Ripley Radio: An On-Demand Oddcast - Ripley Radio

Ripley Radio – Fish Odor, Jersey Devil & Building Your Own Casket

billschiffler — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:01:30 +0000

Does the famed New Jersey Devil really have a bathing pool deep inside the state’s Pine Barrens? Author Fran Capo’s new book, Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey, has a chapter on the Devil’s Bathtub and she drops by this week to tell us about her weird experience when she visited the mysterious body of water.
Co-host Ralf discovers the North House Folk School in Minnesota where students learn to build their own caskets! The school’s Jessa Frost says the casket can serve as a coffee table or as a book shelf until you are ready to use it for the intended purpose.

Further Weird, Bizarre, Fun and Unbelievable Subjects Covered this week:
• Jodi Pliszka, The Solutionologist, talks about a smelly weird medical malady simply known as Fish Odor Syndrome.
• Intern Abby relates the hilarious tale of a man dressed up as Frosty the Snowman who inadvertently terrorized a small town.
• Angela goes techie on us this week and discusses the Internet of Things. She explains how a person’s “things” will someday all be interconnected and will “talk” with and respond to each other, without any help from you!
• We learn of a man in Nome, Alaska, who was trapped in his car during a snowstorm for nearly four days and was able to survive the cold without food or water. What kept him alive? He ate the frozen beer from the 12-pack of Coors he had in the back seat!
• How far does a modern-day cannonball fly and how much damage can it do along the way? We hear of an unbelievable accident on the set of the TV show MythBusters that provides some answers.
• Dinosaurs are heading to Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Ripley archivist Edward Myer talks about these huge robotic beasts as well as other related items in the Ripley collection – including prehistoric insects encased within an amber rock!

Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey http://francapo.com/bookstore.html?page=shop.product_details&product_id=14&flypage=flypage.pbv.v3.tpl&pop=0
North House Folk School – http://www.northhouse.org/
Jodi Pliszka – www.thesolutionologist.com
Frosty the Snowman – http://www.wcti12.com/news/29883069/detail.html
Internet of Things

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221614/Today_the_Internet_tomorrow_the_Internet_of_Things_

A Man in Nome, Alaska – http://digitaljournal.com/article/315585
An Unbelievable Accident – http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/12/17/mythbusters-gets-an-earful-from-dublin-neighbors-over-cannonball-accident/

Ripley Radio – Mental Floss, Starbuck Surprises & a Dog Named Ripley

billschiffler — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:01:39 +0000

Ethan Trex of the popular web site and magazine, Mental Floss, stops by Ripley Radio this week to discuss the weird topics his publication carries, how they research the bizarre, and how it compares with Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
A pitiful little pooch was found in the ditches in Houma, La., near death and totally unrecognizable as a dog in fall 2010. Today, a little more than a year later, Ripley the Dog is flourishing in his new home. Mike Tingle joins us and provides an update on the little guy and says that with the help that Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Petco provided him and the shelter, the adoption was made possible.

Additional Bizarre, Weird and Unbelievable Topics Discussed this Week.
• Care for a cup of Pequod today? Starbucks was nearly named Pequod, after the ship in the literary classic Moby Dick! Intern Abby reports on that near travesty and other things we all should know about the popular coffee chain.
• In the segment, “Jackpotting with James Taylor,” the sideshow historian and author of Shocked and Amazed shares with us the colorful and unique life of Homer Tate, possibly the best sideshow gaff maker in the history of the business.
• Peter Minuet, who sold Manhattan to the Indians, was fired shortly thereafter by the Dutch Government. You’ll be surprised at the reason for his dismissal.
• A Seattle man’s decades-long guilt evidently led him to return money he had stolen from a Sear’s cash register in the late 1940s – with interest! He anonymously returned it to the customer service desk during the 2011 holiday shopping rush.
• Imagine this: You are a high ranking and award winning police official but get caught committing a crime. Ok, bad enough but how about this? You are spending time in the correctional institute that the city named after you for your years of outstanding service! Believe it or Not! it happened.
• Angela discusses a computer program that reacts to your mood, and other unbelievable techie-type of amazing products that remind us that Big Brother probably IS watching us.
• Ripley’s archivist Edward Meyer recounts his trip in late 2011 in which he traveled to the mountains of Thailand to meet artists who weld together huge statues out of used car parts.

Starbucks – http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/51272
Computer program – http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/global-observer/computers-know-youre-sad-then-try-to-help/833
Mental Floss – www.mentalfloss.com
James Taylor – http://www.shockedandamazed.com/
Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey http://francapo.com/bookstore.html?page=shop.product_details&product_id=14&flypage=flypage.pbv.v3.tpl&pop=0

Ripley Radio – A Talking Dog and What’s Banned from Wal-Mart

billschiffler — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:01:44 +0000

Was Don, a celebrated German pooch from the early 20th century, really able to talk as so many stories and legends proclaim? Huffington Post correspondent Marc Hartzman looked into the popular tale and talks with us this week on Ripley Radio – An On-Demand Oddcast.
Do you think all big box retailers carry virtually everything? Think again and tune in to see what Wal-Mart has banned over the years from being sold in their stores! Intern Abby notes that “everything from the unexpected – Mattel Dolls, to the expected – CDs with explicit lyrics” has been shunned by America’s largest retailer.

Additional Bizarre, Unusual and Weird Topics discussed this week:
• Ripley Archivist Edward Meyer continues his countdown to the Number One best acquisition he made during 2011 for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! It’s not Number One, but one of the top three is the Hogwart’s Castle, made by Pat Acton out of a million wooden matchsticks.
• In the “Jackpotting with James Taylor” segment, the sideshow historian and author of Shocked and Amazed, relates the incredible story about the oddest married couple ever – Jeanie Tomaini the half-girl and the Giant Al Tomaini.
• Kim Orlando, who heads up the Travelingmom.com website, drops by and tells us about a couple of warm and wonderful – albeit weird and funky – wintertime destinations, including what most travel writers call the most alien-looking country on earth.
• Angela delves into the unbelievable historical roots of monsters – Why we create them, why we love them and why so many popular creatures have been fashioned over the years. She reports that “we create monsters and give them life in a form that we fear in ourselves.”
• Our co-host Ralf with an F explains that stressed out law students at George Mason University Law School are given puppies to help them relax. Officials say the process does two very important things – it helps the students relax and it saves the life of a puppy! It’s an unbelievably successful program.
• AND to give our feline friends equal time, we hear about Daniel the 26 toed cat that lives at the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center. His deformity has made him a celebrity and his keepers used him this year as a fund-raising feline to help raise money to cover the increase in rent for the shelter. To date, he has helped raise more than $80,000!

Don – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-hartzman/a-touch-of-knowledge-don-_b_1002799.html
Monsters: http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2011_10_27/monster_culture
Wal-Mart – http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/34728
Oddest Married Couple – http://thehumanmarvels.com/?p=1012
Shocked and Amazed – http://www.shockedandamazed.com/
Marc Hartzman – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-hartzman
Kim Orlando – www.travelingmom.com
Daniel, the 26-toed cat – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/cat-with-26-toes-helps-mi_n_1067942.html
George Mason University – http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/cuddly-puppies-help-law-students-de-stress-before-exams/2011/12/01/gIQA0s9LIO_story.html
Hogwart’s Castle – http://crazy-clips.blogspot.com/2006/10/matchstick-castle.html

Ripley Radio – Bizarre Economic Indexes & Walking Over Niagara Falls

billschiffler — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:01:55 +0000

Nik Wallenda, the 7th generation high-wire walker in the world-famous Wallenda Family, is attempting to get official permission from the Canadian Government to walk across Niagara Falls in June 2012. Meanwhile, the New York State government has already given him the go ahead for that side of the Falls. Nik talks with Ripley Radio this week about what motivates him to risk his life in his world-record high-wire walks.
The mother of Amber Karlins felt that her daughter was living a ”small life” and needed to face her many fears – head on. The 25 – year old talks with Ripley Radio this week about her new book, “My Year of Living Fearlessly,” in which she chronicles how she faced 52 of those fears in 52 weeks.

Additional Outrageous, Weird, Unbelievable and Bizarre Things Discussed this Week
• It seems there are many unusual, and surprisingly accurate, economic indicators that shed light on how the US economy is going. Angela discusses the Lipstick Index, as well as other off-beat indicators.
• Paranormal and UFO writer for the Huffington Post Lee Spiegel, drops by and unveils his Top 11 UFO stories of 2011.
• We learn from Jodi Pliszka, Ripley’s very own Solutionologist, what the medical malady, trichotillomania is all about.
• Abby takes a look at food trends that experts are predicting for 2012, including a rush on potato dishes. She tells us there are high-end French Fry Bars in our future.
• We hear of a 16 year old girl who spent Christmas vacation skiing to the bottom of the world with her father – and how he threw away her school books that she brought along so she could study during her break.
• Ripley archivist Edward Meyer presents the first six of his Top 12 favorite acquisitions he made during 2011 for the Ripley Archives. On his list this week is a full-size Ferrari car knitted from 12 miles of yarn and the world’s only known Shrunken Face. The top six will be presented next week.

