Podcast Summary
Nudist Convention Amid Pandemic and Controversial Book Release: A nudist convention adapts to the pandemic, and a controversial book about President Trump sparks public interest despite legal battles and negative reviews.
During this episode of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, the discussion touched on various topics including the ongoing pandemic and its impact on a nudist convention, the release of a controversial book about President Trump, and the resilience of animals like bats. Mitch, a listener from Austin and the president of the Southwestern Association For Nude Recreation, shared his experience of organizing the convention amid the pandemic. The panelists, Joel Kim Booster, Roxanne Roberts, and Tom Papa, added humor to the show with their witty comments. A significant part of the episode revolved around the release of John Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happened," and the controversy surrounding its publication. Despite the book's negative reviews from the president and the ongoing legal battle, it has sparked public interest. The episode also featured a segment where Mitch played "Who's Bill This Time," trying to identify quotes from the news. Overall, the show provided a mix of entertainment, humor, and current events discussion.
Surprises in Politics and Law: Unexpected political developments and legal rulings underscore the importance of staying informed and open-minded in a rapidly changing world.
The world continues to be filled with unexpected developments, as evidenced by the New York Times' critique of John Bolton's writing style and the Supreme Court's ruling on employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. The unpredictability of these events was highlighted in the discussion, with the surprise of some conservatives over the Supreme Court decision and the unexpected happenings in Seattle's CHOP zone. The title of Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happens," drew attention from Hamilton fans, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's ruling brought joy to the LGBTQ+ community, but also highlighted the importance of understanding the nuances of discrimination and the complexities of the law. Overall, these events serve as reminders of the importance of staying informed and open-minded in a rapidly changing world.
Underwater Wi-Fi System: A New Frontier: Researchers create first underwater Wi-Fi system, enabling easier communication and data access for underwater explorers using light beams and other methods, with potential downsides to consider.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by developing the first underwater Wi-Fi system. This innovation will revolutionize life underwater, making it easier to access information and communicate with others. No longer will underwater explorers have to deal with long Ethernet cables; instead, they can use light beams and other methods that transmit through water. The possibilities are endless, from easily finding Nemo to buying legs for Ariel on eBay. However, one might want to consider the potential downsides, such as phishing scams, before making the move to living underwater. Overall, this technology is a significant step forward in connecting the world, both above and below the surface.
Transforming Challenges into Unique Attractions: Entrepreneurs and innovators can overcome obstacles and create unique attractions, from a cat beach in Michigan to a pandemic-safe water park in South Carolina, to a memorial park in Oregon commemorating an unusual event.
Creativity and innovation can turn seemingly impossible situations into unique attractions. Ridgeway's attempt to create a cat beach in Michigan faced challenges but didn't deter her. Meanwhile, the owners of Waterworld in South Carolina transformed their water park into a hand sanitizer-filled attraction to keep operating during the pandemic. Lastly, Exploding Whale Memorial Park in Oregon commemorates an unusual event in its history, attracting visitors with its intriguing name. These stories show how entrepreneurs and innovators can adapt and find success in unexpected ways.
Discovering the surprising abilities of bats: Bats, often misunderstood, have unique adaptations such as running abilities, intelligence, and agility, and come in various sizes from tiny micropteropus pusillus to large fruit bats.
Bats, despite their often maligned reputation, are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations. Dr. Dan Ryskin, an international bat expert, shared his research on vampire bats' ability to run, which was a surprising discovery. He also highlighted their intelligence and agility, debunking the common perception that they are clumsy creatures. Additionally, Dr. Ryskin discussed the diversity of bat species, ranging from the tiny micropteropus pusillus, which weighs less than a penny, to the large fruit bat, with a six-foot wingspan. Despite some misconceptions about bat genitals, Dr. Ryskin found humor in his research and shared how it started in high school. Lastly, he addressed the ongoing debate about bats being the cause of the global pandemic, emphasizing the importance of understanding their role in ecosystems rather than stigmatizing them.
Bats' Role in Virus Origins and Conservation: Bats carry various viruses, but it's not their fault. Prevent contact with wild viruses by conserving animals and their habitats. Bats contribute to ecosystems despite negative stereotypes.
The COVID-19 virus likely originated from bats, but it's not their fault. Animals carry various viruses, and it's just bad luck that our cells have a similar receptor to those of bats. To prevent coming into contact with wild viruses, it's crucial to conserve wild animals and their habitats. Bats, despite having negative stereotypes, play essential roles in ecosystems. One expert shared his experience working with bats and parasites, including a personal encounter with a botfly. In a light-hearted moment, they played a game asking questions about Tab diet cola, which was created with the belief that if God had intended Coca-Cola to contain saccharin, He would have made it that way in the first place.
