Don't Look Now

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…

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 extravagant…

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 happe…

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 Va…

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 c…

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 …

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…

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 n…

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 …

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 involv…

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 poss…

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 suppli…

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".  …

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 c…

Stockholm syndrome is a phrase that gets used when people discuss traumatic situations like kidnappings or hostage situations.  What is Stockholm Syndrome?  Where did the name come from?  Does it hav…

Mary Mallon was an Irish born cook in early 20th century New York.  She was the first know case of a healthy, non-symptomatic carrier of Typhoid in the United States and has since become known far an…

We discuss a couple of interesting animals, the cupacabra, famed goatsucker of Puerto Rico and Texas.  Is it an alien creature that sucks the blood of farm animals... or ugly coyotes.  I bet you can …

The Winchester Mansion, built more or less continuously by Sarah Winchester from 1886-1922 is a huge sprawling complex with with 40 bedrooms, 47 fire places, and quite a bit of surrounding mystery.  …