Ripley Radio – Typhoid Mary & A Tree in Disneyland

billschiffler — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:01:09 +0000

In the early 1900s, Typhoid Mary cooked for people and they soon became very ill or died. It was that simple, but was she a typhoid carrier? Fran Capo joins us this week to discuss Mary Malone, better known as Typhoid Mary, from the research she did for a chapter in her new book, Myths and Mysteries of New York .
Walt Disney loved a big old fig tree growing along a residential street in Anaheim, Calif., so much that he sent his Imagineers out to take a casting of its roots and trunk to bring back and built an exact replica at Disneyland to house what is now known as Tarzan’s Treehouse. Popular culture historian Chris Epting found the tree and climbed it. He reports.

Other Crazy, Funky, Unusual and Unbelievable Things Discussed This Week:
• A Catholic Nun from Ionia College had an expensive gambling habit and lost nearly a half million dollars of her college’s funds in Atlantic City. She was arrested and must now make restitution. Quite a Sister’s Act, we presume.
• Bowser Beer Company makes beer brewed especially for dogs, including the tasty treat Labrador Lager. The group of taste-testing terriers has proven it safe for consumption.
• A Zombie Boot Camp now operates in Britain and teaches students how to survive a Zombie Invasion. Reservations required.
• Wear Milk? Return Intern Abby reports on an award-winning new fabric – made entirely from German, organic milk. It’s soft to the body and is good for the skin, Abby notes.
• Sideshow queen The Great Cindini helped author Amber Karlins succeed on five new challenges in Karlins’ just released book, My Year of Living Fearlessly. She talks about coaching her through the skills, from walking on glass to eating fire!
• You will be amazed at the number of crazy lawsuits that are being filed out there, wasting resources and costing us all money! Angela researched a few of the more unbelievable claims AND the unbelievable outcome of several of the more ridiculous assertions.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood has just reopened with a brand new show. All original displays and a fresh approach to the weird side of Hollywood! Ripley’s archivist walks us through some of the more unbelievable exhibits.

Ripley Radio – Hard Core Jousting, Sunken Ships & The Doors

billschiffler — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:01:11 +0000

Formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, Jim Morrison & The Doors created their own recording studio in a worn-down area of Santa Monica Boulevard. Today, that location is a Mexican Restaurant and the sound booth in which Morrison recorded is the men’s bathroom. Pop culture historian Chris Epting tells us all about it on this week’s Ripley Radio.
Charlie Andrews is one tough dude! He is the reigning world champion jouster. Yes, there is such a sport as professional jousting and National Geographic Television features Andrews and others in the series, Knights of Mayhem. Charlie explains that it is definitely a sport in which you WILL get hurt.

Additional Bizarre, Unusual and Weird Topics discussed this week:
• Man of many lives and careers, Pat Croce, the owner of St. Augustine’s Pirate and Treasure Museum tells Ralf that his crew has discovered two ships that were part of the Sir Francis Drake’s final expedition and that the body of Drake, which was lowered into the sea in a lead-lined coffin, could likely become their next discovery.
• A stash of items stolen from a local police precinct was found in one of the cop’s basement. His defense is that a ghost must have stolen the property.
• For Sale, read the ad on Craig’s List. One video-game obsessed military veteran of Afghanistan. It seems the wife couldn’t get him to do anything but play the video war game. The ad was pulled by the web police.
• Let’s sign up for a Groupon Deal, get more business and save our cupcake shop! Wrong. The owner of Need a Cake Bakery in the UK received 8,500 orders totaling 102,000 cupcakes – an order that eventually cost her more than $19,000 extra to fill – more than her profits for all of last year.
• How about this claim to fame. A musician held a benefit concert in Africa – to raise money to build an electric fence around a compound – that contains blind elephants!
• Return intern Abby reports on an English historian who was found with 20 female corpses in his house, all dressed up as if they were going to a party!
• Angela researched mysterious deaths of magicians. Some died on stage, another died in the hospital while those in the audience thought appearing to be dead was part of his act!
• Archivist Edward Meyer tells of his journey late last year into the mountains of Thailand where he met a lady who welds together 19-foot tall replicas of Transformer figures – made from old auto parts!

Ripley Radio – Aliens, Dwarf Basketball & a Funky Tower

billschiffler — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:01:48 +0000

This week on the Dec. 26 episode of Ripley Radio, we learn that Aliens do exist. Jim Moroney tells us of the night he was abducted by Aliens and how it changed his life.

Jerry Chubbuck, owner of the funky roadside attraction, Wonder Tower, in Genoa, Colorado, takes us on a fun tour of this landmark and promises that he will give us our $1 admission free back if we are totally happy about our tour!

Additional Unbelievable and Amazing topics we talk about this week:

• Our man on the street reporter Buck Wolf talks about his visit with the New York Towers, a dwarf basketball team.
• We hear about odd Japanese beverages.
• A bunch of Chihuahuas who ate their dead master.
• We learn of a 13 year old girl who looks three times her age.
• From an old Ripley Radio segment and we learn of an army commander who was so young that he had to be carried onto the battlefield.

Ripley Radio – Christmas Weirdness and Couch Surfing

billschiffler — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:01:26 +0000

Christmas expert Robin Mains tells Ripley Radio that although she is a Christian, she and her family stopped celebrating the holiday a decade ago and speaks of the deviant and strange side of the holiday.
The world’s top couch surfer, Ori Bengal explains how easy it is to get an invitation to sleep on stranger’s couches.
More Weirdness Discussed this week:
• We learn of a Christmas gift that was lost at sea when the ship that was carrying it sunk, but the package still arrived only two days late.
• We hear about North Carolina’s mysterious Judaculla Rock and it’s carvings. Jeremiah Greer takes us on a whimsical journey.
• We visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not Times Square in New York City.

Ripley Radio – Witch Doctors, Alien Hands & 7 Billion People

billschiffler — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:01:51 +0000

TV adventurer, author, actor and world traveler Piers Gibbon stops by Ripley Radio this week and tells us about his latest National Geographic Channel show, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now! He shares the various “cures” he was shown by the Witch Doctors in Peru. AND he tells us which ones worked.
In this week’s Weird Medical Maladies Minute, Jodi Pliszka, the Solutionologist, explains what the “Alien Hands” syndrome is all about and provides a few very graphic bizarre examples of what can happen if you have this affliction.
Other Freaky, Wild and Crazy Things Discussed this Week:
• Return Intern Abby reports that the 7 billionth human on Planet Earth was born on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2011 in the Philippines and she tells us where we can find the formula to figure out what our birth order was amongst those billions!
• Chris Epting reports on a booth in Pete’s Tavern in Lower Manhattan where O. Henry sat while writing the Gift of the Magi in 1906.
• Ralf talks about the dangers of what parents assume are safe toys, while in reality the simplest toy can be quite dangerous. He points out that 3.8 million individual toys were recalled during 2011 – just in the US!
• We hear that the Sugar Plum Fairy of St. Charles, Mo., was fired just before Christmas and learn of the “Save the Sugar Plum Fairy” groups that have sprung up in an attempt to get her coveted job back!
• There’s a new cheese on the market. It is infused with eatable gold leaf and sells for $100 per slice!
• Every year it happens. A thief gets stuck in a chimney trying to enter a house to rob. This year the doofus is a 17-year male!
• Angela takes us on a tour of vending machines and the unusual items they dispense – soccer balls to lobsters to raw meat! The coolest one makes potato chips from your own potato while you wait.
• The Great Cindini talks about her escape from the gallows at the Crime and Punishment Museum in Ashburn, Ga.
• Edward the archivist relates how bizarre it was in November, spending the day in Thailand, with three “unusual and unbelievable” people- the Scorpion Girl, the Centipede Boy, and the Wolf Child – Supatra Sasuphan an 11 year old girl who suffers from “werewolf” syndrome and is considered the world’s hairiest child.

Ripley Radio – Roadkill Nourishment & Money-Eating Mongrel

billschiffler — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

This week on Ripley Radio we talk with a Florida woman who left $1,000 in cash on the kitchen counter only to be eaten by her dog! How she got it back may surprise you!

