Side Stories: Some Stories
The hosts of Last Podcast On The Left discuss a range of quirky and surprising stories. They cover the recent norovirus outbreak in the Northeast US, which prompted school closures and cleaning measures as a significant percentage of tests came back positive for the virus.
The episode then explores the Expanding Earth Theory, a conspiracy theory that challenges plate tectonics by proposing that the Earth itself has grown over time due to internal pressure, allowing for massive dinosaurs in the past and the formation of oceans.
Finally, the hosts recount the emotional response from a West Virginia community when a local Hooters restaurant closed, with residents holding a candlelight vigil and expressing hopes that a new owner would reopen this socially important gathering space.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 28, 2024 episode of the Last Podcast On The Left
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1-Page Summary
Norovirus Outbreak
Widespread Cases and Positive Tests
Henry Zebrowski reports that many residents in the Northeast US are suffering from diarrhea caused by a norovirus outbreak. The CDC has found that a striking 14% of tests in the region are positive for norovirus.
School and Public Closures for Cleaning
Due to the outbreak, schools like Irving Primary School in New Jersey have temporarily shut down to undergo deep cleaning before reopening, as a measure to curb the virus's spread.
Expanding Earth Theory
A Conspiracy Theory of Earth's Growth
Zebrowski discusses a conspiracy theory which claims that the Earth has been expanding due to increasing internal magma and pressure. The theory suggests the continents were once joined together, raising the question of how oceans could have formed. It also hypothesizes that a smaller Earth millions of years ago would have allowed massive dinosaurs to exist.
Connection to Plate Tectonics Debate
The Expanding Earth Theory challenges the widely accepted theory of plate tectonics. It proposes that the Earth's growth, rather than plate movement, causes continents to drift apart as the crust fractures and new crust fills the gaps.
Closing of West Virginia Hooters
Community's Emotional Response
When a local Hooters closed in West Virginia, the community responded emotionally with a candlelight vigil, bringing signs expressing their wish that a new owner would reopen the restaurant.
Social Significance of the Restaurant
According to Zebrowski, the Hooters served as more than just a restaurant - it was an important communal space for gathering. Losing it was likened to losing a place of worship due to its social significance as a spot to commiserate over "sad beers."
Attempts to Replace the Establishment
While the community hopes the closed Hooters could reopen under new ownership, Zebrowski mentions suggestions to "make a new Hooters" or open a "Tallywhackers" in its place. However, the site is set to become a Sheetz gas station instead.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Expanding Earth Theory is a controversial idea suggesting that the Earth has been growing in size over time due to internal processes, challenging the widely accepted theory of plate tectonics. It proposes that the movement of continents is not primarily driven by the shifting of tectonic plates but by the Earth's expansion, causing the crust to crack and create new crust. This theory questions how the Earth's landmasses have moved and changed over geological time scales, offering an alternative perspective to the traditional explanation provided by plate tectonics.
- The closure of the Hooters restaurant in West Virginia sparked an emotional response from the community due to its social significance as a gathering place. The restaurant served as more than just a dining establishment, acting as a communal space for people to come together. The community's reaction, including a candlelight vigil, reflected the deep attachment and nostalgia associated with the restaurant's closure. The loss of the Hooters was likened to losing a cherished social hub, leading to expressions of hope for its potential reopening under new ownership.
- The Hooters restaurant held social significance as a communal space because it served as a gathering spot for the community, where people came together to socialize and connect. It was more than just a place to eat; it was a location where individuals could bond and share experiences, akin to a community center. Losing the restaurant was emotionally impactful as it represented a loss of a familiar and cherished space for social interaction and camaraderie.
Counterarguments
- The reported 14% positivity rate for norovirus in the Northeast US might not accurately reflect the true prevalence of the virus, as it could be influenced by factors such as the rate of testing and reporting.
- Closing schools for deep cleaning, while a common response to outbreaks, may not be the most effective measure if not combined with other public health strategies, such as promoting hand hygiene and staying home when sick.