Coca Cola's Marketing Strategy to Make Pepsi Clear Unpopular: In the 90s, Coca Cola used marketing tactics to make Pepsi Clear less desirable by introducing Tab Clear, which is no longer available.
In 1992, Coca Cola attempted to kill off Pepsi's similar clear drink, Pepsi Clear, by introducing Tab Clear with the goal of making it unpopular and less desirable by association. This marketing strategy proved successful, and Pepsi Clear is no longer available. Another interesting tidbit from the discussion was that Tab's name was generated randomly by a computer, with Zap and Zuff being other considered names. Dan Riskin, an evolutionary biologist and bat expert, made an appearance on the show to share his love for bats and debunk common misconceptions about them. The show also featured a rapid-fire game about coronavirus news, testing the listeners' knowledge on the latest developments. Overall, the episode was filled with entertaining trivia, interesting anecdotes, and thought-provoking discussions.
Businesses and Technology Adapt to Pandemic Needs: Businesses innovate and technology offers companionship, as people seek connection and escape during the pandemic.
Despite the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, innovation and creativity continue to thrive. For instance, while 711 is still celebrating Free Slurpee Day, some businesses like Globe have found unique ways to cater to people's needs for connection and escape. Meanwhile, technology is also stepping up to provide companionship and relief from isolation. An AI app called a "conscience" or "imaginary friend" is helping people feel less alone, while another app called Globe offers rentable spaces for those seeking a break from their families or quiet moments to themselves. Furthermore, the media continues to play a role in shaping public perception, with CNN correcting misinformation and NPR providing entertainment and information through various platforms. Lastly, it's important to remember that even in difficult times, human connections and communication remain essential. Whether it's through a friendly text from an AI app or a conversation with a loved one, finding ways to connect with others can make all the difference.
Maskne and Clowns: Unique Pandemic Challenges: The pandemic introduced new challenges for industries, including maskne, a form of acne caused by masks, and clowns struggling with crowd interactions.
The ongoing pandemic has brought about unique challenges for various industries, and two of them discussed in this segment were acne caused by masks (maskne) and the survival of clowns. Maskne is a new form of acne caused by the excess sweat and oil trapped against the skin due to wearing masks. As for clowns, their livelihood heavily relies on interacting with crowds, making the pandemic a significant hurdle for them. The segment also touched upon the availability of onesies for grown men, offering a blend of functionality and a touch of babyishness. Overall, the discussion highlighted how the pandemic has led to unexpected changes and adaptations across various sectors.
Game of quick thinking and general knowledge: Players answered fill in the blank questions on various topics to earn points, with Tom leading, Roxanne taking over, and Joel close to winning.
The game featured various fill in the blank questions where the players had to answer correctly to earn points. Tom was in the lead with 13 points, but Roxanne took over with 16 points. Joel needed only 5 points to win. The questions covered a range of topics from geopolitical events to pop culture and current news. Some answers were straightforward, while others required a bit more knowledge or thinking. For instance, Tom correctly answered that Chinese capital Beijing was closed due to a coronavirus outbreak, while Roxanne knew that PG and E pleaded guilty to manslaughter in California. The game showcased the players' quick thinking and general knowledge.
Adapting and rebranding in business: Businesses can pivot and reinvent themselves during challenging times, like Next Day Blinds becoming 3 Day Blinds, and the panelists made humorous predictions about Supreme Court rulings, from illegal read receipts to bats' right to vote, while NPR sponsors Bombas and Acorn TV were featured with special offers.
Businesses, like Next Day Blinds, can adapt and rebrand in the face of adversity, as they did when they transitioned to 3 Day Blinds after being forced to close due to the pandemic. Another key takeaway from the episode of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me was the panelists' predictions for the next big ruling from the Supreme Court. Joel Kim Booster joked about the illegality of leaving read receipts on and not responding, while Roxanne Roberts predicted a landmark ruling making it illegal for political tell-alls to steal Hamilton lyrics for titles. Tom Papa added a more serious prediction, suggesting that bats could be given the right to vote. The episode also featured a shout-out to NPR sponsors Bombas and Acorn TV, with Bombas promoting their donation program for the homeless and Acorn TV offering a free 30-day trial with the promo code NPR. Overall, the episode showcased the wit and humor of the panelists, as well as the topical and timely nature of the show. It also highlighted the importance of staying informed and engaged with current events, whether through listening to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me or other sources of news and information.