Nation-wide, Ripley attractions are celebrating the holidays. We talk with Michael Hirsch of the New York City Believe It or Not! museum who tells us about his month-long Ripley-style fun, which includes an opportunity to have a mini-Santa sit on YOUR lap! Kim Kiff, manager of the St. Augustine, Fla., Believe It or Not! museum describes her Santa’s Village and the city’s Nights of Lights and tells us that all Florida residents get into all the Ripley attractions state-wide for half-price in December.

More Amazingly Unbelievable Topics Discussed This Week:

• We discover that at least one pregnant woman craves roadkill.
• Ripley Facebook presents: The 12 Weirds of Christmas. Multiple prizes will be awarded daily, starting December 8. Where else can you win two headed turtles, one-eyed dogs, and Ripley mugs, tree decorations and books?
• We learn of Christmas customs of far-away lands: burning goats in Sweden, holiday meals at KFC in Japan, and defecating logs in Spain!
• Remember the guy who dressed up like Gumby and tried to rob a convenience store? We follow up this week and find out why he turned himself into authorities.
• We learn that a bakery refused to bake a birthday cake for a child – named Adolf Hitler.
• On Thanksgiving morning, a live turkey fell out of his nest, crashed through a window and landed inside a restaurant – that was not serving turkey for dinner!
• Edward explains that on his recent trip to New Zealand the bovine hair ball he was carrying with him was not allowed in the country and was sent back to the U.S.!

Ripley Radio – Side Show Money, Weird Winter Sports & Messages in a Bottle

billschiffler — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:44:57 +0000

Inside money is an important part of any carnival or circus sideshow, we hear from sideshow historian James Taylor. “You pay a buck to get in and $50 to get out,” he jokes. He explains the “inside money” concept this week on Ripley Radio and tells a few weird stories along the way.

59-year old Harold Hackett has thrown nearly 5,000 bottles with messages inside into the Atlantic Ocean, off Prince Edward Island, Canada and has had 3,500 responses! His hobby has made him friends around the world. He talks with Ralf this week about his unique hobby! See video of Harold at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j9DzGYfh7fE#t=192s

Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Topics We Cover This Week:

• Kim Orlando of Travelingmom.com visits and talks about some very weird winter sports and potential new Olympic events.
• In our Weird Medical Maladies Minute, Jodi Pliszka outlines PICA, the strange illness that causes a person to eat everything from couch cushions to laundry detergent to feces.
• Hail to the Dorito Dude! Family and friends of Dorito inventor Arch West, dumped bags full of the crunchy chips into his grave during a grave-side service. He was 97 years old and his daughter claimed that “he would have loved” the Dorito dump!
• Just when you thought you’ve seen every type of performance art possible! A New York City woman “performed” the birth of her child. People signed up at an art gallery to be a part of the performance and 15 were summoned when she went into labor! Son Ajax came out, stood up, tipped his hat and went “TA-DA!”
• Angela reports this week that sometimes psychics get it right! Really.
• Did you know that getting a fish drunk in Ohio and getting a mouse sloshed in Alaska are both against the law? Return intern Abby tells us all about her research of weird and wacky U.S. liquor laws.

Ripley Radio – Funerals, Sea Turtles & Priscilla the Monkey Girl

billschiffler — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:01:37 +0000

Author and a doyenne of death, Gail Ruben visits Ripley Radio this week and tells us about her quest to crash 30 funerals of total strangers in 30 days. Then she blogs about the deceased and her experiences at the funeral. Taking a whimsical approach to death and funerals is her forte.

In our sideshow segment, Jackpotting with James Taylor, the sideshow historian talks about one of his most unusual friends, Priscilla the Monkey Girl. Now deceased, Priscilla spent decades on the circus and carnival sideshow circuit, dancing for thousands of paying customers and showing off her body – totally covered with hair.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Chris Epting discusses a very unusual site in Long Beach, Calif. – A family of sea turtles living and thriving in the warm waters of a small channel next to a power plant! You can now cancel your trip to the Galapagos Islands and head to Long Beach!
• Angela reveals the top occupations in which the employees need to drink the most coffee to survive a day at work. There are quite a few surprises in the Top 15. But we can reveal here that 54% of all employees of all occupations surveyed say they are more productive when they drink coffee.
• Intern Abby uncovers an unusual way in which tax collectors in Bangalore, India, collect back taxes. It involves drums and loud noises and the resulting embarrassment.
• Ralf explains how a baby doll saved an entire family from perishing in a house fire.
• We hear of a man who was awarded a new Honda Accord after his old one reached One Million miles.
• Kim Kiff, manager of the Ripley’s attractions in St. Augustine, Fla., drops by and tells us that St. Augustine is a great place to spend a few days during the upcoming holiday season.

Ripley Radio – Weird Medical Maladies, Proof of Reincarnation & Miss Artichoke

billschiffler — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:01:02 +0000

Psychic Marie Gates, author of Are We Our Past Lives?, visits Ripley Radio this week and discusses her journey from being an atheist and not believing in re-incarnation to one who believes in both God and re-incarnation. She relates a compelling story that she feels proves that re-incarnation does indeed exist.

Weird Medical Maladies Minute is a new segment that makes its premiere this week. In the series, Jodi Pliszka respectively leads us through a maze of uncommon, unusual and often bizarre human diseases and conditions. She kicks off this week explaining a malady that she herself has suffered for the past 20 years – alopecia universalis – which has left her totally hairless.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Miss Artichoke 1948 was a beautiful Los Angeles model who trekked up to Castroville, Calif. to partake in the pageant. The media coverage of her victory kicked off her journey to super-stardom and her position as a Hollywood icon. Have any ideas? Tune in to be surprised.

• A man wants to kill his girlfriend and make it look like a bear did it! His idea was simple. First, he was going to kill a bear, then clean it out and climb into the skin. When the girlfriend took the trash out he would then maul her to death. He was turned into police by a friend before any bears were harmed.

• Echo Bodine, author of the Little Book of True Ghost Stories, shares her up-close, personal and often reluctant experiences with the spirits.

• It’s been a good year for weird foods. How about Caesar Salad cotton candy?

• Competition for the pizza dollar got hotter than usual in Florida. Two employees, thinking they would help their employer, Dominoes, burned down the neighboring Papa Johns. Poor guys, they are now in jail eating prison pizza.

• We hear a funny story about a 92-year old woman who couldn’t produce a driver’s license (she isn’t allowed to drive anymore) to show proof of age while trying to buy a bottle of whiskey. The clerk refused to sell it to her so she went elsewhere and scored.

• Angela explains how several on-line services will provide fake girlfriends for lonely guys. The ladies will email, text, send photos and post blogs expressing their undying love – presumably for anyone who provides a credit card.

• From a vintage Ripley Radio segment, we’ll hear the tale of how a submarine full of sailors, stranded at the bottom of the ocean, was saved by singing.

• Beatlemania at its finest! Ralf has found John Lennon’s molar. It’s up for auction, with a $15,000 minimum opening bid required.

And Tim will disclose which American zoo has trained its elephants to wash cars – in exchange for a $20 donation.

Ripley Radio – All About Saints, Friendly Aliens & Odd Thanksgiving Traditions

billschiffler — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:01:49 +0000

Kooky UFO Phil visits Ripley Radio again and outlines his plans to build a pyramid on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay that will serve both as a hydrogen power plant and a landing site for alien space craft. We also feature UFO Phil’s latest song, Bad Aliens.

Kim Orlando, founder of Travelingmom.com, explains some of the most outlandish Thanksgiving Day traditions and oddities that her network of moms have uncovered. Did you know that pumpkin pie gumballs, gravy soda and special Thanksgiving Day puppy chow were all available to help make your day more memorable?

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Angela takes a deep look at mustaches this week and finds that Chicago is the most moustache-friendly city in the USA and that Applebee’s Restaurants are one of the most moustache-friendly employers.
• This week’s feel good pet story features “Daniel the Wonder Beagle” who was to be euthanized at an animal shelter but survived by walking out of the gas chamber, with his tail wagging, totally uninjured and undead! He’s now been given a reprieve in New Jersey.
• Many experts say a video of an alleged alien standing next to a tree in the Amazon Rain Forest is the real thing. Hollywood has already shown interest!
• Judika Illes stops by and talks about her new book, Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages, and explains why the book starts off with an unexpected topic for a book on saints – a chapter on vampires and ghosts!
• You’re sitting in your window seat on an Irish airliner and look out and see workmen fixing the wing – with Duct Tape! Would you be surprised? Then would you be upset when the plane has to turn back midway in the flight because the tape wasn’t holding?
• Edward explains how easy it is to submit your own believe it or not to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! He outlines the process and promises that he personally answers each enquiry.
• AND, during Tim’s Spot the Not! quiz, we learn of a lady who had more than 172,000 kidney stones removed at the same time from one of her kidneys. “Ouch,” said the others.

