The Absurd

Our first story takes us to China where a woman became trapped in an elevator following some strange circumstances. Even scarier, she died after being stuck in the elevator for over a month. Still in China, Mel will tell us about the Canopia rainforest themed restaurant where patrons can pay over $700 CAD for a 15 course meal containing some … absurd dishes. One which has drawn the ire of officials, is a dessert made of elephant poop. Next, Rod will take us to a small town in Missouri where townsfolk in the early 80’s took care of a town bully. The case remains unsolved to this day. Lastly, Mel will tell us about the fascinating man named Alvin “Shipwreck” Kelly who made a career out of sitting on top of flagpoles. Sounds absurd? Wait until you listen to what is stunts all entailed.

Mel will start us off with a collection of absurd little items such as ketchup as medicine, Knocker-uppers, the origin of the Three Musketeers bar, and medical chainsaw, Next, Rod will take us to Los Angeles for a murder case involving a young Canadian woman. While the police have closed the case, many find their explanation to be … absurd. Then we’re off to Turkey where we’ll meet a family with a strange tendancy to walk and run on all fours. Lastly … who’s up for a game of poop needling?

South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape in the world, and a woman there thinks she has come up with a way to address it. Sometimes a serious problem requires a serious approach, and while her approach might be brutal, so too is the matter it addresses. Then we’re off to Australia, where Mel will tell us about a case where a woman receiving IVF was given the wrong embryo. Then Rod will tell us about a very rare medical condition that plagued a man in India for 36 years. This is a truly unsettling case. Lastly, will go to Florida to meet a woman who was recently arrested for what she was selling in her store. Human bones.

From the 1920’s until the early 70’s, posing with people in polar bear costumes was all the rage in Germany. Pictures of whole families, soldiers, workers, sports teams, and children can be readily found, and all of them are delighted to do so, Even the kids. Then we will learn about the birth of three Dire Wolf pups this year. What’s the big deal about that you ask? Well nothing, except Dire wolves have been extinct for 13,000 years. While still in the realm of science and ethics, Mel will tell us about the technology being developed that would see humans produced in artificial wombs. Humans without pain or fear. Humans from whom organs can be harvested for transplants. Humans … which could provide meat. Lastly, Rod will tell us about some of the more interesting (see repulsive, disgusting) food dishes from around the world. You hungry?

Anyone with kids or remembers being a kid has experienced the request to check for monsters in the bedroom. Of course there are no monsters. Right? A 66 year old woman in Germany proves it’s never too late to have a baby. Or even your tenth baby. Rabies is a truly terrifying disease with a mortality rate of virtually 100% and an agonizing death. Bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are the most common carriers in North America, but imagine contracting rabies in the hospital. Lastly, Mel will tell us about a fascinating and hilarious April Fools’ Day joke perpetrated by the BBC on the British public in 1957.

Mel will take us back a hundred years to look at some accepted medical practices of the day. Think any of these should be reintroduced? I’ve got a couple in mind. Then Rod will introduce us to an Indian man who bought the most expensive dog ever, and a one of a kind dog at that. Next, have you given any thought as to what you want done with your remains when you pass away? I suspect we all have thoughts on that. I’ll bet they differ from what this dude wanted. Lastly, we’ll go back to the 1940’s for a truly frightening bit of true crime.

Ever seen the Jim Carrey movie, The Truman Show? It’s a fantastic movie with a fascinating premise. But it could never really happen. Could it? Parents have always loved their babies, but judging by some of the things that were once considered normal to do with their babies might make you think otherwise. Next, we will learn about a previously unknown species of worm which was found in the Siberian permafrost. Not only were these very worms over 40,000 years old, they also weren’t dead. Lastly Mel will take us to India where we will meet Lalit Patidar who suffers from “werewolf syndrome” and has the hairiest face in the world.

A woman on a recent flight had some type of mental incident which saw her completely disrobe and run down the aisle. She also began striking the fuselage of the aircraft, and assaulted a flight attendant. While on the subject of flying, we’ll meet Reg Spiers, an Australian man who desperately needed to get home from the UK, but with no money, what could he do? How about ship himself home in a crate? Then we’ll learn of a sad and terrifying incident of cave exploration gone horribly wrong. Lastly, we’ll bring things back up with a hilarious and cute story of a 4 year old boy who took matters into this own hands when he found his mom had eaten his ice cream.

Mel will take us to 18th century England where we will meet Jeremy Bentham. A philosopher, jurist, social reformer, and all round great guy. When he died, his request to be preserved was honoured, and in a most … odd way. Next, Rod will tell us about the incredible and harrowing tale of Phineas Gage. A man who miraculously survived a hideous injury which left him scarred both physically and mentally, but which also led to a massive leap forward in neuroscience. Continuing on in the world of health, Mel will tell us about a very unfortunate man who could not gain weight, and was a veritable skeleton. Lastly, we will look at an interview with the man who is reported to have the largest penis in the world. Any guys who think that would be awesome should definitely give a listen.

Ever bought a scratch ticket? Sure you have. We’re off to France where a stolen credit card was used to buy a scratch ticket which won big. Who gets the money? The owner of the stolen card has a good solution. Next, Mel will take us to Detroit to learn of a sad and extreme example of a mother abandoning her children. Then we’ll meet a woman in New Hampshire who likes to pee in a certain store. And not in the bathroom. Lastly, we’ll go back to the 1800’s where a case of revenge ended up with the intended target being shot and killed 20 years after the shot was fired.