Interesting Finds

[Penderrin]

Just another topic based on Fridgsters "You are Currently....".

Are there any interesting little stories, historical or otherwise, you've come across recently?

Here's one I came across.

Killer whales of Eden, New South Wales - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[MoonCres]

So @Fridgster is to blame for this or the drugs? Let's be honest.... most likely both. Carry on...

 

[Penderrin]

Don't blame drugs, embrace them.

Edit

The same goes for Fridgster

 

[Penderrin]

And this

Toynbee tiles - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Penderrin]

I came across this while reading about the last one, or was it vice versa. It might be well known in these circles but I've never heard of it.

Polybius: The Most Dangerous Video Game to Never Exist - Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Legend has it that upon pressing start, unsuspecting gamers fell into a trance that triggered memory loss, seizures, blackouts, and hallucinations.

www.ripleys.com

 

[Fridgster]

How about the fact that man has achieved a temperature of 4 TRILLION degrees celsius. That's enough to melt neutrons.

Hottest temperature ever heads science to Big Bang

Scientists have created the hottest temperature ever in the lab -- 4 trillion degrees Celsius -- hot enough to break matter down into the kind of soup that existed microseconds after the birth of the universe.

www.reuters.com

 

[Penderrin]

Centralia, PA or Silent Hill?

This Mine Fire Has Been Burning For Over 50 Years | HISTORY

Centralia, Pennsylvania was once a bustling mining center, but a hidden, underground fire has turned it into a smoldering ghost town.

www.history.com

I walked Graffiti Highway about ten years ago and am sad to have learned it's now covered over. Yes, I guess I was a trespasser.

The End of Centralia's Abandoned, Colorful, Anarchic 'Graffiti Highway'

First the fractured stretch of road became a canvas, then a gathering place. Now it will become forest.

www.atlasobscura.com

 

[Penderrin]

And then there is Pando.

Fishlake National Forest - Home

Fishlake National Forest - Home

www.fs.usda.gov

 

[Penderrin]

Let me drop just one more as this is a pointless endeavor.

I heard this for the first time just a few months ago, lead to it by Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader(excellent book series for boring people like me). I recommend the Ebook version if checking out of the library .

A Johnny Cash song and my little city, born and raised, but left. Shocked me really. Interesting story in itself but I'll let Mr. Cash tell it.

 

[Penderrin]

What the hell, I'll drop another since I'm bored af and need to entertain myself.

Here is another for Halloween .

Robert The Doll — Ghosts & Gravestones

www.ghostsandgravestones.com

 

[MoonCres]

What the hell, I'll drop another since I'm bored af and need to entertain myself.

Here is another for Halloween .

Robert The Doll — Ghosts & Gravestones

www.ghostsandgravestones.com

Dude dolls are weird/creepy... never liked them or clowns which some people think fun. I tried to burn my sister's barbie dolls as a kid just to have them defigured and more creepy. Good news she didn't want them so got thrown away. Bad news I had to buy her new ones with my meager allowance. Lesson of this story is! You need to burn that museum down and buy them a new one.

 

[Penderrin]

And finally a good SNL skit. It's been awhile.

 

[Penderrin]

China's ghost cities

Inside The Ghost Cities Of China That Feel Like An Eerie, Futuristic Dystopia

China's rapid urbanization has backfired, leaving behind enormous — and uninhabited — cities.

allthatsinteresting.com

 

[Penderrin]

Spectroscopy has always amazed me. It's like we were handed a key to understanding the universe, we just needed to find it when we were ready.

History of Spectroscopy

The history of spectroscopy is an interesting story, which has profoundly shaped modern science. This history takes us from age-old curiosities over the nature of light, to discoveries about the solar system and chemical elements and their structures.

www.ossila.com

 

[Penderrin]

This place is really cool and has quite a backstory. It's definitely worth a stop if ever in the area. Even if you don't plan on staying a night they offer ghost tours.

The Haunted Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs – Legends of America

The historic 1886 Crescent Hotel is not only known as one of America’s most distinctive and historic destinations, but, is also haunted.

www.legendsofamerica.com

And for bikers there are some great rides in the area too.

Ride Maps | Eureka Springs Motorcycle Rides

www.eurekaspringsmotorcyclerides.com

Edited to add motorcycle link

 

[Penderrin]

For good or for bad, @skett is keeping me going here. Thank you.

Another hotel once known for it's curative waters. This place is amazing! Beautiful, luxurious, and it has quite a history of famous guests. It's way out of my class but felt elite for a night, ate wagyu and everything. I have a fond memory of standing on the atrium balcony with my wife and a long island ice tea in hand, listening to the pianist down below. Magic.