Ripley Radio – Halloween Stories and Witches: When to Love Them; When to Fear Them

billschiffler — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:01:21 +0000

Ripley Radio celebrates Halloween by reaching out to three different witches and warlocks and asking them to explain what this witch thing is all about. What we got in return is an entertaining and enlightening program dedicated to the unbelievable world they live in.

Christian Day, the World’s Most Famous Warlock, talks with us from his home in Salem, Mass., and explains in his new book, “Witches Book of the Dead,” that the dead can be “powerful allies” to their surviving friends and families. Author and lecturer Raven Grimassi shows how ancient ways can be used in these modern days in his new tome, “Old World Witchcraft.”

Ripley’s resident witch, Judika Illes, tells us when we should love witches and when it’s time to fear witches. As a scholar, educator, and author of several books of folklore and mythology about the subjects of magic, the occult, divination, diverse spiritual traditions, witchcraft, and the paranormal, she knows what she’s talking about – so we listen!

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Ralf explains why a prison doctor in California gets paid $235,000 per year working as a book keeper and not as a doctor.
• How about this turn of events? The life of an inmate at another prison was saved by quick-thinking guards and now the prisoner is suing the state saying that he WANTED to die and the guards interfered with his personal rights!
• How do you steal a live lobster from a grocery store? We hear the tale of a man who grabbed one and tried to leave the store with the lobster in his pants! All jokes aside, he did get caught.
• How do you rob a convenience store dressed like the big green Gumbi? You don’t, especially when the clerk thinks you are kidding and ignores your threats. But you do get away in a mini-van parked right outside.
• We learn in this episode if there really is a Dogfaced Butterfly and if there is, is it really the state insect of California.
• Edward explains how Ripley once purchased an extensive collection from one of the most famous wiccans of all time, Gerald Gardner, and moved it all to San Francisco where the Ripley’s Museum of Witchcraft was created.
• AND, we discover that Ripley’s has just added a 10 foot-square replica of Hogwarts Castle to the Ripley archives. It’s made from more than a million wooden matchsticks.

Ripley Radio – The Door to Nowhere, Missile Mail & Ripley’s Food Drive

billschiffler — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:01:36 +0000

Birdsville Australia is so far from anything and everything it is lovingly referred to as the Front Door to Nowhere! Travel writer Cynthia Clampitt joins us this week and tells us all about her experiences in this unbelievable part of Down Under.

Can you believe that at one time, the US Postal Service thought the future of mail delivery might be by missiles? Marc Hartzman tells us about the government’s early attempts at rocket-powered missile mail.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Edward discusses Cristerna, the lawyer lady from Mexico who is better known as the Vampire Woman. She visited Ripley’s art department last month and will soon be the newest member of the Ripley wax figure family. Tattooed, sharp teeth and body modifications makes this barrister one scary looking person.

• We hear that Hurricane Irene wiped out a great many pumpkin patches in the Northeast USA, creating a pumpkin shortage this Halloween season.

• Ralf talks about the major Halloween happenings at Ripley attractions around the country, including the “Boo-Lieve It or Not! Slumber Fest” at the Ripley’s Odditorium on Times Square in New York City.

• Angela shares a poll where people were asked what they couldn’t live without. This one major finding makes this entire poll unbelievable: More people could do without flush toilets than without Facebook!

• Intern Abby points out that Japan’s population is aging rapidly, but that the country has one of the longest life expectancies in the world. That means more 100-plus year old citizens than anywhere else!

• AND we hear the weird story of a bunch of guys who drove around town with their dead friend in the back seat of the car – all while stopping for drinks and dinner using their dead friend’s credit card!

Ripley Radio – Vampire Tours, Hulk Hogan & The World’s Largest Plow

billschiffler — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:01:14 +0000

Stephenie Meyer chose Forks, Washington as the setting for her Twilight series for a reason. It’s rainy, cloudy and rather sun-less for much of the year. The perfect environment for a vampire! Debbie Bennett, a resident of Forks runs Twilight Tours in which she and her team drives paying customers around to all the sites that have been made famous in the books and movies. She drops by this week and tells us about her business and shares some pretty weird stories.

Intern Abby watched the first episode of a new reality TV series and couldn’t wait to tell us about it. It seems former super wrestler Hulk Hogan is now mentoring a group of “micro-wrestlers” (read midgets) into full time, tuff-guy wrestlers. Abby provides an interesting take on this rather weird concept.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

• Angela reports on a brand new, $200 million ghost town being built in New Mexico.
• Edward talks about Ripley’s new acquisition, a collection of nearly 150 miniature carvings on pins and needles, that will fit into the palm of your hand.
• Ralf laughs his way through this week’s “stupid and tragic attempt at stealing something segment.” It seems a man and his daughter in California tried to steal some electricity from a high voltage transformer. They both are in the hospital, but expected to survive and face charges.
• A small robot from Japan is “training” to compete in the Iron Man Triathlon and is expected to finish – in about a week.
• Consumer Advocate Christopher Elliott drops by and tells us that smells “are the next big tool” that retailers are using to get us to embrace and to purchase their products.
• A woman desperate to sell her house in Chicago thought of a novel premium to offer to anyone who would buy it – she offered to pick up a $1,000 bar tab at the lounge across the street. Haven’t yet heard if the ploy was successful!
• There are many who claim to have the world’s largest agricultural plow, but we believe our reporter Chris Epting when he tells us the title holder is sitting at a busy intersection in Orange County, Calif.
• In Spot the Not!, the soon-to-be most respected radio quiz show in America, we learn from Tim whether cats and kittens have freckles.
• AND, we learn what the new record holder for the longest fingernails in the world – a combined 19 feet nine inches, is going to do now that she has officially earned the title. You won’t believe it!

Ripley Radio – Bernard Hopkins, Schweddy Balls & Christopher Elliott’s Book of Scams

billschiffler — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:01:06 +0000

Would you eat Schweddy Balls? Actor Alec Baldwin made his Schweddy Balls famous in a “Saturday Night Live” skit years ago. Now, the lovable folks at Ben & Jerry’s have named their newest flavor, Schweddy Balls Ice Cream. We talk about the strange addition to the Ben & Jerry line-up this week on Ripley Radio.

Bernard Hopkins checks in with us to talk about his upcoming “Believe It or Not! title fight against Chad Dawson next Saturday, Oct. 15. Hopkins, the oldest fighter to ever win a major world championship, is a true Believe It or Not! and Ripley’s is creating an exhibit of his life as a champion that will be on display at a Believe It or Not! Odditorium in the future. The wax figure of Hopkins, that will be the centerpiece of the exhibit, will be unveiled during fight-week events in Los Angeles.

Additional random amazements discussed this week on Ripley Radio

• Co-host Ralf reports on the 18th Annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships. BTW, Monday, October 10 is World Porridge Day.
• Intern Abby unveils some of the weirdest-themed wedding ceremonies, including one with a bizarre duck theme!
• Consumer advocated Christopher Elliott visits us this week to talk about his new, upcoming book, “Scammed: How to Save Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles and Shady Deals.”
• October is a big month at Ripley Entertainment properties across the country. We discuss several of the bigger celebrations, including the one at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The macabre theme at that Smoky Mountain attraction is: “Backwoods Terror: You Just Made a Wrong Turn.”
• Ripley archivist Edward Meyer talks about the 15 toilet paper wedding dresses now in the Ripley collection as well as other toilet paper “art” he has acquired over the years.
• We learn of a 100-year old Pine Tree that has become a tourist site in Japan. It stands alone surrounded by miles of devastation from the horrible tsunami.
• AND we hear of a law in Wisconsin, the Dairy State, which prohibits serving margarine instead of “real” butter.

Ripley Radio – Buddy Holly, Laurel & Hardy, and Feel-Good Dog Stories

billschiffler — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:01:26 +0000

Mysteries and Conspiracies continue 52 years after pioneer rocker Buddy Holly died in a fiery plane crash. However, Buddy has not rested in peace as there are many theories surrounding that crash that are still being discussed and remain unsolved today. The key they say is in the wreckage – a pile of metal which the original owner of the plane still has hidden away but refuses to talk about or share his knowledge of what caused it. Author of Hey Buddy, Gary Moore, returns to Ripley Radio to provide an update on the tragic crash.

