Digest

The Pastimes podcast continues its exploration of an 1893 newspaper, focusing on a story about a man named Ale Norton who claims to have been kidnapped by pirates, then rescued from the ocean. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the story and the lack of evidence to support Norton's claims. They then move on to another story about two girls who were arrested for being disorderly under the boardwalk with two boys. The girls claimed they were simply rubbing sand off their limbs, but the hosts speculate about the true nature of their activities. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the stories and the nature of truth in news reporting, highlighting the tendency for newspapers to present sensationalized accounts of events. They also discuss the evolution of news reporting and the increasing reliance on social media and online platforms for information.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Guest Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Pastimes podcast and welcomes comedian Billy Wayne Davis as a guest. The hosts discuss Billy Wayne Davis's Hill Billy background and the challenges of being a comedian in the entertainment industry.

00:06:39

Newspaper Analysis: August 20th, 1893

This Chapter dives into the main segment of the podcast, where the hosts analyze a newspaper from August 20th, 1893. The newspaper features an announcement for a grand cakewalk, a social event where participants walk around and the person standing in a designated spot when the music stops wins a cake. The hosts discuss the origins and absurdity of the cakewalk, with Garrett Reynolds explaining the rules and Billy Wayne Davis sharing his personal experience with a similar event.

00:18:37

Newspaper Analysis: Police Cat Dick

This Chapter continues the analysis of the 1893 newspaper, focusing on a story about a cat named Dick who lost his home in a fire and is now sadly wandering through the ruins. The hosts find humor in the cat's misfortune and speculate about the cat's possible involvement in the fire.

00:29:21

Newspaper Analysis: Oyster Shells and City Hall

This Chapter concludes the analysis of the 1893 newspaper, focusing on a story about a carload of oyster shells being dumped in a hole in front of City Hall. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the situation and the reaction of the people of Atlantic City.

00:31:36

Newspaper Analysis: The First Diner and Runaway Tab

This Chapter continues the analysis of the 1893 newspaper, focusing on a story about a group of diners who walked out on their tab, leaving the restaurant owner bewildered. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the situation and the evolution of social norms regarding paying for services.

00:36:47

Newspaper Analysis: Indian Pig Sticking

This Chapter delves into a newspaper article about the sport of pig sticking, a hunting practice prevalent in India and Northern Africa. The hosts discuss the origins and history of the sport, its connection to British colonialism, and the absurdity of its continued practice in modern times. They also discuss the evolution of hunting practices and the ethical considerations surrounding the sport.

00:59:35

Newspaper Analysis: Two Sporty Girls

This Chapter focuses on a newspaper article about two girls who were arrested for being disorderly under the boardwalk with two boys. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the story and the nature of truth in news reporting, highlighting the tendency for newspapers to present sensationalized accounts of events. They also discuss the evolution of news reporting and the increasing reliance on social media and online platforms for information.

01:07:44

Newspaper Analysis: Norton's Strange Rescue

This Chapter concludes the analysis of the 1893 newspaper, focusing on a story about a man named Ale Norton who claims to have been rescued from the ocean after being kidnapped by pirates. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the story and the lack of evidence to support Norton's claims. They also discuss the nature of truth in news reporting and the challenges of verifying information in the absence of reliable sources.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the challenges of being a Hill Billy in the entertainment industry?

  Billy Wayne Davis discusses the challenges of being a Hill Billy in the entertainment industry, suggesting that it can be difficult to be taken seriously as a comedian if you have a rural background.

• What is a cakewalk?

  A cakewalk is a social event where participants walk around and the person standing in a designated spot when the music stops wins a cake. It originated in the late 19th century and was often associated with African American culture.

• What is the story about Police Cat Dick?

  Police Cat Dick is a cat who lost his home in a fire and is now sadly wandering through the ruins. The hosts find humor in the cat's misfortune and speculate about the cat's possible involvement in the fire.

• What happened in Atlantic City in 1893?

  In 1893, a carload of oyster shells was dumped in a hole in front of City Hall, causing a stir among the residents of Atlantic City.

• What is pig sticking?

  Pig sticking is a hunting practice prevalent in India and Northern Africa, involving riding horseback and dispatching wild pigs with spears. It originated during British colonialism and is considered a controversial sport due to its cruelty and ethical implications.

• What happened to the two girls who were arrested under the boardwalk?

  Two girls were arrested for being disorderly under the boardwalk with two boys. They claimed they were simply rubbing sand off their limbs, but the hosts speculate about the true nature of their activities.

• What is the story about Ale Norton?

  Ale Norton is a man who claims to have been kidnapped by pirates, then rescued from the ocean. His story is featured in an 1893 newspaper from Atlantic City, and the hosts discuss the absurdity of the story and the lack of evidence to support Norton's claims.

• What is the significance of the newspaper stories discussed in this episode?

  The newspaper stories discussed in this episode highlight the absurdity of some news reporting in the past, and the challenges of verifying information in the absence of reliable sources. They also provide a glimpse into the social norms and cultural practices of the time.

Show Notes