- The Expanding Earth Theory, while intriguing, lacks substantial scientific evidence and is not supported by the geological and astronomical data that underpin the theory of plate tectonics.
- The emotional response to the closing of a Hooters restaurant might not be shared by all community members, and some may view the closure as an opportunity for more diverse or healthier dining options.
- The significance of a Hooters as a communal space is subjective and may not be universally recognized as such, with some community members possibly preferring alternative venues for social gatherings.
- The idea of replacing the Hooters with a similar establishment or reopening it under new ownership may not take into account broader economic and social trends that could affect the viability of such businesses.
- The decision to replace the Hooters with a Sheetz gas station may be driven by economic factors and market demand, which could be more beneficial to the community in the long run than maintaining the previous establishment.
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Norovirus Outbreak
An outbreak of norovirus in the northeastern United States has led to a series of illness and closures as communities scramble to respond.
A norovirus outbreak is causing diarrhea in the Northeast United States
Residents in the northeastern region of the United States have been experiencing an unpleasant condition this week, with many reporting cases of diarrhea that are now being attributed to a norovirus outbreak.
CDC has reported an intense wave of disease, with 14% of tests positive
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an intense wave of disease sweeping across the area. Notably, 14% of all tests conducted have returned positive results for norovirus, indicating a significant spread of this highly contagious virus.
Schools and public places are shutting down for deep cleaning
A ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Norovirus Outbreak
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 ho ...
Counterarguments
...
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Expanding Earth Theory
The Expanding Earth Theory is a controversial hypothesis, which Henry Zebrowski humorously discusses, suggesting that the planet's growth can be attributed to an increase in interior magma and other factors leading to its expansion.
A conspiracy theory that the Earth is growing due to magma and internal pressure
Discussion of evidence for and against the theory
Zebrowski mocks the idea that the Earth is not getting bigger, contrary to the "mainstream media," by asserting that the Earth is indeed expanding due to internal magma production. He references videos and theories stating that the continents were once tightly joined together and questions the origins of the oceans if this were the case.
A conspiracy theory mentioned in the transcript alludes to an unspecified process causing the Earth to expand, with Zebrowski jokingly affirming his belief in the Earth’s continuous growth. Additionally, the theory puts forward the idea that Earth's expansion could have made it possible for massive dinosaurs and other large life forms to exist, hypothesizing that the Earth was once the size of Mars about 200 million years ago.
Further, it is noted that oceanic basaltic rocks on Earth are older than 200 million years, while all continental plates are several billion years old. The theory implies that as Earth grows, its outer crust fractu ...
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Expanding Earth Theory
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Expanding Earth Theory proposes that the Earth is growing in size due to internal processes like magma production. It challenges the widely accepted theory of plate tectonics by suggesting that the movement of continents is a result of the Earth's expansion. This theory is controversial in the scientific community due to its departure from established geophysical principles and the lack of substantial evidence supporting the idea. The debate surrounding the Expanding Earth Theory highlights the ongoing discussions and disagreements within the field of Earth sciences.
- Henry Zebrowski humorously discusses the Expanding Earth Theory by playfully challenging mainstream beliefs about the Earth's growth. He uses satire and sarcasm to question traditional scientific views and presents the idea of the Earth expanding due to internal magma production in a light-hearted manner. Zebrowski's comedic approach aims to engage the audience and provoke thought on the unconventional theory he is presenting. His humor adds an entertaining element to the discussion of a controversial and complex scientific hypothesis.
- The mention of an unspecified process causing Earth to expand in the context of the Expanding Earth Theory alludes to the idea that there may be some unknown mechanism or force driving the growth of the planet. This concept suggests that there could be factors beyond just magma production that contribute to the Earth's expansion. The theory proposes that this mysterious process could be linked to the gradual increase in the planet's size over time.