Additional random amazements discussed this week on Ripley Radio

· Jon Provost, who played Timmy on the TV series Lassie in the 1950s, visits Ripley Radio to discuss those golden years and his book, Timmy’s in the Well, AND his upcoming appearance on October 10 at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine, Fla.
· We hear of a judge in Southern Alabama who gives those he finds guilty of a misdemeanor a choice of going to jail – or church.
· From the Bizarre but True department this week, Intern Abby reveals some of the most unbelievable things that country governments have banned, including the celebration of Valentine’s Day, wearing one’s hair in a mullet, and the ability to sign-on to Facebook!
· This week, we relate several “feel-good” dog stories about canines that have done amazing and unbelievable things to save human lives.
· Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott joins us in-studio and shares a few strange stories about what some people do when they don’t get the service they think they deserve!
· Chris Epting takes us to the popular, albeit offbeat, tourist spot in Los Angeles that features the stairway on which Laurel & Hardy attempted to carry a piano to the top in the classic 1932 film, The Music Box. It won the first-ever Academy Award for Live Action Short Film and people today can climb those same steps.
· From a vintage Ripley Radio program, we learn that a mule was responsible for finding the largest silver lead mine ever discovered in the United States.

· Ripley Radio archivist Edward Meyer discusses a piece of art featured in Ripley’s new book, Strikingly True, that contains the ashes of the artist’s father AND several other people!

· AND we find out how a missing moon rock turned up in a box of US President Bill Clinton’s presidential memorabilia.

Ripley Radio – Burlesque Queens, The Mob, & Stupid Things Drunks Do

billschiffler — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:01:20 +0000

The re-emergence of Burlesque as a credible dance form and entertainment choice in today’s variety show presentations has a historical significance. Burlesque was a very important part of early circus sideshows and Vaudeville theaters before falling out of popularity as it turned more to stripping and the dark side of town than teasing in a classy supper club. This week on Ripley Radio, we talk with Josephine Nesline Alvarez, and hear the tale of a diminutive teenager who left Catholic school and within a few years was a celebrated burlesque queen married to a Washington D.C. mob boss and running the fast lanes with the likes of Frank Sinatra. We also talk with Lili VonSchtupp, a modern day burlesque queen who runs Monday Night tease, Los Angeles’s longest running weekly burlesque show. She also runs Lili’s School for Wayward Girls, a burlesque school.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:
• A woman was found dead in her home 8 years after her death. Her pension checks continued to be deposited and her utilities continued to be paid although no one had heard from her for 8 years!
• We don’t condone drunkenness, but drunks do some pretty outrageous and unbelievable things. We take a look at some of those stupid drunk tricks this week.

• We learn of a culture in which a girl can only be engaged once in her lifetime, even if her beau dies before they get married!

• ArtPrize 2011 is one of the largest alternative and outrageous art shows around and it turns out to be a great supplier of the weird and bizarre for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Archivist Edward Meyer talks about his upcoming trip to Grand Rapids, Mich. for the event in full anticipation of finding unique exhibits for the worldwide family of Ripley attractions.

• Petey the Parakeet flew into the front grille of a car and lived. A dozen people claimed the bird was theirs. Petey however, had a different idea.

• We hear of a guy who gave his estranged girlfriend a big rock for her birthday – he deposited a 20 ton boulder in her driveway and wouldn’t move it. Police couldn’t arrest him as there seems to be no law against dropping a 20-ton boulder in someone else’s driveway.

• From our Australian friends we are told of a jealous wife who crashed her car – with her cheating husband sitting next to her – into the apartment of his mistress at full speed. This act of revenge turned into a costly mistake for the wife. She crashed into the wrong apartment!

• AND we learn how we can spin an egg to find out whether it has been hard boiled.

Ripley Radio – Lassie, a Boy Named Timmy & a Lifeguard Wearing Speedos

billschiffler — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:01:27 +0000

Jon Provost, who portrayed Timmy in the Lassie TV series for 260 episodes in the 1950s is our guest this week and he openly talks about how being a child star then, differs greatly from being one now. We discuss his new autobiography, “Timmy’s in the Well,” and find that while Timmy seemed to be saved every week by Lassie, he NEVER did fall into a well – Believe It or Not! Provost relates many fun and unbelievable stories about his years on the show.

Here’s a Newsflash! Clowns as a group are universally disliked! In a poll of kids, ages 4 to 16, it was found that the great majority felt clowns were creepy, even if they themselves weren’t scared of them. We take a look at that poll and discuss why most clowns blame Stephen King for their unpopularity!

Additional random amazements discussed this week:

· A veteran lifeguard employed by New York City is losing his job! It seems that guards need to wear skimpy Speedos during their yearly swim test, and the 60-plus year old refuses to do so.

· It’s now official! Charlie Sheen has been named America’s most untrusted celebrity, according to a new Reuter’s poll. We aren’t surprised by that, but we were surprised to find who the MOST Trusted American Celebrity is. Tune in and hear our discussion about this amazing woman. Hint: She’s very hot in Cleveland! And it’s not Oprah!

· We learn that the King and Queen of Sweden were denied service in a restaurant in Germany. It seems a wedding was taking place at the eatery and there was no room for the Royal party.

· From a vintage Ripley Radio show, we hear of a New Hampshire man who walked from St. Louis, Mo., to St. Petersburg, Russia!

· Our roving reporter, Chris Epting, tells us all about the quintessential roadside attraction – the Desert Tower in Jacumba, Calif.

· From our “what will the hackers think of next” department comes the story of A Rogue Panda warning in Flagstaff, Ariz.

· AND, we discuss a new, totally awesome and unbelievable attraction for thrill seekers. At the top of the CN Tower in Toronto, the Edgewalk has been created. For a fee, adults get put in a harness and walk out and hang over the edge – 1,168 feet high!

Ripley Radio – The Bearded Lady Finds Her Son and WE Find the Center of the Universe

billschiffler — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:01:47 +0000

Vivian Wheeler was starring on the midway as the Bearded Lady when her husband stole Richard, their 3-year old son. She never heard from either for more than 40 years. Last year, Wheeler and Richard were happily reunited on national television. Wheeler, still sporting an 11-inch long beard, visits us this week on Ripley Radio and tells us about her life on the midway as a bearded lady, and her long journey to find her son.

OK, we’ve all heard that the Mayan calendar runs out of dates in December 2012 and many connote that with the end of the world. Much has been written about the looming doomsday, but our guest this week, Tony Phillips, said his research shows that no one has bothered to talk with the Mayans about this and they don’t really believe it themselves!

Additional random amazements discussed this week:
· Chris Epting reports on his trip to the Center of the Universe. He’ll reveal where the elusive spot is located!
· We’ll laugh at a bank robber whose girlfriend made him return the money, only to get arrested!
· The troubles of a city mayor who was fired for not showing up to work will be discussed.
· Spam-flavored lip-gloss anyone? Yes, and we’ll talk about all the flavors Spam produces.
· Picture this: A man crashes into a car full of women. He takes off running and the women, all members of a college wrestling team chase him down and hold him in a painful grip until police show up.
· Following a conjugal visit with her husband in prison, the wife puts him in her suitcase and tries a unique form of Jail Break! Will they get caught? Tune in.
· She’s starting to get fan mail, so we feel It’s time for our Return Intern, Abby, to receive a new title. Any suggestions? “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RipleyRadio, and let us know your thoughts.

Ripley Radio – Bobo the Clown’s Daughter & The World’s Largest Family

billschiffler — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:01:12 +0000

Imagine this. You are a 4 year old girl and have never met your father, never seen a clown, and never been to a circus. Then, one day your mother takes you to the circus, you walk back stage and you see this strange, tall man who your mom introduces as your dad! That’s what happened to Bonnie Barnett and in this week’s show, she tells us about her journey to get her father’s love and to have a meaningful relationship with one of the world’s premiere clowns. She talks about her new book, “Bobo’s Daughter,” and shares the journey from how she first hated the circus because it had stolen her father from her to her deep love and understanding of clowns and the circus today.

As the current reincarnation of Ripley Radio celebrates its 2nd anniversary this week, we talk with 91-year old Fred Essex who was a director on Ripley’s first radio show in the 1940s. He reminisces how he would drop by Robert Ripley’s office every morning to discuss that day’s show and he tells the amazing story behind his favorite Believe It or Not! fact.

Additional random amazements discussed this week:
· The size of one’s index finger in relation to the ring finger can determine a person’s predestined vulnerability to everything from promiscuity to fertility to addictive behaviors.
· Many of the animals at the National Zoo in Washington DC reacted to this summer’s East Coast Earthquake BEFORE it happened.
· We learn of a man in India who lives in a 100-room mansion with 181 other family members, including his 39 wives.
· We’re advised to not waste time watching the world’s longest YouTube Video – a 571 hour video of vacation slides (in very poor resolution).
· We learn that a statue was sentenced to death for toppling over and killing a man.
· AND, we find that pumpkins are 90% water!

