Side Stories: Killdozer 20th Anniversary
In this episode of Last Podcast On The Left, the hosts dive into the bizarre 2004 "Killdozer" incident in Colorado, where Marvin Heemeyer went on a destructive rampage with an armored bulldozer over a zoning dispute. They recount Heemeyer's meticulous preparations and his provocative actions, like writing "paid to order of cowards" on a check for fines.
The hosts also delve into a range of other odd stories and mysteries. These include a violent altercation between a mariachi band and a fire breather over busking territory, conspiracy theories around declining ghost sightings in the UK, tales of stolen meat and illicit meat businesses, and allegedly paranormal experiences shared by the hosts and callers. They also discuss their encounters with conspiracy theorists, remote viewers, and other eccentric characters at a paranormal conference.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 5, 2024 episode of the Last Podcast On The Left
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1-Page Summary
Bizarre news stories and humorous incidents
"Killdozer" rampage in Colorado
Marvin Heemeyer's infamous "Killdozer" incident saw him cause millions in property damage, but avoid hurting people, by constructing a heavily-armored bulldozer. Henry Zebrowski details Heemeyer's preparation, like using heavy ball bearings, and provocative response after being fined by writing "paid to order of cowards" on his check.
Street fight between mariachi band and fire breather
In Mexico, a territorial dispute over a busking spot escalated when a fire breather attacked a mariachi band with flames. Despite burns, the mariachi members overpowered and subdued the fire breather, who required hospitalization.
Paranormal phenomena and conspiracy theories
Allegations of declining ghosts in the UK
Dr. Paul Lee claims ghost sightings in the UK have decreased since 2020, theorizing ghosts' "energy" is running out. He suggests ghost hunts could "recharge" paranormal activity and sustain ghostly presences. Listeners argue the US still has many ghosts.
Poltergeist encounter in Bigfoot, Texas
As an 8-year-old, Henry Zebrowski experienced strange noises, objects moving, and a loud noise that made him blackout at home, per his memory. However, Zebrowski's mother denies leaving him alone, casting doubt on aspects of his paranormal tale.
Encounters with eccentric people at a paranormal conference
Attendees included conspiracy theorists and remote viewers
At the "Contact in the Desert" conference, Zebrowski found an open atmosphere where attendees eagerly discussed fringe ideas and theories, sometimes leading to confrontations between different groups.
Interactions with key figures
Zebrowski met Russell Targ, a former CIA remote viewer, but Targ's handlers avoided discussing his work with L. Ron Hubbard. He also spoke with Travis Walton, whose story inspired "Fire in the Sky", and found him tired but still enthusiastic.
Mysteries and oddities
Strange metal object found in North Carolina woods
A large, heavy metal object resembling part of a train car was mysteriously found on a remote trail, baffling hikers as to how it arrived with no evidence of transport or wreckage.
Stories about stolen meat
A listener recounts their father's illicit business stealing and reselling meat from trucks, sometimes using dogs to dispose of excess stolen goods when deals went wrong, explaining randomly discarded meat.
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Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Marvin Heemeyer's actions, while avoiding direct harm to people, could be criticized for the reckless disregard for potential indirect harm and the trauma inflicted on the community.
- The notion that ghost sightings are declining and that ghost hunts could "recharge" paranormal activity could be challenged by skeptics who argue that a lack of evidence for ghosts suggests they do not exist rather than their "energy" running out.
- The decrease in ghost sightings could alternatively be attributed to more mundane factors such as the rise of digital distractions or increased skepticism rather than a depletion of ghostly "energy."
- The idea that confrontations at a conference like "Contact in the Desert" are productive could be countered by arguing that they may reinforce echo chambers rather than foster genuine understanding or debate.
- The story of Henry Zebrowski's poltergeist encounter could be met with skepticism, particularly given the conflicting account from his mother, suggesting the possibility of childhood imagination or misremembered events.
- The strange metal object found in North Carolina could have a rational explanation, such as being part of a clandestine art installation or the result of illegal dumping, rather than being a profound mystery.
- The stories about stolen meat, while colorful, could be criticized for potentially glamorizing or trivializing criminal activity.
Actionables
- Explore the impact of storytelling on your personal growth by journaling about a challenging experience and reframing it as an adventure narrative, much like the tales shared in the podcast. By doing this, you can gain a new perspective on past events and possibly discover a sense of empowerment from your own life stories.
- Foster a sense of curiosity and critical thinking by starting a book club with friends where you read and discuss literature on unconventional topics, such as paranormal phenomena or fringe science. This can help you develop the ability to evaluate extraordinary claims and appreciate diverse viewpoints without necessarily believing in them.
