Boom Times
The “Exploding Whale” was one of the first videos to go viral on the Internet, thanks to a mention by Florida humor columnist Dave Barry in 1990. Even though the dynamiting of the dead whale, which had washed up on a Florence, Ore., beach, happened in November 1970, millions assumed the report by KATU-TV was a current event and continued to pass the video around. Fast forward to today, as the city of Florence asked for “name suggestions” and a public vote on the best suggestion for a new city facility. The answer was clear, and officials have dedicated Florence’s newest city feature: Exploding Whale Memorial Park. The unveiling was planned to occur at the city’s annual rhododendron festival (the theme: “Blast from the Past” — really), but the coronavirus “blew those plans out of the water.” (RC/KATU Portland) ...And fell in chunks on nearby witnesses.Original Publication Date: 21 June 2020
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 26.
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 26.
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