Ripley Radio – Conversations with 21st Century Tattooed Ladies

billschiffler — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:01:03 +0000

They are definitely a colorful lot! While they don’t stand out as being so different in today’s society, tattooed ladies of the past were a unique bunch. Today, tattooed ladies of the 21st Century are still amongst us – in larger numbers than ever. Amelia Klem Osterud explains how she came to write the first-ever definitive history of the tattooed woman and two of the modern day ladies featured in the book, Charon Henning and Thrill Kill Jill elucidate about their sideshow acts as tattooed ladies. We go Inside the Vault and discuss Ripley’s skin and tattoo collections and we learn who wants to donate their tattooed skin to Ripley’s.

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – Getting ready to die on Dec. 21, 2012 & Driving a short street in Ohio

billschiffler — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Our two guests this week, Bob Thiel and Jayson Rand, are both authors and experts on the 2012 phenomenon. They have written very long-titled tomes that can serve as guides to get us through this potentially rough period in our lives. They’ll tell us about all the events leading up to and following Dec. 21, 2012 and tell us if we should expect to live through the event. Thiel is the author of “2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. A Revolutionary Spiritual and Physical Survival Guide for 2012 – 2020.” And Dr. Rand has written “The Return of Planet-X: And its Effects Upon Mother Earth – A Natural Disaster Survivor’s Manual.” Jeremiah Greer takes us on a drive along a VERY short street in Ohio; Tim challenges the group in a game of Spot The Not!, the Ripley’s quiz; and we visit with Dixon at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Branson, Mo.

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – Exploring Roadside America, Weeki Wachee Springs & Lady Gaga

billschiffler — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:01:38 +0000

Doug Kirby and Ken Smith, founders of the popular http://www.roadsideamerica.com site details the latest on roadside attractions. They explain how all of those “Blue Line Highways” lure the nostalgic traveler of today; Intern Eric tells us the sad tale of the lightning strike of the Touchdown Jesus statue. All that remains of the once solemn statue are ashes; Tim takes a summertime break and plays a Celebrity Spot the Not! Quiz with one of the Weeki Wachee mermaids; Marci reports on a terrible death at the National Sauna Championships and Edward unveils Ripley’s newest art acquisition: a Lady Gaga portrait made from BB pellets!

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – High Wire Walking Wallenda and Rocket Sword Swallowing Murrugun

billschiffler — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:01:54 +0000

We explore the amazing world of Daredevils in this week’s daring episode. Nik Wallenda, 7th generation of the famous Wallenda family tells of his life and upcoming history-making daredevil events. The “King of the High Wire” explains why he risks his life every time he performs ; Murrugun the Mystic explains how he swallowed a rocket-powered sword and why he wants to do it again as part of his sideshow act; we go hunting for the Yeti in the vast Himalayas with Jeremiah Greer; and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the Wisconsin Dells is visited.

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – Elvis, Buddy Holly & a Great Fish Story

billschiffler — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:01:00 +0000

There are still mysteries and controversy surrounding what many feel is the day the music died, Feb.3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens died in a plane crash. This week we talk with Gary Moore, author of the book “Hey Buddy” and he unveils what has not been told to us through the years. We also visit with a security guard in Nashville and hear about his Elvis sighting; Chris Epting explains what happened to the pyramid that traveled with rocker Todd Rundgren during the 1970s and in who’s backyard it is now standing; Edward Meyer, Ripley’s archivist tells us about a very large chunk of Elvis’s hair in the archives; and Intern Abby unveils a very odd map of the US in which each state is identified by its biggest fault. Tim talks with the quirky CBS News correspondent Bill Geist as they walked through the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! odditorium in Orlando, and Ralf is impressed with the fact that a president of a country has a hit rap song on the charts. All this AND much more on this week’s show!

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – Why We Love Horror, Marilyn Monroe’s Vacant Neighbor & Fried Twinkies

billschiffler — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:01:56 +0000

Chris Alexander, Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine explains why people love to be grossed out and scared by horror! Are these movie-goers some kind of sickos, are they curious about blood and guts, or do they just like getting grossed out and scared? Intern Eric tells us why the burial crypt above Marilyn Monroe remains empty and will probably remain so; we learn from AOL’s David Moye how Chicken Charlie has made a living deep frying Oreos and Twinkies on the state fair route; and Ripley archivist Edward Meyer tells the story of Ripley’s most horrifying exhibit – The Iron Maiden. A terrifying yet real artifact from the dark days of Europe.

CHECK OUT TIM O’BRIEN’S LATEST BOOKS AND PHOTOS
WWW.CASAFLAMINGO.COM

Ripley Radio – A Fertility Statue Baby, a Solar Bikini, & Should Clowns Be Licensed

billschiffler — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:01:14 +0000

New Jersey’s Rachel Taylor flew to Wisconsin to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, touched Ripley’s world famous Fertility Statues and shortly thereafter became pregnant, after being told numerous times by her doctor that it was not possible. Little Maxwell Taylor celebrates his first birthday on July 31 at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Atlantic City. Ben Muessig reports about a movement afoot in Canada to make all clowns obtain a license before they are allowed to entertain; Abby uncovers the coolest thing we have heard about so far this summer – a solar powered bikini; Mark Donahue of Trip Alertz talks about his company’s offer to send the first celebrity who obtains 50,000 votes into space and he says the same ride can be purchased by anyone for a bargain price of $95,000; Ralf tells us all about a new Guinness World Record for skinny dipping; Edward relates how fun (and bizarre) the filming was for a new video that will be played in all Ripley’s Odditoriums; Tom Willis, born with no arms or hands has a major goal. He wants to throw out the first pitch at all 30 of the Major League Baseball stadiums in the U.S. He’s approaching the half way mark now. Tim loses big in his Spot the Not! challenge this week. It seems his colleagues know a lot more about Moon Pies than he first thought!

Ripley Radio – The Cat From Hell, Improv in NYC, & How Hollywood Got its Name

billschiffler — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:01:36 +0000

The great-grandfather of Gaelyn Whitley Keith founded and named Hollywood, Calif., and was also instrumental in creating the first movie lot, approximately where the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium now sits at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Hyland Ave. She is with us this week and shares some fun and unbelievable tales about her great-grandfather’s life. Robert Ripley drew a cartoon about Santa Claus, Indiana in the 1930s and by doing so, virtually put the sleepy little village on the map! Paula Werne of Santa Claus tells us how important Ripley was for the growth of the town. Charlie Todd heads up a group in New York City often referred to as a prank collective, a group of actors and actresses who go around the city playing very funny, but harmless pranks on the citizens of the Big Apple. He joins us and shares a few of the past hilarious pranks played out by his Improv Everywhere group. Also, Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell program tells us how important it is to pet your cat correctly or put up with the bloody scars that you’ll get if you do it the wrong way; Intern Abby reports on a car that was stolen on the East Coast nearly three decades ago and found on the West Coast, completely restored and looking better than it did when it was stolen; Ralf relates the bizarre tale of a man who tried to remove a wart on his finger with a shotgun; Edward talks about Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress that brought in nearly $5 million at auction; and from an archived Ripley Radio show, we hear of a house of unhappy marriages in India.

Ripley Radio – Seeing Ghosts, Finding a Job with Feng Shui, & Attending Sideshow School

billschiffler — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:01:36 +0000

Tim O’Brien, the producer and co-host of Ripley Radio – An On-Demand Oddcast, let his freak flag fly during June and attended Harley Newman’s Oddity University where he was taught the art of sword swallowing, fire eating, walking on glass and sticking strange objects up his nose. He tells us all about the experience in this week’s episode. We also hear from Mark Hunneman, a Presbyterian Minister AND a paranormal investigator, who wrote the book “Seeing Ghosts through God’s Eyes.” He answers the tough questions of whether God ever saw ghosts and if one can believe in both ghosts and God at the same time. Grace Ho, author of, “One Minute Feng Shui for Prosperity,” explains how to get a job using Feng Shui; Abby tells us about a refrigerator that reminds us to drink enough water – by tweeting; Angela has the doggie feel good story of the week; Edward talks about the ghosts that were recently discovered in Ripley’s corporate headquarters in Orlando; Ralf announces that the Frozen Dead Guy Festival in Colorado is up for sale; and Tim challenges the group on their knowledge of sword swallowing in this week’s Spot the Not! quiz.

Ripley Radio – A Visit to a Voodoo Museum & Other Offbeat Locales

billschiffler — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:01:53 +0000

A Voodoo Priest explains what one will find inside the New Orleans Voodoo Museum including the ghost of his good friend, Intern Abby reports on a full-size Noah’s Ark being built in London in time for the 2012 Olympics, and Edward unveils his newest acquisitions for the Ripley archives including a full-size Ferrari crocheted from 12 miles of yarn and a 1963 VW Beetle on which 200 working musical instruments are mounted. Sideshow chronicler James Taylor describes his new exhibits at the Red Palace in Washington, D.C. and the founder of travelingmom.com, Kim Orlando, reveals three of her bloggers favorite offbeat travel destinations, including an establishment where one can sleep under the stars on a sand dune and a centuries-old underground city. From a vintage Ripley Radio broadcast, we hear an amazing story about the world’s greatest long distance runner.