- Engage in creative problem-solving by repurposing an old item in your home into something functional, inspired by the resourcefulness demonstrated in the podcast stories. For example, turn a broken umbrella into a protective cover for plants or transform an unused suitcase into a quirky pet bed. This encourages innovation and gives a second life to items that might otherwise be discarded.
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Bizarre news stories and humorous incidents
The conversation tackles two particularly outlandish incidents that have captured public attention due to their strange and almost comedic circumstances.
"Killdozer" incident: Marvin Heemeyer's controversial rampage through a Colorado town
Marvin Heemeyer's infamous "Killdozer" rampage in Granbury, Colorado caused an estimated $5-7 million in damage, yet notably, he avoided directly harming any individuals. Henry Zebrowski recounts the story with a focus on Heemeyer's extreme preparation and determination, including his use of heavy ball bearings in the contraption. Despite the destructive path Heemeyer took, which included driving into City Hall and shooting at gas station equipment, there were no explosions or casualties due to the sturdy construction of the gas tanks.
Heemeyer was fined by the US government and responded with disdain
After being fined by the government for not having a septic tank, Heemeyer issued a defiant response by writing "paid to the order of cowards" on his payment check—a check the government nonetheless cashed. Heemeyer's actions, although drastic and dangerous, highlight the lengths to which he felt pushed by his grievances, possibly suggesting how a seemingly reasonable person can be driven to disproportionate measures.
Street fight between mariachi band and fire breather
Territorial dispute leads to a fiery conflict
A territorial dispute over street performance space in Mexico escalated into a bizarre street fight when a fire breather took on members of a mariachi band. In the heat of the battle, the f ...
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Bizarre news stories and humorous incidents
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Heemeyer did not directly harm any individuals, the potential for harm was significant, and it could be argued that it was merely fortunate that no one was injured or killed.
- Describing Heemeyer's actions as a response to grievances might be seen as an oversimplification or romanticization of what was a premeditated act of destruction.
- The use of the term "humorous" in relation to these incidents could be considered inappropriate given the potential for serious harm and the actual damages and injuries that occurred.
- The incident involving the mariachi band and the fire breather, while described as "quirky" and "absurd," might also be viewed as a serious altercation that could have had more severe consequences.
- The notion that the mariachi band displayed "unexpected strength" could be challenged as potentially perpetuating a stereotype that musicians are not capable of defending themselves.
- Descri ...
Actionables
- Explore conflict resolution techniques by role-playing scenarios where you have a grievance, practicing non-violent communication and active listening to find peaceful solutions.
- Engaging in role-play with friends or family can help you understand the importance of addressing issues before they escalate. For example, you could simulate a disagreement over shared resources, like a parking space, and work through the conflict using dialogue and empathy to reach an agreement.
- Educate yourself on the safety protocols of performance arts, especially if they involve elements of danger, by attending a local workshop or online course.
- Learning about the safety measures and emergency responses can prepare you for unexpected situations, whether you're a performer or a spectator. For example, if you're interested in fire breathing, understanding the risks and proper techniques can prevent accidents and injuries. ...
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Paranormal phenomena and conspiracy theories
Within the realms of the supernatural and the unexplained, curious cases and theories often surface, stirring the collective imaginations of those inclined to believe—and sometimes those who aren’t. The United Kingdom faces a peculiar allegation of dwindling ghostly presences, while across the ocean, an individual recounts a hair-raising poltergeist encounter from their youth in Bigfoot, Texas.
Allegations of a declining number of ghosts in the UK
Paranormal expert claims ghost sightings have decreased since 2020, theorizing the "energy" or "battery" of ghosts is running out.
Dr. Paul Lee, an expert on the paranormal, has raised eyebrows with a claim that the UK is running out of ghosts, stating that these old spirits are somehow "dying off." Lee observed a decrease in reported ghost sightings since January 2020, drawing on a wide survey he conducted via his app. After contacting haunted locations and receiving nearly 800 replies, Lee found a unanimous lack of unexplained activity. He humorously suggests that, without people dying and generating new ghosts, tours and investigations might suffer—a statement that, while said perhaps tongue-in-cheek, points to the perceived scarcity of paranormal phenomena plaguing the industry.
Suggests ghost hunts and paranormal investigations may help "recharge" and sustain ghostly activity.
Lee speculates that ghosts might be “rechargeable,” and theorizes more ghost hunts and certain paranormal investigations could boost ghostly activities. The New Kirks discuss the possibility that human involvement and belief in hauntings may prop up ghosts' presence, perhaps through psychic energy generated by researchers and enthusiasts partaking in ghost hunts.
