Trump shooting, Oasis frenzy, Huak Tuah and more – The 20 weirdest moments of 2024 – Part One
Dec 20, 2024
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Miranda Sawyer, a seasoned journalist and year analyst from Paper Cuts, joins Jonn Elledge, a contributor to various podcasts, to reflect on the wildest moments of 2024. They dive into the chaos of Oasis's ticket sales and the implications of their reunion. Outrage over England's Euros kit sparks fervent debates about cultural identity. The duo also examines the bizarre media frenzy around Donald Trump's controversies, shedding light on class identity and the absurdities of viral fame. Their witty insights make 2024’s chaos entertainingly relatable.
The drastic surge in Oasis reunion tour ticket prices illustrated the complexities of dynamic pricing and its impact on consumer frustration.
The viral incident involving J.D. Vance and a couch highlights the absurd intersection of humor and politics in today's media landscape.
Deep dives
The Economic Lesson of Dynamic Pricing
The surge in ticket prices for the Oasis reunion tour illustrated the pitfalls of dynamic pricing, a system that adjusts costs based on demand. Fans experienced a shocking upward price trend, with some tickets costing upwards of £350, drastically exceeding initial estimates. Many were frustrated by the complexity and rapid changes in pricing, which felt almost gamified as they scrambled to secure tickets. Despite the anger, this situation served as a real-world lesson on scarcity economics and the prevalence of such pricing strategies in various industries.
The Couch Controversy: Public Figures and Viral Stories
The bizarre story involving Vice Presidential Candidate J.D. Vance's alleged sexual encounter with a couch highlights the strange intersection of humor and politics in social media. A fabricated account from a tweet captured public attention, showcasing how absurd claims can go viral regardless of their truthfulness. While the humor was apparent, it raised questions about the nature of truth in the modern media landscape, where it can often be overshadowed by entertainment value. Ultimately, the incident had little effect on Vance's political standing, underscoring the fleeting nature of viral fame.
Olympics: The Superhero Duo of Kim Yeji and Yusuf Dikech
During the Olympics, the captivating presence of pistol shooters Kim Yeji from South Korea and Yusuf Dikech from Turkey drew significant attention due to their striking aesthetic and cool demeanor. Kim was likened to a sci-fi assassin with her black uniform and confident attitude, while Yusuf embodied a more casual, relaxed persona. Their competitive spirit and appearance not only entertained viewers but also sparked discussions about their potential as future characters in creative narratives. The duo's representation highlighted how sports can create memorable and engaging figures that resonate beyond the competition.
The Ups and Downs of Online Fame: Hawk-twa and Cryptocurrency
Hayley Welch, known for her viral commentary on giving oral sex, became an internet sensation following her humorous remarks, leading to a podcast and merchandise. However, her pivot to launching a cryptocurrency called 'Shork' turned into a financial disaster, causing a massive drop in value just moments after it soared to fame. This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility of meme coins and the risks of tying one's reputation to such speculative ventures. Welch's experience reflects the precarious nature of viral attention in the digital age, where fame can be as fleeting as it is momentary.
It’s that time of year when we look back over the last twelve months and ask… did that really happen? From Oasis giving the nation a brutal lesson in demand economics to the near-assassination of Donald Trump to the baffling rise of “Huak Tuah Girl”, 2024 has been a year of signs, wonders and bewilderment. In the first of a two-part Bunker special Miranda Sawyer and Jonn Elledge of Paper Cuts join Andrew Harrison to choose the first ten of the twenty most bizarre moments of the year – and work out what they mean.
Part Two is out on Monday 23 December, or sign up to Patreon to hear it right now – and support independent podcasting too.
• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.
Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production