Roman Water Fights, Pet Squirrels, Perpetual Pre-Singing
Mar 12, 2025
auto_awesome
Vinny Thomas, a comedian and animal enthusiast recently seen in 'You're Cordially Invited', joins the conversation. They delve into the quirks of Victorian-era pet squirrels and the amusing notion of keeping exotic pets. The hosts also cover the Roman Colosseum's water battles, revealing the dramatic logistics behind those events. Additionally, they explore how chewing gum can prevent 'pre-singing' and act as a mental aid, discussing its fascinating history and health implications.
Victorian-era pet squirrels became a popular trend, notably involving figures like Benjamin Franklin, highlighting shifts in human-animal relationships over time.
The Roman Colosseum's naval battles, or 'Namakia', reveal ambitious engineering efforts and captivating entertainment practices of ancient Roman society.
Chewing gum, with roots dating back over 10,000 years, offers both psychological benefits and cultural significance while raising health concerns about synthetic ingredients.
Deep dives
The Benefits of a Chime Checking Account
Opening a Chime checking account presents an opportunity for better financial management by allowing fee-free overdrafts up to $200. This feature provides users with the flexibility they may need when funds are low without incurring hefty penalties that are typical of traditional banking systems. The account also promotes good financial habits by encouraging timely deposits that are applied directly to the balance. This seamless integration fosters a positive banking experience aimed at helping users progress towards a more secure financial future.
The Highs and Lows of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has a fascinating history, with evidence suggesting its earliest forms date back over 10,000 years to Scandinavia. People initially chewed natural substances like birch bark and chicle, with gum eventually evolving into a popular pastime linked to various cultural practices. Interestingly, chewing gum has been shown to assist with mental tasks by improving focus and reducing stress, although many common gums contain synthetic ingredients that could raise health concerns. Overall, chewing gum serves as both a nostalgic activity and a potential tool for mental clarity.
The Coliseum's Alleged Naval Battles
One captivating aspect of ancient Roman entertainment involved staging naval battles in the Coliseum, known as 'Namakia,' where the arena was filled with water to host mock sea fights. Historians debate the plausibility of these events due to the engineering required to waterproof the structure and the logistical challenges involved; however, evidence suggests that it may have occurred at least once, particularly under Emperor Augustus. These extravagant showcases often saw thousands of combatants and animals, culminating in theatrical and often deadly spectacles that thrilled the Roman audience. Additionally, spectators could be enthralled by the magnitude of such events, creating a memorable experience interconnected with the broader festivities of Roman society.
The Quest to Domesticate Squirrels
In colonial America, keeping squirrels as pets was once a popular trend, with notable figures like Benjamin Franklin taking part. This fascination led to abundant literature on the care of squirrels, giving recommendations on feeding and nurturing these wild animals. However, by the early 20th century, the trend dwindled as people recognized the challenges posed by squirrels' wild nature, leading to a shift back towards more traditionally domesticated animals. The nostalgic idea of a domesticated squirrel sparks curiosity about the animals humans choose to tame and how those relationships have evolved over time.
The Importance of Chewing and Its Benefits
Chewing as an action provides humans with various psychological and physiological benefits, which may offer insights into its widespread appeal. Studies indicate that chewing gum can enhance concentration and potentially help mitigate intrusive thoughts or mental blocks because the physical act of chewing may disrupt negative cognitive patterns. Furthermore, numerous small studies suggest that chewing increases blood flow to the brain, boosting alertness without explicit evidence of direct cognitive performance improvement. Overall, chewing serves as a simple yet effective mechanism that many may find comforting in achieving focus and improving mental states.
Vinny Thomas joins the show to talk about Victorian-era pet squirrels. Jess hops behind the mic to discuss filling the Roman colosseum with water, and Rachel unravels how chewing gum can stop us from "pre-singing."
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts and stories with us in our Facebook group or tweet at us!
