actual product packaging. A brief technical interruption occurs on the stream during this segment.

John C. Dvorak presents a "Pet Peeve" regarding the shift in cultural attitudes toward questioning authority. He notes that former radicals now discourage skepticism of government figures like Vivek Kundra. The segment also touches on Tim O'Reilly's influence on Twitter and his trademarking of the term "Web 2.0," contrasting it with Dvorak's own lack of verification on the platform.

The hosts analyze President Obama's habit of labeling audience inquiries as "great questions" during public appearances. They argue this is a rhetorical stall tactic used when a speaker already has a rehearsed answer, contrasting it with the philosophical inquiries of Socrates or Aristotle.