Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities – Episode: "Exotic Tastes" Summary
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Introduction
In the "Exotic Tastes" episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, listeners are treated to two enthralling stories that delve into the mysterious and the bizarre. Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, this episode masterfully navigates through folklore and historical anecdotes, uncovering the hidden truths behind unsettling phenomena and legendary tales.
1. The Curse of the Crying Boy Paintings
Overview
The episode opens with a captivating narrative about the infamous "Crying Boy" paintings—a series of tearful child portraits that inexplicably survived numerous house fires across England during the mid-1980s. This segment explores the origins of the paintings, the superstitions that enveloped them, and the eventual debunking of the so-called curse.
Key Points
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Origin of the Paintings: Post-World War II, Spanish painter Bruno Amedio, using the pseudonyms Giovanni Bragelin and Francho Saville, began creating and selling cheap prints of crying children to highlight the plight of war-orphaned children. These prints gained immense popularity in Europe, especially in England, with approximately 50,000 copies sold.
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The Mysterious Fires: Starting in September 1985, a series of house fires devastated working-class homes in Yorkshire, England. Strangely, in each incident, the only item left untouched by flames was a "Crying Boy" painting. Firefighters noted the repeated presence of these specific prints amidst the devastation.
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The Legend of Don Bonillo: According to the British tabloid The Sun, one particularly popular Crying Boy was modeled after Don Bonillo, a boy orphaned by a fire. Rumors suggested that Don possessed incendiary abilities, leading to spontaneous fires wherever he went. Bruno Amedio's alleged adoption and subsequent expulsion of Don after a studio fire further fueled these superstitions.
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Media Influence: The Sun, in an apparent bid to boost readership amid declining circulation from rival Daily Mirror, amplified the curse narrative. On Halloween 1985, The Sun orchestrated a bonfire of Crying Boy prints, ostensibly ending the curse but actually capitalizing on the sensational story.
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Debunking the Curse: Firefighters revealed that the durability of the Crying Boy prints was due to their high-density hardboard material, making them highly resistant to burning. An experiment by a BBC presenter in 2010 confirmed that these prints were exceptionally hard to destroy by fire, debunking the supernatural claims.
Notable Quotes
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Narrator (03:15): “The cheap prints many people had in their homes were made of high density hardboard. This material is very tough to burn.”
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Aaron Manke (00:50): “Our world is full of the unexplainable. And if history is an open book, all of these amazing tales are right there on display, just waiting for us to explore.”
Insights
This story underscores the powerful role media can play in shaping public perception and perpetuating myths. The combination of unexplained events and sensational journalism created a lasting legend around an ordinary art piece, demonstrating how folklore can emerge from seemingly mundane circumstances.
2. The Glutton Club and Charles Darwin's Exotic Delicacies
Overview
The second tale transports listeners to 19th-century Cambridge, where an eccentric group of students known as the Glutton Club embarked on gastronomic adventures to expand their culinary horizons. This story intriguingly connects these escapades to the famed naturalist Charles Darwin, suggesting that his voracious appetite for discovery may have influenced his groundbreaking scientific work.
Key Points
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Formation of the Glutton Club: In the 1920s, Cambridge University students formed the Glutton Club with the audacious mission to sample "strange flesh"—exotic birds and beasts previously unknown to the British palate. Their culinary explorations included hawks, herons, and even a particularly unpalatable old brown owl, which notably soured many members' appetites.
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The Oceanic Voyage: Undeterred by mixed reviews, the club's president, motivated by an insatiable curiosity, joined an oceanic expedition as a naturalist. Over five years, he traveled globally, encountering and tasting a myriad of exotic species such as pumas, armadillos, iguanas, and giant tortoises. His extensive journals detailed both the scientific observations and the gastronomic experiences of these creatures.
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The Rhea Incident: A pivotal moment occurred during Christmas dinner when the Glutton unknowingly began consuming meat from a rhea—a large, flightless bird—believing it to be turkey. Realizing the mistake, he acted swiftly to preserve the remaining specimen for scientific study, thereby salvaging both the dinner and the research.
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Contribution to Science: Upon returning to England in 1836, the Glutton diligently analyzed his specimens and notes, culminating in the 1859 publication of On the Origin of Species. This seminal work introduced the theory of evolution, reshaping scientific understanding of life's development. The episode posits that Darwin's relentless pursuit of knowledge and willingness to explore the unknown were crucial to his scientific breakthroughs.
Notable Quotes
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Narrator (07:30): “The Glutton had been tracking rhea for weeks, trying to catch one with no luck. Apparently the ship's cook had beaten him to the punch.”
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Aaron Manke (10:52): “Until next time, stay curious.”
Insights
This narrative beautifully intertwines the themes of curiosity, exploration, and the quest for knowledge. It highlights how unconventional experiences and an adventurous spirit can lead to monumental contributions in science, as seen in Darwin's evolutionary theories. The story also touches on ethical considerations in scientific research and the importance of preserving specimens for study.
Conclusion
In "Exotic Tastes," Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities delivers compelling stories that blend historical facts with intriguing legends. From dispelling myths about cursed art to uncovering the unconventional paths that led to scientific revolutions, this episode embodies the podcast's mission to explore the unbelievable and the bizarre. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the curious events that shape our understanding of the world.
Final Quote
- Aaron Manke (10:52): “I hope you've enjoyed today's guided tour of the Cabinet of Curiosities. Subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or learn more about the show by visiting curiositiespodcast.com.”
Whether you're a history buff, a lover of mysteries, or simply curious about the oddities of the past, "Exotic Tastes" offers a delightful and informative experience that satisfies the craving for the unusual and the fascinating.