

It Could Happen Here Weekly 7
Oct 30, 2021
Margaret Kiljoy, an author and podcaster, reads a captivating short story about the spectral 'northern host' during the Second American Civil War, blending history with haunting folklore. Katie Golden, a writer and podcaster, sheds light on the alarming mass die-off of saiga antelopes, linking their decline to climate change and emphasizing ecosystem interconnections. Their discussions weave together eerie narratives, environmental awareness, and a reflection on the fragile balance of life, presenting both entertainment and profound insights.
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The Pont-Saint-Esprit Incident
- In Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, 1951, hundreds experienced nausea, stomach pains, and hallucinations.
- Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and visual distortions, causing widespread panic.
Vivid Hallucinations
- A postman hallucinated shrinking and serpents coiling around his arms.
- Others saw tigers, children ground into sausages, and their hearts escaping through their feet.
Context of the Incident
- The lack of knowledge about hallucinogens in 1950s France amplified the terror.
- People believed they were going insane, not experiencing drug-induced effects.