Mark and Toddcast

#170 - When Was It Invented?

This week we take a look at inventions that occurred either way earlier, or way later than we all might expect. From crossword puzzles to plywood, we find out the who's and whens of some of history's biggest innovations. In the news: Roseburg's historic ammonium nitrate explosion, the new Burnside Bridge, desalinization using solar energy, and Slurpee assaults. High-five!

#169 - It's Gold, Jerry!

Why has gold been valued since the beginning mankind? Does it have any use outside of being pretty and tiny, or is it really just that humans really, really like things that are pretty and shiny? Find out how gold became the standard, and why humans have valued it since the beginning of humans - as well as how our technology has utilized this literal space-age material. It's gold, Jerry!

# 168 - A Delightful Surprise

Instead of spoiling what our episode is about this week, I want you to be just as surprised and delighted as I was. It's what the world needs now.  But in the news this week, we've got a small Washington town who's made its own COVID currency, something about llamas, three legendary Rick Emerson Show news anchors get the axe, squirrels with bubonic plague, and more. Wave your hands in the air like you don't care!

#167 - All the News That's Fit to Be Left in Open Tabs On My Browser For the Past Few Weeks

We've been off for a few weeks, so what better time to catch up on all the news that's been piling up. Join us as we discuss Portland's reallocation of police funds, NASA's design for "Pulse," how to dodge sonic weapons, Oregon legalizes mushrooms for medicinal use, Exploding Whale Memorial Park, Segway rides into the sunset, Vancouver's Old Apple Tree dies, the worst drivers in America, and a topless woman and her norks save the day. Enjoy!

#166 - Bass Reeves and the History of the Black American Cowboy

Almost a quarter of all wild west cowboys were African-American, and they were an indispensable part of building the American West. So linked to the work, the term "cow boy" was created because Blacks at the time were referred to as "boy." This week we take a look at Black American Cowboys in general, and Bass Reeves specifically. Reeves was the most accomplished, respected, and well-known cowboy-turned-US Marshall, capturing 3,000 criminals through disguise, detective work, and marksmanship. He was so revered that many give him credit for inspiring The Lone Ranger. Yes, that Lone Ranger.  We also talk some news stuff, as always. Giddyup, and happy trails!

 

#165 - This Show is Garbage

Garbage management has been, and always will be something the human race needs to address. How did (or didn't) they do it in the past? This week we take a dumpster dive into the history of municipal waste management. There's some other stuff too, including the bizarre flavoring of Necco Wafers, clams that control the water supply of a city, and more. Get ready for some meandering conversation that literally turns to trash.

#164 - Cannabalistic Humanoid Underwater Construction

How do you go about building underwater? Whether it's a dam, a bridge, or a Chunnel (not a C.H.U.D., you have to figure out how to remove water from where water wants to be. So how do you manage that? Find out on this week's episode. We also talk about the news and stuff, but I've closed that document and don't feel like finding it again. Enjoy!

 

 

#163 - Oh the humanity! The Story of the Hindenburg

We all know how the story ends, but how did it begin, and how did it all culminate in one fateful 30-second explosion? And can I get the Hindenburg radio guy to read all my news stories? Find out this week! In the news: Billy Michell and his Donkey Kong record, X Æ A-12, visiting shy eels, the Portland Naked Bike ride may or may not be happening, and an underwear-clad hero jumps aboard a moving semi to drink wine straight out of the trailer. Enjoy!

 

 

#162 - Holograms

This week we dive into the strange world of holograms. How do they work? How do you create them? And how do they differ from regular photography or filmmaking? Well, the short answer is "lasers," and the long answer is just listening to the full show.  We also talk murder hornets, people getting hit by meteorites, quarantining at Disney, and the exciting world of Teledildonics. Enjoy!

#161 - MKULTRA, the CIA, and Mind Control

Sometimes the conspiracy theories are true. Sort of. MKULTRA was a real CIA operation meant to study the effects of different kinds of drugs and psychological interferences that could lead to mind control. Developed in hopes for use in Cold War spy espionage, the program was eventually discovered and confirmed by 20,000 documents that survived a CIA purge because they were misfiled. It's a fascinating (and terrifying) look at some of the secret ways our government acts. Also discussed: Hubble's 30th anniversary, smart toilets who read your "anal print," rocket launcher-fired drones,  MAD Magazine's Mort Drucker passes away, and panda bears get it on.  Enjoy!