- The hypothesis suggests that around 200 million years ago, the Earth was proposed to have been similar in size to Mars. This idea is part of the Expanding Earth Theory, which speculates that the Earth has grown over time due to internal processes like magma production, leading to the expansion of the planet. The comparison to Mars is used to illustrate the concept of Earth's potential growth and how it could have impacted the planet's geological history. This hypothesis is controversial and challenges traditional scientific views on Earth's size and evolution.
- The Expanding Earth Theory challenges the widely accepted plate tectonics theory by suggesting that the Earth is growing in size, which could explain the movement of cont ...
Counterarguments
- The theory lacks a plausible mechanism for the creation of new mass or volume within the Earth, which contradicts the law of conservation of mass.
- Geological evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics, including the matching geological formations and fossil records on continents that are now separated by oceans.
- The distribution and age of oceanic crust, as well as the presence of subduction zones, are well-explained by plate tectonics and not by the Expanding Earth Theory.
- GPS measurements show that continents are moving in a manner consistent with plate tectonics, not expanding Earth.
- The existence of massive dinosaurs and other large life forms has been explained by factors such as oxygen levels, evolutionary pressures, and ecological niches, rather than a smaller Earth.
- The Expanding Earth Theory does not adequately explain the observed patterns of seismic activity and volcan ...
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Closing of West Virginia Hooters
The closing of a Hooters location in West Virginia has triggered an emotional response from the local community, illustrating the significance of this establishment as a social venue.
Emotional response from the local community in candlelight vigil
Henry Zebrowski reports a sincere emotional reaction among locals following the closure of their Hooters restaurant. Community members exhibited their sentiments through a candlelight vigil at the site of the now-closed venue. They brought along candles and signs as indicators of the loss they felt and their collective wish that the restaurant might be revived by a new owner.
Significance of the restaurant as a social venue in the community
The Hooters by the movie theater in Kanawha City not only offered food but also served as an important communal space, likened to losing a place of worship in its social significance. Zebrowski tied the establishment's birthdate to personal stories, signaling a deep nostalgia and personal connection. With its famed wings and strip sandwiches, the restaurant was a place to commiserate, with Zebrowski suggesting that without such venues, conspiracy theories might gain ground. He also noted that "sad beers" were shared there, pointing out it was a favored spot for comm ...
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Closing of West Virginia Hooters
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hooters, known for its wings and casual atmosphere, served as a gathering place for the community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among locals. The restaurant's closure sparked emotional reactions and a candlelight vigil, highlighting its deep-rooted social significance beyond just being a dining establishment. Its role went beyond food, acting as a communal space where people came together to connect, share stories, and build relationships, akin to a cherished social hub in the area. The loss of this venue was felt as a blow to the community's social fabric, with its closure symbolizing more than just the end of a restaurant but the disappearance of a beloved meeting place that held sentimental value for many.
- Henry Zebrowski is a known figure in the community who reported on the emotional response to the closure of the Hooters location in West Virginia. He highlighted the sentiments of the locals through a candlelight vigil and emphasized the significance of the restaurant as a social venue. Zebrowski's connection to the establishment and his observations added a personal touch to the community's reaction.
- The article mentions a glimmer of hope within the community to reopen the closed Hooters location, but it does not provide specific details on the concrete efforts being made to achieve this. The lack of information on the actual steps or plans in progress to purchase and revive the restaurant leaves the outcome uncertain. The commun ...
Counterarguments
- The emotional response to the closing of a restaurant, while valid, may not reflect the broader community's priorities, which could include economic development or health concerns.
- The significance of a Hooters as a social venue might be overstated, as there are likely other establishments or community centers that serve a similar purpose.
- The idea that the closure of a Hooters could contribute to the spread of conspiracy theories is speculative and may not have a direct correlation.
- The desire to reopen the Hooters or replace it with a similar establishment may not consider the changing demographics or interests of the community, which might prefer different types of businesses.
- The transformation of the former Hooters location into a Sheetz gas station could be seen as a positive development, offering different s ...
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