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Fascinating True Stories From the Flip Side of History

On the Web Since 1994

Podcasting Since January 2008

Was the Heaviest Man Buried in a Piano Shipping Box?

Published on December 19, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Death and Murder, Tidbits

When Robert Earl Hughes died on July 10, 1958, did they really bury him in a piano shipping box?

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Will Written on Egg Shell

Published on December 8, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Death and Murder, Tidbits

John Barnes wrote his will on an eggshell. When he died in 1926, the validity of the will was challenged. Would the court accept it?

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Tells Amazing Tale of Mars

Published on December 1, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

On August 13, 1906, Sackville G. Leyson told of how his spirit was able to travel to Mars and back in 40 minutes while his body lay still.

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Jailed for Writing Fiction

Published on October 30, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Crime & Punishment, Tidbits

On March 18, 1943, 45-year-old author George G. Gorman was sentenced to prison time for writing a fictitious story that he claimed was true.

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In the Water Too Long…

Published on September 28, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Escape and Survival, Tidbits

Polar Bear Clubs exist worldwide where people take a swim in cold, frigid winter water. It didn't quite go as planned at the Atlantic City contest in 1957.

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Spike Heels Banned in Mobile, Alabama

Published on August 31, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Tidbits

Women in Mobile, Alabama were required to obtain a high-heel permit if they wished to wear spiked heels.

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Idea Wasn’t a Bust

Published on August 24, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

It was reported on August 13, 1949 that engineer turned fashion designer Charles Langs was having a problem meeting demand for his new product that he named “The Posies.”

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Suits Made from Paper

Published on August 17, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

In 1920, Great Britain was importing men's suits that were made of paper.

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The Transcontinental Taxi Ride – Podcast #126

Published on August 10, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Forgotten History, Podcast

An offbeat story from 1966 about a woman requested that a taxicab drive her all the way from Toledo, Ohio to San Francisco, CA.

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Girls Stuck in Phone Booth

Published on July 25, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Tidbits

In 1961, two girls got stuck in a phone booth. Just how would they get out?

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Woman Swallows a Live Mouse

Published on July 18, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Humor, Tidbits

It's really true! Florence Hill of Denver, Colorado swallowed a live mouse back in 1959.

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Popping Popcorn Wrecks Building

Published on July 11, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Tidbits

On June 11, 1941 a five-story brick building filled with popcorn began to pop and the building ultimately collapsed.

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The Snoring War – Podcast #125

Published on July 4, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Love & Marriage, Podcast

A fun story from 1964 in which Brooklyn neighbors Sam Gutwirth and Sam Scheir ended up in court due to Scheir's loud snoring.

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Drivers Use Homeowner’s Yard as Roadway

Published on July 2, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Tidbits

Back in 1962, motorists were driving up William Wiegand's Encino, California driveway and right through his backyard to get to Sepulveda Boulevard.

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Plane Lands on Car

Published on June 30, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Escape and Survival, Tidbits

On November 18, 1951, 47-year-old pilot Joe Wardle attempted to land his Piper Cub after its engine had stalled. The car kept moving and moving...

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