Don't Look Now

We discuss the Marian apparition of Fatima, Portugal in 1917, as well as other famous sightings of the Virgin Mary.  From May to September 1917 three children claimed to see Mary in the hills near Fatima, Portugal.  They say she spoke to them and revealed three secrets.  What were those secrets and how does the Catholic Church categorize miraculous sightings?  Find out in this week's episode.

Come learn about the history of the common spud, from it's original cultivation in the Andes to it's spread to Europe where it cured famine.  How did the potato go from a poisonous tuber that could only be consumed with detoxifying clay to one of the five largest staple foods in the world?  Listen in and find out. 

We discuss some famous/infamous hoaxes of archeology, from Ancient Egyptians in Spain with Hercules carvings, to ancient skulls in California, and figurines of people riding dinosaurs in Mexico.  Come learn about some of the more dubious history of archeological science. 

Since the beginning of recorded time people have seen things in the sky that the could not readily identify.  Weird atmospheric phenomenon, birds, meteors, sun dogs, and glories have mystified people since our beginnings.  However, more recently people have begun to wonder if any of these strange objects are extra-terrestrial craft.  We discuss the phenomenon of UFOs from mentions of crosses in the sky over a thousand years ago to claims of abduction today. 

Today we discuss cultural specific ailments or culture specific disorders.  From delusions of constantly shrinking genitals, to spirit possession and random violent outbursts, we cover illnesses that are considered a recognizable disease in some cultures and bizarre in others.  

We discuss the so called Forty Elephants, an all female crime gang active in London from the 1870s to the 1990s.  Specializing in high end retail shoplifting, they were known for dressing extravagantly, living glamorously, and making off with clothes and jewels hidden in secret pockets all through their clothes.

We discuss the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  Was the cow to blame and if not, why have people pinned the disaster on a poor Irish woman?  Come learn about the background of the fire, what really happened, and what became of Mrs. O'Leary.

We discuss the history of Valentine’s Day and its traditions.  From the Roman festival of Lupercalia, to the creation of Valentines cards and conversation hearts. Come join us on a journey through Valentine’s Days past.

We discuss the collapse of societies.  None of history's great cultures have stood the test of time.  All fall eventually.  What causes the collapse of a society or culture?  You will find that the causes can be myriad, from poor harvests to exploding meteorites.

We discuss a topic near and dear to about 12 percent of the world's population: left-handedness.  This one goes out to all the southpaws, corrie-fisted, golly-handed, mollydookers, and cuddy wifters out there.  Learn some history of left handedness from around the world and find out which of the afore mentioned terms drives Jeni nuts.

The Haunted Mansion is one of Disney's most famous rides.  We discuss the history of the ride and it's backstory, both fictional and historical.  Come learn about the Haunted Mansion.

What do you get when you mix two eccentric brothers, hoarding, and paranoia?  You get the sad yet fascinating case of the Collyer brothers.  These two bachelor brothers became part of Harlem lore due to the sad, grizzly tale of the discovery of their bodies in their brownstone apartment that was filled with over 100 tons of trash and collected items. 

We continue our segment on the American fur trade with the impacts of the trade on societies, the effect on Native American women, and the rise of the Metis people.

We discuss the American Fur Trade, one of the earliest and most important economic trades between Europe and the natives and colonies in the New World.  This trade resulted in multiple wars between native tribes, and constant rivalry between the French and English colonies.

It might not be pretty, but it sure is interesting.  We discuss the origins, history, and cultural implications of Syphilis.  Once a horrifying disease that caused madness and disfigurement, The Pox was stigmatized in many cultures and many time periods.  Come find out more as we discuss the uncomfortable topic of Syphilis. 

The Molly Maguires were an Irish secret society from the 19th century what were know for vigilantism against authority figures deemed to have wronged the people.  The are most famous for their involvement in the labor conflicts over the conditions of immigrant laborers in late 19th century Pennsylvania.  However, were the Molly Maguires really a threat or was their existence made up to excuse local bosses in crushing a new formed labor union?  Check out this week's podcast and find out.

Dr. Grover Krantz was an American anthropologist that was widely published on multiple topics.  He also was an avid bigfoot hunter, both figuratively and literally, researching any traces of the possible animal and driving though the woods at night with a shotgun.  Listen in and learn all about this highly colorful character.

John B. Calhoun was interested in looking at the effects of overcrowding on societies of mammals, so he created a mouse utopia, Universe 25.  Universe 25 was an environment made with unlimited supplies of food and water with no predators, where the mice could live without stress and allow their population to grow without environmental restriction.  What he found was an initial utopia with explosive population growth, but it eventually led to a complete collapse of the social structure of the mice and the death of the entire colony.  What can we learn from this experiment and how might if parallel human society?  Come find out!

The actress Natalie Wood, is synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood.  Famous as a child actress she is sill known for her role in "A Miracle on 34th Street"  and as Maria in "West Side Story".  She was active from the 1940s until her untimely death by drowning under mysterious circumstances in 1981.  We discuss her origins as Natalie Zacharenko, the daughter of Russian immigrants, her path from child star to adult in Hollywood, and what might have happened that final fateful night on her yacht.

We discuss the famous duo of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, founders in turn of Psychoanalysis and Analytical Psychology.  Their relationship went from friends and compatriots to bitter rivals.  What caused the rift and what did each of them contribute to the understanding of the human condition?  Come find out!