Lateral with Tom Scott
95: Musical fly swatters
Aug 2, 2024
Ólafur Waage, a cartoon creator, joins comedian Evan Edinger and societal issues advocate Hannah Witton for a lively discussion. They tackle the unexpected role of fly swatters as jazz instruments and delve into the viral fame of a mundane Zoom meeting, sparking humor about online dynamics. The trio also explores quirky naming conventions in Nordic cultures and hilariously traces the origins of 'Scooby-Doo' to Frank Sinatra’s improvisation. Join them for a blend of creativity, culture, and comedic insights!
50:58
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Quick takeaways
- The bizarre 42-day road trip where a car was driven entirely in reverse exemplifies early automotive ingenuity and absurdity in travel challenges.
- Bill Clinton's elephant ride symbolizes the complex interplay between political optics and personal desires for public figures in diplomatic contexts.
Deep dives
The Unusual Journey of James Hargis
In 1930, James Hargis and a mechanic took a 42-day trip from New York City to Los Angeles, which was unusual because they drove the entire distance in reverse. The feat was not just a test of endurance but required alterations to the car; specifically, they physically removed the three forward gears from the transmission, making it impossible to drive forwards. Additionally, witnesses verified their journey, lending credibility to their claim of completing the journey in such a bizarre fashion. This road trip underscores the ingenuity and absurdity of early automotive challenges during an era when car travel was becoming more popular but roads were still largely unpaved.
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