Category Archives: Health & Medicine

11th Anniversary: The Adobo Chronicles “Hoax” That Sparked Worldwide News Headlines And Academic Research

In 2014, The Adobo Chronicles published a made-up story that the American Psychiatric Association had officially declared “selfies” as a mental disorder.

The “hoax” sparked worldwide new headlines and was even translated into different languages. It also prompted academic researchers to explore the so-called condition and published their work in medical journals.

As we always say, sometimes, life imitates satire.

Read the viral story again: https://adobochronicles.com/2014/03/31/american-psychiatric-association-makes-it-official-selfie-a-mental-disorder/

Should U.K. Conservatives Rethink Policies On Compulsory Military Training And Marijuana?

(Brian Neyra contributed to this report)

The Conservative proposal for compulsory military training or community service faces significant opposition from young people, posing a potential hurdle in the upcoming U.K. elections. A recent survey shows that 73% of students feel their views are undervalued by politicians, and with 89% registered to vote and 87% intending to do so, their discontent could critically impact election outcomes. To address this, the Conservatives might consider more progressive policies, such as the legalization of recreational marijuana. While medicinal marijuana has been legal since 2018, the U.K. lags behind many regions that have embraced broader legalization. Adopting such a policy could resonate with younger voters and mitigate the backlash against compulsory service. The issue underscores the importance of engaging with and valuing the perspectives of the younger electorate, whose priorities could significantly shape the political landscape.

Giving A Local Name To New Covid 19 Variants

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As the relentless march of Covid-19 variants continues, perhaps it’s time we borrow a page from the Philippine weather bureau and bestow them with local names. After all, the latest variant dubbed FLiRT (a charming, if inappropriate, acronym) could be rebranded as the “Malandi variant.” 

This would certainly grab attention, adding a touch of cultural flavor to our scientific discourse. Imagine the public service announcements: “Stay vigilant against Malandi!” It’s a perfect blend of humor and caution, ensuring that even our pandemics are unmistakably Filipino. Moreover, such names could spark creative public health campaigns. Instead of drab, clinical terms, we could have a gallery of colorful, memorable names that resonate more deeply with the populace. 

While the thought is admittedly absurd, it’s a reflection of how we might find levity in crisis, even if it means transforming a global pandemic into a uniquely Filipino saga.