Ridiculous History

What's the weirdest wartime heist you've ever heard of? In today's Classic episode, Ben, Noel and Max return to one of their favorites: On February 27, 1942, nine saboteurs set out in the middle of the night to blow up a Nazi-controlled heavy water plant in Norway. This operation was as crucial as it was complicated -- if the plant continued to function, the Nazis very well may have been able to construct an atomic bomb. Tune in to learn exactly how the commandos glided in and, eventually, skied away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quirky dive into how Thai food went from local tradition to a global staple. They trace ancient influences, Buddhist culinary habits, and wartime creativity behind pad thai. The conversation highlights Thailand's deliberate 'Kitchen of the World' campaign and the rise of gastro-diplomacy. They also compare other countries copying the strategy and ponder why Thai restaurants feel everywhere.

They trace ping pong from Victorian parlor games to the birth of organized table tennis. The evolution of equipment and radical racket innovations get lively attention. They explore speed glue controversies and efforts to make matches spectator friendly. The rise of Asian powerhouses and ping pong diplomacy also feature in the conversation.

A surprising look at Isaac Newton as a relentless lawman who tracked down counterfeiters. Tales of William Chaloner’s wide-ranging scams, from fake coins to lottery fraud. Accounts of Newton’s aggressive tactics, bribery, and intimidation during a two-year manhunt. The story ends with a dramatic trial, destruction of records, and reflections on justice and legacy.

Discover the fascinating rise and fall of Atari, from its explosive growth and innovative games like Tank to the major sale to Warner Communications. Delve into the corporate shake-up after Bushnell's exit and the impact of Space Invaders on the home gaming market. Explore how low-quality tie-ins like E.T. led to the infamous 1983 crash and the fragmentation of Atari's brand. Despite its struggles, the legacy of classic arcade hits endures, showcasing a nostalgic chapter in gaming history.

Dive into the origins of video gaming as the hosts celebrate Atari's trailblazing journey. Discover the fascinating stories behind Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, and how early arcade culture influenced their groundbreaking ideas. Hear about the birth of Pong, from its humble tavern testing to the mass-market success that followed. You'll also learn about the legal battles Atari faced and the strategic decisions that shaped its legacy. Get ready for a nostalgic trip through the pixelated past of gaming!

Dive into the legendary life and death of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who met his end at Trafalgar, only to face a unique dilemma—how to transport his body home. Discover the audacious plan by Surgeon Beatty to preserve him in brandy, leading to wild tales of sailors sipping from the barrel. Explore the funeral and national mourning that followed, along with fun facts about Nelson's legacy, including the infamous 'Nelson's blood' and curiosities about his personal life. It's a tale of bravery, ingenuity, and a touch of absurdity.

What qualifies as a 'real' word? This discussion dives into the fascinating evolution of language and how new words are born. The hosts explore the rigorous criteria set by dictionaries and the significance of phonemes. Historical censorship of language highlights the political implications of literacy. They reveal the triple five rule for dictionary inclusion, along with the quirky words that have come and gone. Recent 'words of the year' reflect cultural trends, and fun trivia underscores the intriguing quirks of language.

Discover the fascinating story of the Concorde jet, a marvel of aviation that promised transatlantic flights in under four hours while serving luxurious caviar and champagne. Listen as hosts explore its revolutionary design, the fierce global competition, and how operational limitations kept it exclusive. Dive into the tragic crash of Air France Flight 4590, which led to its untimely retirement. Explore the Concorde's legacy, from its lavish onboard service to its lasting impact on air travel, making it a wildly ambitious but ultimately flawed venture.

In 17th-century England, divorce was nearly impossible for the lower classes, leading to the peculiar practice of 'wife selling.' Couples would auction wives in public markets, mimicking livestock sales with ropes and halters. Some wives consented, gaining more agency than traditional divorce allowed. The practice danced on the edge of legality, often overlooked by authorities. Documented examples show bizarre auction speeches, while buyers ranged from unlucky suitors to wealthy intermediaries. The phenomenon faded with evolving divorce laws and changing societal views.