Episode 416: The Dingbat
Summary
This episode explores the Dingbat, a cryptid from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, created by taxidermist Otto Rindlisbacher in the 1950s. The hosts discuss the creature's origins as a humorous taxidermy mount designed to prank hunters by allegedly stealing their gasoline and bullets. They trace the word "dingbat" through its various 19th-century meanings and compare the creature to other Great Lakes "fearsome critters" like the Hoedag and Jackalope. The discussion highlights the Buckhorn Tavern's role in local folklore and the creature's enduring legacy in regional history.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Clinique and Salesforce
Cryptid playing cards and Unemployed Philosophers Guild
Personal anecdotes and cautionary tales
Rice Lake, Wisconsin and local weather
Christie Mountain and upcoming Dallas show
Fort Worth library show and Freaky Friday stories
Ticket details and general banter
Etymology of the word 'dingbat'
Sponsor: Fi GPS trackers for pets
Dingbat as an animal and Wingdings font
Hoedag and other Wisconsin cryptids
Owl-Eyed Ripple Skipper description
Origin of 'fearsome creatures' and Jackalope
Otto Rindlisbacher and The Friendly Buckhorn
Sourpuss in Dingbat Land cartoon
Dingbat card caption and ASPCA sponsor
Dingbat natural history and physical description
Ewok face comparison and hunter jokes
Flatwoods Monster and Wisconsin travel plans
Buckhorn decor: Capone windshield and fiddles
Banter on deer fights and witch of the woods
Sponsor: Clinique Moisture Surge
Leary's research and Cameo sponsor
Dingbat habits and other cryptid names
Edith Bunker and All in the Family connection
Wyman's book and mock Latin name
Sponsor: Clinique Moisture Surge
James P. Leary's folk song research
1950s playing cards and historical humor
Library of Congress National Recording Registry
Otto's death and the fate of the Buckhorn
Taxidermy banter and It's a Wonderful Life
Specimen whereabouts and reverse Duck Hunt
Dingbat origin myth: Owl and Deer
Closing thoughts and gasoline/bullet tribute
Mini-sode teaser and fursona ideas
Subreddits, Patreon, and social media links
Sponsors: Dupixent, Clinique, and BMW
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