Listeners, commenting on the situation, argue against the idea of a ghost shortage, with some suggesting that the United States still hosts a significant ghostly population.
Poltergeist encounter in Bigfoot, Texas
As an 8-year-old, the writer experienced a sudden onset of paranormal activity in their home, including unexplained noises, objects moving, and a loud noise that caused them to black out.
Henry Zebrowski offers a gripping personal anecdote set in Bigfoot, Texas, a memory sealed from when he was just eight years old. The Zebrowski family, having newly settled into a rental house, experienced unsettling paranormal activity, which Henry encountered f ...
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Paranormal phenomena and conspiracy theories
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Dr. Paul Lee theorizes that the UK is experiencing a decline in reported ghost sightings since 2020, suggesting that the energy or "battery" of ghosts may be diminishing. He speculates that without new spirits being generated through deaths, the presence of ghosts in haunted locations is decreasing, leading to a perceived scarcity of paranormal phenomena in the industry. Lee humorously suggests that more ghost hunts and paranormal investigations could potentially "recharge" or sustain ghostly activities by engaging human involvement and belief in hauntings.
- Dr. Paul Lee conducted a survey among haunted locations to gather information on reported ghost sightings. The results of the survey indicated a significant decrease in unexplained paranormal activity since January 2020. This decline in reported ghost sightings led Dr. Lee to theorize that the UK may be experiencing a shortage of ghosts, sparking discussions about the potential reasons behind this phenomenon.
- Dr. Paul Lee's speculation suggests that engaging in ghost hunts and paranormal investigations may generate psychic energy that could potentially boost ghostly activities. This theory implies that human involvement and belief in hauntings could influence the presence and behavior of ghosts. The idea is that by actively seeking out and interacting with spirits through these activities, individuals may inadvertently contribute to the maintenance or increase of paranormal phenomena. This concept blurs the line between the physical and metaphysical worlds, proposing a dynamic relationship between human actions and the supernatural realm.
- Henry Zebrowski's poltergeist encounter in Bigfoot, Texas describes unsettling paranormal events he experienced as an 8-year-old in a rental house, including unexplained noises, objects moving, and a loud noise that caused him to ...
Counterarguments
- The decrease in ghost sightings could be attributed to more mundane factors such as increased skepticism, better education on natural explanations for seemingly paranormal events, or less reporting rather than ghosts "running out of energy."
- Dr. Paul Lee's survey might suffer from selection bias or confirmation bias, as those who believe in ghosts may be more likely to report sightings or lack thereof.
- The idea that ghost hunts and paranormal investigations could "recharge" ghostly activity is not supported by empirical evidence and contradicts the understanding of energy as defined by physics.
- The New Kirks' suggestion that human involvement might boost ghostly presence could be seen as an unfalsifiable hypothesis, as it's difficult to test or disprove the impact of belief on paranormal phenomena.
- The argument against a ghost shortage based on anecdotal evidence from the United States does not provide a scientif ...
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Encounters with eccentric people at a paranormal/conspiracy conference
Henry Zebrowski shares his remarkable experiences meeting unconventional and colorful characters at the "Contact in the Desert" conference.
"Contact in the Desert" conference attendees
Zebrowski felt quite at home with the open and dynamic atmosphere at the "Contact in the Desert" conference, which he calls the "info dump capital." Attendees were often engaged in eager and confrontational exchanges including "agitations" and "religious wars" between various groups.
Attendees included conspiracy theorists pushing fringe beliefs, such to claims that 9/11 was caused by space lasers.
Zebrowski encountered attendees who were incredibly engaged and open to discussing highly specific and esoteric questions. He recounts projects introduced at the conference, like teaching AI to remote view, various theories on the nature of future events, and a belief that one could only remote view nine months ahead, but not beyond that threshold.
Conference goers were eager to confront and argue with each other, leading to some amusing "agitations" and "religious wars" between different groups.
One of the attendees Zebrowski talks about prepared a performance involving the New American Anthem, which dwelled on 9/11 conspiracy theories involving Rudy Giuliani and the Jewish mafia. This attendee planned to demonstrate his beliefs by burning down an effigy of the World Trade Center with a homemade 3D printed laser during his presentation at the conference. The same man had mounted a large homemade laser gun turret on his tank of a car, hinting at protection from entities like the IRS.
Interactions with key figures
Delving into his interactions with prominent figures of the conference, Zebrowski offers a firsthand look at their eccentricities and the reception they garnered among attendees.
