Corpse Flower Stench Triples, Santa Surfs, and a Doorbell-Ringing Dog: Your Weekly Dose of Weird News
Failed to add items
Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.
Add to basket failed.
Please try again later
Add to Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Remove from Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Corpse Flower Stench Triples, Santa Surfs, and a Doorbell-Ringing Dog: Your Weekly Dose of Weird News
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
About this listen
Imagine waking up to the news that a rare and rather peculiar plant has bloomed in Australia, not once, not twice, but three times in just three months. This isn't just any plant; it's the infamous corpse flower, known for its pungent odor that's eerily reminiscent of decaying flesh. The Australian capital has been holding its nose for the third time in as many months as this extraordinary flowering has captivated and repelled locals and tourists alike.
The corpse flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, is a rare species native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. It's not just its smell that's remarkable; the plant itself is a sight to behold. When it blooms, it can reach heights of over 10 feet and widths of up to 4 feet, making it one of the largest unbranched inflorescences in the world. But what really sets it apart is its unique way of attracting pollinators. Instead of producing sweet, fragrant flowers like most plants, the corpse flower emits a powerful stench that mimics the smell of rotting flesh. This peculiar strategy is designed to attract carrion beetles and flies, which are tricked into believing they've stumbled upon a decaying corpse. These insects then help pollinate the plant, ensuring its survival.
The recent bloom in Australia has been a significant event, drawing in crowds of curious onlookers who are both fascinated and repelled by the plant's unique aroma. The bloom is a rare occurrence, as the corpse flower only blooms for about 24 to 48 hours before wilting. This brief window of time adds to the allure, making it a must-see event for botanists and the general public alike.
But the corpse flower isn't the only unusual news making headlines. In a bizarre incident, a man in Massachusetts found himself stuck in a chimney after attempting to evade police. The man, who was being pursued by law enforcement, decided to shimmy down a chimney in an attempt to escape. However, his plan didn't quite work out as he became wedged in the narrow space. Firefighters were called to the scene to rescue the man, who was eventually freed but not before causing quite a commotion.
In another peculiar story, a Brazilian Santa Claus decided to swap his traditional sleigh for a Jet Ski to deliver toys to disabled children in Rio de Janeiro. The festive figure, clad in his iconic red suit, zipped across the waves on Copacabana beach, bringing joy and gifts to dozens of children. This unique approach to gift-giving was a joint effort by the city's firefighters and nonprofit associations, aiming to spread holiday cheer in a way that's both fun and inclusive.
Meanwhile, in the world of odd news, a man in New York made a surprising discovery while gardening in his backyard. He unearthed a fossilized mastodon jaw, complete with two giant teeth. Scholars are hailing the find as a significant discovery, providing valuable insights into the region's prehistoric past. The mastodon, a relative of the elephant, roamed North America during the Ice Age, and such finds are rare and highly prized by paleontologists.
In a lighter vein, a company in Norway is offering a bounty of about $45 per fish for anyone who can catch the 27,000 salmon that escaped from a fish farm off the coast. The seafood company is hoping to recapture as many of the fugitive fish as possible, and the unusual offer has sparked a fishing frenzy in the area.
And finally, in a story that's both heartwarming and humorous, a missing dog in Florida managed to find its way back home and even rang the doorbell to announce its return. Athena, a 4-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, had been missing for several days before she miraculously appeared at her family's doorstep, tail wagging and ready to be welcomed back home.
These stories, while not necessarily crucial to our daily lives, remind us of the quirky and often bizarre nature of our world. Whether it's a rare plant with a peculiar smell, a man stuck in a chimney, or a dog with a knack for doorbells, there's always something unexpected waiting to surprise us. And who knows? Maybe the next time you're out for a walk, you'll stumble upon a fossilized mastodon jaw or catch a glimpse of a wandering monkey causing a nationwide power outage. After all, in the world of odd news, anything can happen.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
What listeners say about Corpse Flower Stench Triples, Santa Surfs, and a Doorbell-Ringing Dog: Your Weekly Dose of Weird News
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.