There is also a novel and subsequent movie based on it "So Cold the River". They are okay. Creepy vibe, horror, but the story never really came together for me.

Grand Hotel Histories - Indiana Landmarks

www.indianalandmarks.org

 

[skett]

@Penderrin I can spend days looking up trivial stuff

this is a fun
placehttps://www.odditycentral.com/

Keep it coming!

 

[Penderrin]

@Penderrin I can spend days looking up trivial stuff

this is a fun
placehttps://www.odditycentral.com/

Keep it coming!

I see there's a ton of material there. Nice!

 

[skett]

I also so go to https://imgur.com/ for some laughs and interesting vids

 

[Penderrin]

Today I'll go with a person. He was once a little well known but probably not so much today so I'll throw it out there. He was quite a controversial figure and has made a lot of enemies along the way but always with the best intentions. The Amazing Randi. I hate to use an obituary article but what better than to capture his life.

James Randi, dazzling magician and skeptic, dies at 92

James Randi, a magician who later challenged spoon benders, mind readers and faith healers with such voracity that he became regarded as the country’s foremost skeptic, has died, his foundation announced.

apnews.com

There is also a great documentary free on YouTube if interested, filmed and released before his death. "An Honest Liar"

 

[skett]

interesting read ty ill have to watch that documentary

 

[Penderrin]

Though this bridge is very well known, the wild construction may not be. If this idea of using pressurized caissons were passed by me for funding I would have rejected it, said it would never work. I would have been so wrong.

Brooklyn Bridge ‑ Length, Timeline & Facts | HISTORY

The Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, was constructed between 1869‑1883 and spans 1,595 feet.

www.history.com

And today I just learned a caisson was used in another bridge construction even earlier, the Royal Albert Bridge in England. It may have been different though, not pressurized, since I haven't read of "the bends" here. I'll plead ignorance.

Royal Albert Bridge - HistoricBridges.org

Historic Truss Bridge in Saltash and Plymouth South West, England. This unique bridge was an incredible feat of engineering when completed under the direction of famous engineer Brunel.

historicbridges.org

 

[Penderrin]

Can a movie script be cursed or is it just coincidence? Here is Atuk.

The Curse of Atuk - a Hollywood script that has killed 6 actors! — Horror Bound

Something different today - The Curse of Atuk - how one Hollywood script may have killed 6 actors….

www.horrorbound.net

 

[skett]

all great actors,

really bizarre !

 

[Penderrin]

*I do all my Stratics on the phone. I have no idea if this picture will be oversized on a computer... Someday I'll take the effort to look.

 

[Penderrin]

An endless lightning storm over a region sounds like something from a fantasy novel but it's real!

9 Dazzling Facts about the Catatumbo Lighting, Venezuela’s Constant Electrical Storm

One place in Venezuela, near the confluence of the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo, experiences lightning storms almost every day.

www.mentalfloss.com

Now I've sailed this lake a hundred times in the late 80's but only in the Sid Meier's Pirates! vIdeo game. I'd sure love to see this someday.

 

[skett]

i seen this in a documentary very cool

btw love Sid Meiers never played the pirates game tho ill have to try it some day im sure its on gog

 

[MoonCres]

Can a movie script be cursed or is it just coincidence? Here is Atuk.

The Curse of Atuk - a Hollywood script that has killed 6 actors! — Horror Bound

Something different today - The Curse of Atuk - how one Hollywood script may have killed 6 actors….

www.horrorbound.net

That's crazy! Your telling me all my fat funny guys were killed by this! I am suspicious there is a serial killer... I enjoy some the posts Penderrin. Keep up the good work!

 

[MoonCres]

An endless lightning storm over a region sounds like something from a fantasy novel but it's real!

9 Dazzling Facts about the Catatumbo Lighting, Venezuela’s Constant Electrical Storm

One place in Venezuela, near the confluence of the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo, experiences lightning storms almost every day.

www.mentalfloss.com

Now I've sailed this lake a hundred times in the late 80's but only in the Sid Meier's Pirates! vIdeo game. I'd sure love to see this someday.

Dude in that video needs his own post here....

 

[Penderrin]

Dude in that video needs his own post here....

Definitely looks like there's some cocaine in his system, he'd probably be a blast at the bar.
And thank you.

 

[Penderrin]

Glow in the dark women? Actually this is quite a sad story but I'm glad it's been told and not buried. Horrific really.

Radium Girls: The Women Who Fought for Their Lives in a Killer Workplace | Britannica

Being poisoned by their employer led these women to fight back.

www.britannica.com

 

[skett]

There is a movie about her
Very sad indeed

 

[Penderrin]

There is a movie about her
Very sad indeed

I have to look that up, I only knew about a book.

