Topic: Topicals

A discussion of Manuka Gold honey products highlights a specific topical balm used for muscle spasms and back pain. The product contains CBD and other natural ingredients like mint, functioning as a non-sticky jelly balm rather than traditional honey. While not an official sponsor, the hosts praise its efficacy for rapid pain relief compared to other natural alternatives.

Ivermectin ointment is discussed as a highly effective, established treatment for rosacea in both men and women. The conversation distinguishes between the topical "goo" used for skin conditions and the oral "horse paste" used as an animal dewormer.

A host describes an accidental intoxication after applying a lavender CBD salve provided by a producer. Despite the label warning of a 30-minute onset and six-hour duration due to 200mg of THC, the host applied the cream before the broadcast. The discussion covers the efficacy of transdermal absorption and the resulting "groovy" physical sensations.

Facebook faced accusations of suppressing conservative news stories within its trending topics sidebar following a Gizmodo report. A leaked internal document regarding Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter graffiti at the Menlo Park office allegedly prompted employees to reveal that human curators, rather than neutral algorithms, determine news visibility. The segment examines the use of "injection tools" to artificially inflate or suppress specific topics.

The concept of moral self-licensing can be applied in reverse, where individuals use provocative or "bad" verbal behavior to facilitate more open conversations about sensitive topics. By breaking social taboos, a speaker may feel licensed to speak more bluntly without the constraints of traditional politeness. This strategy is discussed as a way to bypass the anxieties associated with modern political correctness.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program by noting Taylor Swift's recent appearance on Saturday Night Live. Curry observes that Twitter trending topics prioritized the singer and the comedy show over the monumental health care bill passed in the Senate. This observation serves as a critique of national priorities reflected in social media data.

A trending news story features a cat flap equipped with RFID technology that posts photos of cats to Twitter. The hosts discuss the mainstreaming of Twitter following Oprah Winfrey's arrival on the platform. They review current trending topics, including Susan Boyle and Earth Day, while questioning the depth of social media discourse.