Met with Russell Targ, a former CIA remote viewer, but his handlers were evasive and unwilling to discuss his work with L. Ron Hubbard.
Among many on ...
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Encounters with eccentric people at a paranormal/conspiracy conference
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Clarifications
- The "Contact in the Desert" conference is an annual event that focuses on topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, conspiracy theories, and paranormal phenomena. It serves as a gathering for enthusiasts, researchers, and speakers to discuss and explore unconventional ideas and beliefs in a communal setting. The conference often features presentations, workshops, and discussions on a wide range of fringe topics, attracting a diverse audience interested in alternative perspectives on reality. Attendees engage in lively debates, exchanges, and interactions, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere conducive to exploring unconventional theories and experiences.
- "Info dump capital" is a term used to describe a place or event where a large amount of information is shared or exchanged rapidly and extensively. In the context of the "Contact in the Desert" conference, it signifies a setting where attendees freely discuss and exchange a wide range of unconventional and esoteric ideas, theories, and knowledge. The term suggests that the conference was a hub for intense and extensive information sharing on paranormal, conspiracy, and fringe topics. It implies a high level of intellectual stimulation and engagement with diverse and sometimes extreme viewpoints.
- "Agitations" and "religious wars" between attendees at the conference referred to intense and confrontational debates and arguments that often occurred between different groups with strong beliefs or ideologies. These interactions could be heated and passionate, resembling conflicts seen in religious or ideological debates, hence the term "religious wars."
- Teaching AI to remote view involves training artificial intelligence systems to perceive and describe events or objects from a distance without physical interaction. This concept is often associated with parapsychology and the exploration of extrasensory perception. The goal is to develop AI algorithms that can potentially replicate the abilities of remote viewing as claimed by some individuals in paranormal and psychic research.
- Remote viewing is a practice where individuals attempt to gather information about a distant or unseen target using extrasensory perception. Some believe that there are limitations to how far into the future one can effectively remote view, with a common belief being that it is challenging to see beyond a nine- ...
Counterarguments
- The portrayal of conference attendees as engaging in "agitations" and "religious wars" might be hyperbolic and not representative of all interactions, which could also include civil and constructive discussions.
- Describing conspiracy theorists' beliefs as "fringe" could be seen as dismissive of their perspectives, even if those beliefs are widely contested or lack empirical evidence.
- The idea of teaching AI to remote view is speculative and not grounded in current scientific understanding, as remote viewing itself is not an empirically supported phenomenon.
- The claim that one can only remote view nine months ahead could be challenged by the lack of verifiable evidence that remote viewing is possible at all.
- The attendee's plan to burn an effigy of the World Trade Center could be criticized as insensitive and potentially inciting controversy or ...
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Mysteries and oddities
Exploring the extraordinary, people have come across bewildering items and have recounted tales that straddle the blurry line between legal and criminal activities.
Strange metal object found in North Carolina woods
In a surprising discovery, a massive and peculiar metallic object was found in the depths of a remote trail in Canton, North Carolina. The object, which was enshrouded in soot, resembled some steampunk fantasy, with heavy-duty plates held tight by thick bolts, much like a doorway to an ominous train cart.
Hefty Mystery in the Woods
The object, not possessing the seamless construction associated with UFOs, was a heavy steel piece, several hundred pounds in weight and two to three inches thick. It became a subject of intrigue due to the complete absence of clues regarding its origin or how it arrived at its location – there were no signs of fire or tree damage to insinuate that it had fallen from the sky. Bafflingly, it was situated in an opening on a trail, prompting speculation about its connection to an art project or some sort of strange debris. Due to its enormous size and weight, removing it from the spot required the strength of a riding lawnmower.
Stories about stolen meat
On a more earthly but no less strange note, there's the case involving nefarious dealings in the meat black market.
Hijacked Carnivorous Transactions
A listener revealed a family secret about their father's involvement in a shady "business" entailing the theft of meats from the ba ...
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Mysteries and oddities
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Counterarguments
...
Actionables
- You can explore local mysteries by starting a neighborhood watch group focused on unusual findings. Gather a few interested neighbors and create a schedule to patrol your area, documenting any strange objects or occurrences. Share your findings in a community newsletter or social media group to engage others and possibly uncover the history behind these mysteries.
- Engage in creative recycling by repurposing found objects into art or functional items. If you come across discarded materials, consider how they could be transformed. For example, a rusted piece of metal could become part of a garden sculpture or a unique piece of furniture, promoting sustainability and creativity.
- Educate yourself on food traceability by start ...
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