What's in a Name? Frats Gone Viral!

Escape blame, change the name: "Ladies and gentlemen: the story you about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent" One of the quotes that are indelibly associated with the show "Dragnet" (original ran from 1951-59; revival from 1967-70, with a few name changes...). Updated version: "To the World Community from guess WHO (more specifically the VEWG arm, which stands for "Virus Evolution Working Group") -- the name game for COVID variants just got a bit easier...we are changing the way we have been naming them to protect the innocent, to prevent stigmatizing..." 

All Greek to Me: Starting on May 31st, instead of the variant SARS-CoV-2 virus initially known as B.1.1.7, associated with the UK, or British, or Kent, will now be known as Alpha, while the B.1.351, the variant first spotted in South Africa, will be Beta, and so on....on to Omega. And, when the letters of the Greek alphabet have been exhausted (you'd think they'd be exhausted by now, being used for so many purposes since their inception, since the late ninth or early eighth century BC), another series will be announced, said the spokesperson (whose name will be held here to protect...) -- I guess this is where the college frats will have to be asked for their explicit permission, to use the combination of Greek letters which become them...but knowing fraternity and sorority members, they are likely to be more than happy...

Her/Him-icanes: Starting in 1950 the formal practice for storm naming was instituted by the U.S. National Hurricane Center, initially utilizing names commonly associated with females and then in 1979 revising the system to incorporate both female and male names. Names can be repeated after six years and the names of especially destructive storms are permanently retired from use -- these include "Carol" and "Hazel" from as far back as 1954, and "Eta" and "Iota" as recent as 2020. The former names haven't been seen much lately around here among those parents are bestowing on newborns (while some 'classics' seem to be returning), and I have yet to meet an "Eta" or "Iota" (the seventh and ninth letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively). But I have heard many parents refer to their children in 'hurricane' terms and otherwise respond to their protests with "I don't care one Iota!"). Among other terms of endearment...

Taming, Naming Dragons: Dragons have historically depicted and thus, named as being the epitome of either good or evil. Examples of 'goodness' include the names "Fraygiephoarth", "Roirayss", and "Odhossyn". These from "cool names for good dragons", a reference you should all have if aspiring to adopt a dragon rather than a dog or cat, but be aware there is a shortage, quite a waiting period, plus there is an advocacy group who will inspect your home to make sure it's fit for such a critter to feel welcome. Otherwise, among the "Top 30" for girl dragons, you'll find the somewhat more familiar names "Hydra", "Medousa", and "Tanith", names you probably haven't overheard at a family function even pre-Covid..."Medousa, get over here right now!"

Top of the Pyramid: While dating back to the time of the Greeks, Egyptian pyramids were initially named after the pharaoh who would permanently reside within, ranging from Djoser (2686-2613 BC) through Ahmose (1550-1292 BC). Once again, not exactly household names, but perhaps if you want to confer a name to your child that might destine them to greatness...Another way pyramids are named is via geometry; that is, a pyramid with a square base is simply referred to as a "square pyramid", whereas one with a triangular base is a "triangular pyramid" and one with a base in the form of a pentagon is what else, a "pentagonal pyramid"....BUT one with a circular base is NOT a pyramid, but instead considered a "cone"...like the many newborns who come out with such a shaped head ("my darling little cone head!"). Finally, after so many centuries of 'positive pyramid lore' along comes one dude who did his best to give it a bad name, "Ponzi", which was actually a surname, first name "Charles"...while I haven't met a child or even a dog named "Ponzi", I wonder after reading this some parents will second guess themselves if they named their boy "Charles" (and who would want to be known as the "Bride of Chucky"?!). After all, what's in a name?