99% Invisible Mini-Stories: Volume 7
Dec 19, 2019
Chris Berube, a producer who dives into the Hollywood sign's unexpected history and the challenges of tourist access. Vivian Leigh shares the quirky tale of raccoons disrupting Japanese temples, raising ethical dilemmas for monks. Kurt Kolstad discusses vernacular designs influenced by folklore, showcasing fascinating architectural features like witches' windows. Together, they explore strange intersections of culture, nature, and design, making for an entertaining collection of mini-stories that highlight the unexpected tales behind familiar symbols.
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The Wrong Jack Purcell
- Ottawa's Jack Purcell Park features unique light fixtures resembling badminton rackets.
- These were mistakenly designed to honor a famous badminton player, not the local hockey stick repairman the park is actually named after.
Protecting Hollywood From Tourists
- The Hollywood sign's accessibility has created issues for nearby residents due to increased tourism.
- Residents, including Sarah Jane Schwartz, advocate for less promotion and even manipulated online maps to redirect tourists.
Raccoon Rampage in Japan
- Raccoons, introduced to Japan as pets due to a popular anime, became an invasive species.
- They now cause extensive damage to ancient temples, forcing Buddhist monks into the difficult position of eradicating them.