Ripley Radio – Unique Amusement Parks, Scary Coasters & Live Mermaids

billschiffler — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:01:21 +0000

Former aerospace engineer Jim Seay explains why people of all ilk the world over love to be scared to death on roller coasters. He should know – he’s the creator of the world’s scariest coasters and he is our special guest this week.

One of the oldest types of amusement parks – dating back 100 years – is the trolley park and there are only 11 true examples of this wonderful slice of Americana still in operation. Author and long time historian of Trolley Parks, Ron Gustafson, tells us why these remaining gems are loved by all who attend.

The Lizardman will be visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square Odditorium this month and will unveil a remarkable wax figure of himself, and then hang around a few days entertaining and meeting Ripley’s guests. The Odditorium’s manager Michael Hirsh also outlines the other exciting sideshow acts lined up for the summer.

Chad Netherland of Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach reports that the aquarium will become the first major U.S. aquarium to feature live mermaid shows on a daily basis throughout the summer!

Edward Meyer lists the articles found in a lake that lies below a major European roller coaster, including false teeth and glass eyes!

Ronald McDonald stops by for another visit and tells us that he has been a fan of Ripley’s for years and then gives us his impersonation of Jack Palance’s rendition of “Believe It or Not!”

Intern Abby reports on the Happify app and Ralf explains why Texas is trying to make noodling (catching catfish by hand) legal.

Ripley Radio – Demolition Derbies, Marilyn Monroe & Pygmy Cannibals

billschiffler — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 05:01:27 +0000

George Washington was the not the first U.S. President and our nation’s birthday is not July 4, 1776! Those facts and other historical mysteries are uncovered as we talk with historian Stanley Klos who notes that the foundation on which this country was built was discussed and written in taverns, so it’s patriotic to tip a few now and then! Five decades ago Marilyn Monroe died and this week we learn of a new conspiracy about Marilyn that could change history. Big surprise this week when Ronald McDonald stops by and reveals he had no choice but to be the Chief Happiness Officer of McDonald’s. “When you’re born this way you have only one option,” he tells us! Dudley Disastro, the commissioner of the Demolition Derby League explains the art and the sport of driving cars into each other until only one (the winner) remains drivable; we hear about the world’s oldest human living well at 114; we learn of school children’s drive to make the crème puff the official dessert of Wisconsin; even though he didn’t live there George Washington named the White House; we discover that there are cannibal pygmies living in Wyoming; and we find out that all the world’s Big Foots have been captured by Aliens who are making them work in gold mines to create enough fuel to power Alien spacecraft. We broadcast the third week from the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s in Orlando, Fla.

Ripley Radio – Eating Bugs, Fried Butter, & McBurgers

billschiffler — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:01:54 +0000

Daniella Martin, host of the Girl Meets Bugs cooking web site visits and explains how eating worms and scorpions is not only an efficient food source that is good for the environment, but also provides exceptional protein!

Deep fried beer, deep fried butter? Yep, and you’ll find both at the State Fair of Texas, known as the Fried Food Capital of the World. You’ll be amazed how far this craze has gone since the deep fried Twinkie was introduced a decade ago. We have a couple of good ole boys who promote and invent such delicacies drop by and explain why – and how – they do it.

Intern Abby reports on a lasagna recipe that has pounds of bacon and 45 hamburgers in it; and we learn who has the best French Dip sandwich in Los Angeles!

All sorts of foods are discussed this week as we continue broadcasting from the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s in Orlando. Heather Weidenbruch of McDonald’s sits in and tells us why this location, owned by Oerther Foods of Orlando, is the funkiest and largest McDonald’s in the world that offers daily live entertainment, the huge Bistro Gourmet menu that features one of the largest selections of food items – from Philly Steak sandwiches to pizza to pasta – you’ll find at any McDonald’s anywhere in the world. Fun? How about 100-plus arcade and redemption games, a huge treefort PlayPlace for the kids, a bowling alley and a recording studio?

Ripley Radio – A Mermaid Parade, The Penguin Boy & New Ears

billschiffler — Mon, 30 May 2011 05:01:59 +0000

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, as decadent, naked, colorful and fun as it is, marks the official opening of the Atlantic Ocean for New York Beach goers each June.

Dick Zigun, founder and top executive of Coney Island USA and the creator of the parade explains in this episode how and why it all started, what to expect and where best to watch it. Zigun also outlines the summer activities at Coney Island USA and the Sideshow by the Seashore for this summer.

Staying close to the Atlantic Ocean, Ripley’s Chad Netherland, the manager of the Ripley attractions on the boulevard in Myrtle Beach tells us what’s happening both at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and what’s new along the boardwalk in that South Carolina beach refuge.

The World’s best known Side Show operator, Ward Hall, tells us that during the early 20th century handicapped and deformed humans had few ways to make a living and that some found gainful employment on sideshows. He tells the story of Dickie Brisbane – The Penguin Boy – who worked for him for 25 years before retiring. Hall took the boy out of a life of squalor, got him off government welfare to eventually make a very good living on the midway.

Intern Abby reports a feel-good story about a dog that opened several doors and found a bathtub full of water to save herself from a house fire!

And we hear about the latest in body modification – elfin ears. Spock anyone? Barry Anderson, head of Ripley’s art department drops by and recalls some very funny stories about his career as a B-movie makeup artist prior to his career at Ripley’s. This episode marks the start of a four-week series of remote broadcasts at the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s, located in Orlando, Fla.

Ripley Radio – Totally Weird and Unbelievable Family Vacation Spots

billschiffler — Mon, 23 May 2011 05:01:37 +0000

Off-beat and unbelievable vacation spots is the theme this week on Ripley Radio. We explore the new Vampire Room in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the Wisconsin Dells and Kevin Ricks tells us the new attraction contains the head of a real human vampire! Emil Bertalot reveals his latest creation in the Wisconsin Dells – a new nighttime adventure boat cruise known as the Lost Voyage, set to open on Memorial Day weekend. Chris Epting takes us along on a walk on the wild side at Southern California’s unique Shangri-Llama; Rick Davis tells us where to find the best Haunted Dark Rides and what to look for while we ride them; Judika Illes takes us to Upstate New York to the largest Spiritualist Community in the world; Edward recalls his visit to a village in India where the entire town gathers for sun rise and sun set ceremonies and where the local silk shop is owned by a cow; Ralf tells us that you can tell how handsome a man is by the length of his ring finger; and Tim quizzes the group on unbelievable resorts where you can stay in an underwater hotel or sleep in the “deepest” bedroom in the world.

Ripley Radio – He-Brew, Doomsday Wishes & a Front Yard Toilet Planter

billschiffler — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:01:28 +0000

Kosher Jewish Beers and Whimsical Coney Island brews! Jeremy Cowen, founder and CEO of Shmaltz Brewing has a great deal of fun brewing, naming, and promoting his line of beers. The Jewish beer for the chosen few, He-Brew, started it all 13 years ago and today, with his line of Coney Island beers, including Mermaid Pilsner and Freaktoberfest, Cowen continues to have fun as well as win awards! He joins Ripley Radio to tell his offbeat approach to the beer business. Joseph Felser will also be here to talk about his book: “The myth of the Great Ending – Why we’ve been longing for the end of days since the beginning of time.” Ralf tells us that more than half of the U.S. population lives within a half tank of gas from a Ripley attraction; Abby reports on a man who took his home town to court over the right to have a toilet flower planter in his front yard; Andrea Silverman promotes the first annual Bug Fest at her Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Hollywood, where guests get in free if they eat a certain type of bug; Chris Epting reviews his trip to Death Valley to see the rare pup fish; and Edward talks about Robert Ripley’s extensive beer stein collection which includes the world’s largest – now on display at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square in New York City.

Ripley Radio – An Elephant Movie Star & Richard Simmons’ New Gig

billschiffler — Mon, 09 May 2011 05:01:28 +0000

Tai the 42 year old Asian elephant is the star of this summer’s gangbuster movie, Water for Elephants. Kari Johnson, who with her husband Gary – owners of Have Trunk Will travel – are the trainers behind this great and talented beast and Kari joins us on this week’s Ripley Radio, to tell us all about Tai’s acting talents, how she got hired, and how much the human stars of the film loved the affable pachyderm. Richard Lustig stops by the studio to give us hints on how to improve our chances of winning the lottery and to discuss his new book on the subject. Also this week, Judika Illes returns to discuss some of the better known people through history who were proponents of the paranormal, including Thomas Edison who is often referred to as the Father of the Paranormal; Intern Abby returns with a report on fitness guru Richard Simmons’ new, very funny gig providing pre-flight instructions on New Zealand Air; we learn from Ralf that women eat more than five tubes of lipstick a year; Tim challenges the group on their knowledge of Lady Gaga; and Edward talks about the elephant collectibles Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has in its collection.