 

[skett]

Radium Girls (2018) ⭐ 6.3 | Drama, History

1h 42m | Not Rated

m.imdb.com

@Penderrin

 

[Pawain]

 

[MoonCres]

I actually had to go read comments wanted to know how they figured out the difference back then of two different shadows so far apart at same time back then. Quite interesting. I hope your post won't bring out all the flat earth ppl...

 

[skett]

Carl Sagan was great !

 

[Penderrin]

Carl Sagan was great !

I like what Neil deGrasse Tyson is doing now, following in Carl Sagan's footsteps. Neil comes off as a pompous ass sometimes but the newer Cosmos series is fantastic.

 

[Penderrin]

I thought this was an interesting page in history. There's a whole lot more to it than this article and I've heard slightly different accounts as with all history I guess. The cages make it real for me.

Interesting Histories: Munster Rebellion

The 16th century was a turbulent time for Europe. The all bounding and all powerful Catholic Church got hammered by the Protestant…

medium.com

This one has religion and politics at its center but it's just a historical story and not a talking point so I'll go for it.

I'll report on myself and let a moderator decide if it can stay.

 

[Penderrin]

It's hard to believe this place is public but it's real.

A good place for all you treasure hunters to test your skill. Also, no critters to jump you, well unless you are swarmed by reporters after a major find.

Digging For Diamonds At Crater Of Diamonds State Park: 14 Things To Know

If you are visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, you have to try your luck hunting diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here’s why, plus everything you need to know for a great Crater of Diamonds experience.

www.travelawaits.com

 

[Penderrin]

November gale season is upon us so I thought I'd add this one to remember even though it's well known. The Fateful Journey is worth the read.

Edmund Fitzgerald - Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

The legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains the most mysterious and controversial of all shipwreck tales heard around the Great Lakes.

shipwreckmuseum.com

And the excellent Gordon Lightfoot song - also worth a listen again, in memory.



It's been pretty calm so far this year as far as I know.

 

[skett]

That was a good read

 

[Penderrin]

Here's a few lucky shots. I believe a Ripley's Odditorium still houses the .38 from the first story.

Marshal Pitman, his jammed gun, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

This one is more recent.

Deputy fires '1 in a billion' shot into suspect's gun barrel

Investigators say an off-duty Colorado sheriff's deputy fired a bullet straight down the barrel of a suspect's gun

www.police1.com

 

[Penderrin]

Since it's tulip season(lies) I went looking for a good writeup on the old Dutch tulip craze in the 1600s but now I'm reading the story I knew may have been overblown a bit. I'll add it anyway.

The Real Story Behind the 17th‑Century ‘Tulip Mania’ Financial Crash | HISTORY

The speculative frenzy over tulips in 17th century Holland spawned outrageous prices for exotic flower bulbs. But accounts of the subsequent crash may be more fiction than fact.

www.history.com

As for when the real season rolls around this is the place to go.

Tulip Time Festival | Holland, Michigan

See millions of tulips in bloom as part of the Tulip Time Festival, held each spring here in Holland, Michigan. Of course the #1 attraction is the tulip itself, but the Tulip Time also celebrates Holland’s Dutch heritage each May with 8 days of events & special attractions. Plan your visit now!

www.holland.org

 

[Penderrin]

I'll go a bit darker on this one. A prolific female serial killer. I don't think she is all that well known so might be new material.

Here's a summary:

Belle Gunness: Biography, Serial Killer, Facts, Life & Victims

Serial killer Belle Gunness is reported to have murdered more than 40 people between 1884 and 1908 before disappearing without a trace.

www.biography.com

If you want to read more this one is a bit lengthy but adds the details:

“Hell’s Belle” Gunness – Black Widow of the Midwest – Legends of America

“Hell's Belle” Gunness, one of America's most degenerate female serial killers in history, likely killed both her husbands and all of her children.

www.legendsofamerica.com

She may even still be at large, at age 164.

 

[skett]

Amazing what people do for money

 

[Penderrin]

Another dark one.

The Hammond Train Wreck of 1918 Killed Scores of Circus Performers

One hundred years ago, a horrific railway disaster decimated the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus—but the show still went on

www.smithsonianmag.com

1918 seems a bad year for trains.

 

[Penderrin]

Another one for the treasure hunters. The Secret! After 40 years though the rest may never be found since things have changed so much.

The Secret: A Treasure Hunt - Mysterious Writings

The Secret Treasure Hunt is a search for hidden treasures. In 1982 a book was released to find 12 casques. Only 3 have been found to date.

mysteriouswritings.com

 

[Penderrin]

Happy Thanksgiving Stratics. It's been fun!

 

[skett]

Happy Thanksgiving !