Ripley Radio – An A-Bomb Falls on New Mexico & a Dog Rescued at Sea

billschiffler — Mon, 02 May 2011 05:01:59 +0000

In May 1957, airmen from Texas dropped an A-Bomb on our own US soil! It hit near Albuquerque, New Mexico leaving a huge crater and killing only a luckless grazing cow. John Hafnor, author of “Strange But True America” joins us this week to share the A-Bomb tale and other totally unbelievable stories. Also on this week’s show, Michael Hirsch of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square in New York, tells us that a very large Ripley-style dessert has been created and will be available during May at the city’s Serendipity Restaurant; Marc Hartzman amazes with a story about a legless man studying to be a gym teacher; Judika Illes begins a four part series by explaining what Paranormal really is and what it means; return intern Abby has a feel-good story about a dog rescued several miles from shore following the Japanese Tsunami; we hear of an opera singer who sang so loud that it caused Mount Vesuvius to erupt; Edward talks about his newest acquisition for the Ripley’s archives – a cement piano made by Thomas Edison; and in honor of the new movie Water for Elephants, Tim challenges the group on their knowledge of pachyderms in Ripley’s Spot the Not! quiz.

Ripley Radio – A Naked Bookseller, and a Retired Dwarf Named Poobah

billschiffler — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:01:42 +0000

Pete Terhune, an 81-year old sideshow performer, also known as Poobah the dwarf, is now retired, and his former boss of more than 50 years, sideshow impresario Ward Hall tells us what a great friend Pete has been to him through the years and what a great performer he was. Chris Epting stumbled upon a bookstore in Arizona and tells us how surprised he was when he saw that the proprietor was naked! Daniel Pineda, author of “The Book of Secrets, talks about the secret societies and global symbolism in the world today, Brittany Neigh tells us about how she and her husband are celebrating (and blogging about) a special “unofficial” day every day in 2011, Edward talks about the Voodoo dolls in the Ripley collection and Tim challenges the group on their knowledge of Thomas Edison in this week’s Spot the Not! quiz.

Ripley Radio – A Minister who Went to Hell, Clairvoyance & Occult Powers

billschiffler — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:01:34 +0000

A century-old book that has been the basis for many modern self-help volumes contains some amazing, unusual and unbelievable claims. Clint Marsh has dusted off the old book, written a new introduction to it and explains what “Swami Panchadasi’s Clairvoyance & Occult Powers” is all about. Philadelphia minister Kevin Benton has written “A Field Guide to Hell,” in which he claims he has gone to hell and back – literally. He tells us all about that amazing journey. Also this week: Intern Abby tells the tale of fish falling from the heavens in Honduras, Edward reveals facts about the world’s first and only underwater post office and tells us that the Chilean flag that was underground with the trapped miners is now in the Ripley archives! We also find out what a swordswallower, an armless man, a legless Elvis impersonator and a former NFL player have in common, and the subject of this week’s Spot the Not! quiz is – Lava Lamps.

Ripley Radio – Bad Girls, Steampunk & Broken Wings

billschiffler — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:01:32 +0000

Believe It or Not! the American West had its share of outlaw women, many of whom were killers and rustlers – and some actually ended up on the short end of a long rope as a result. Author Michael Rutter has documented these bad girls in his “Bedside Book of Bad Girls,” and shares several amazing and shocking stories about a few of them. Steampunk is often defined as Victorian style with an industrial revolution steel feel to it combined with a touch of Jules Verne fantasy – all mixed together with a 21st century punk attitude. Sandra Martin, the founder of the Oklahoma Steampunk Expo is on hand to tell us all about this emerging genre and about her event, set for April 15-17 in Oklahoma City.

Also this week, Chris Epting reports about a plethora of fallen birds, all with the exact same wing injury, Tim plays Spot the Not! with facts culled from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baseball Oddities book, Edward examines the Steampunk exhibits in the Ripley archives, and we find out who the fittest man in the world is and where he lives.

Ripley Radio – The Mouse House, Cremains & a Knife Throwing Breast Surgeon

billschiffler — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:01:07 +0000

Forty years ago this fall, Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Florida and the state, city and the world has not been the same since. Disneyphile Chad Emerson has compiled a book of essays from Disney aficionados around the world to celebrate the four decades of the Mouse House and he shares with us some of the more unusual and amazing of the stories. Intern Abby tells us about a Knife Throwing Breast Surgeon, Sideshow impresario Ward Hall tells Tim that there is still validity in exhibiting freaks for entertainment, author Dan Schlossberg covers some of the strange things we’re likely to experience during the 2011 Major League Baseball Season, and Buck Wolf reveals what a lot of families are doing with the ashes of their recently departed. We hear further strange stories from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! book on Baseball Oddities, and while no one in the ensemble has received their invitation to the royal wedding yet, Edward tells us that fruitcakes can play an important part in British wedding customs.

Ripley Radio – Year of the Rabbit, a Carny Priest, and a Bunch of Creeps

billschiffler — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:01:18 +0000

Jody Pliszka explains what the Chinese Year of the Rabbit means to all of us and what we should expect if we were born under one of the five signs of the rabbit. Well-known TV writer and author David Bickell has an unusual and somewhat kooky book and website called Creepiosity. He talks with us about what he finds really creepy in this already strange world and sideshow veteran and entrepreneur Ward Hall explains why he feels that freaks are still a viable entertainment option on today’s carnival midway. We meet Father John, the Carny Priest who travels across America tending to his flock of itinerant show people; Intern Kyle introduces us to a man who has run 365 full marathons in 365 days; and Ripley’s archivist Edward Meyer explains how the marathon got its name and describes the amazing collection of Olympic torches in the Ripley collection.

Ripley Radio – Talking Animals & a Pyramid on Pike’s Peak

billschiffler — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:01:53 +0000

“Bats Sing, Mice Giggle” is the name of the new book by Dr. Karen Shanor, a researcher who reveals some amazing and surprising facts about the way animals communicate. UFO Phil, perhaps one of the most unusual and fun guests ever on Ripley Radio unveils his plan to build a huge pyramid on the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado so the aliens will have a place to land. He also sings for us and very secretively lists ways for us to tell the good aliens from the bad. Intern Abby provides a tale of a dog being elected as the mayor of a small Kentucky town; we hear about parrots that are trained to prevent crime; and we learn that Ripley’s has an amazing collection of weird, strange (and stuffed) animals in its vast archives.

Ripley Radio – Frozen Dead Guys & a Sideshow Talker

billschiffler — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:01:41 +0000

Author Gail Rubin’s slightly irreverent but quite practical look at death and funerals led her to be a part of this year’s Frozen Dead Guy Festival where she unveiled her new game, the Newly Dead Game. She talks with us about how to plan for your own funeral in a fun way. Ripley’s favorite witch, Judika Illes talks about the recent edict from the Catholic Church about witches; Intern Kyle examines the Doomsday Seed Bank in Norway; and Tim visits with sideshow legend Ward Hall who talks about the importance of the sideshow talker, or the Bally, in any midway show. We find out what happened to the 100,000 t-shirts that were printed listing the wrong Super Bowl Champion (sorry Pittsburgh), and we learn about the extensive collection of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! death oriented exhibits, including Fantasy Coffins, the gallows from Chicago’s Cook County Jail, and the gas chamber chair from San Quentin Prison. We are also told that Robert Ripley’s last word spoken was AMEN, just before he collapsed on live television during a show on funeral customs. He died two days later.

Ripley Radio – Elvis, Buddy Holly & a Great Fish Story

billschiffler — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:01:01 +0000

Ripley Radio – Faces in the Clouds & Weird Baseball Injuries

billschiffler — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:01:19 +0000

Tom Lumbrazo claims that angels and other spirits create cloud formations as a way to communicate with earthlings. He has been studying this concept for years, written two books about it, and says it has changed his life! Ralf finishes off his countdown of the 2010 Stupidity Awards and features the Top Stupid happening of the year; the ensemble talks about 2010’s craziest and unnecessary baseball injuries; Buck Wolf of AOL News tells us of a Phil Campbell reunion in Phil Campbell, Ala.; we hear from a vintage Ripley Radio segment that many of our beliefs about the founding of Pennsylvania are wrong and that it’s time to update the text books; and five edgy sideshow performers tell us how they do it and what their mother’s think of their chosen career path. Ripley archivist Edward Meyer takes inside the vault and talks about his recent acquisition of eight tribal skulls from Tibet, New Guinea and the Philippines.