The Blog of Unusual Things

One of the most unusual causes for death I have heard is Water Intoxication. Who would think that a person could die from drinking too much water? I mean our bodies are about 60% water anyways.

Apparently water can be considered poisonous when consumed in vast quantities. An over-consumption of water can bring about an underpopulation of electrolytes and end up disturbing brain functions. But don’t worry – it is unlikely to happen to you unless you are in some sort of water guzzling contest or you exercise excessively without replenishing electrolytes.

The most famous instance of water intoxication is the death of Jennifer Strange (what an unusual last name). She was in a contest titled “Hold Your Wee for a Wii” which was held by radio station KDND. The contestants were instructed to drink 8oz of water every 15 minutes. Apparently, the DJ’s of the show had heard of water intoxication yet they didn’t halt the contest even after a warning from a caller. The DJ’s, however, ignored her and even made jokes about Jennifer Strange looking pregnant from the water intake.

After the contest, Strange spoke to a friend and described being in intense pain. An hour later, she was discovered dead. Her family later won $16.5 million in a lawsuit about her death.

Now, this isn’t meant to be a sad post. Certainly, the death of anyone is no laughing matter, but the cause of death is still very bizarre.

Interesting fact: Artist Andy Warhol died of cardiac arrhythmia. However, his family believed the arrhythmia was a result of water intoxication from an overload of fluids after surgery. They sued, of course.

Unusual things almost always pique my interest when I come across them, so I figured a blog would be a good place to organize the things that interest me.  If other people enjoy my blog – awesome.  If not – oh well.  I’ve never been one to stick with projects I start, but I really like this idea so hopefully I can keep it going.

While reading Bode Miller’s Wikipedia page, I came across something interesting.  Apparently, Bode’s younger sister is named Genesis Wren Bungo Windrushing Turtleheart Miller.  Not only is that extremely embarrassing, but it would really suck for her if she ever has to write out her full name.  She usually goes by Wren though which probably a smart choice.

Of course, I was reading Wikipedia, so I originally thought it was a joke. But a google search proved that to actually be her name. I also found what may or may not be her facebook page. I mean, how many people have the name “Genesis Wren”? My bet is not too many.

Oh, and Bode’s younger brother also has an interesting name: Nathaniel Kinsman Ever Chelone Skan. “Bode” isn’t exactly a normal name, but I would take it over his siblings’ names any day. But I guess nothing about him or his siblings is too normal considering they grew up in a log cabin without electricity or plumbing.

I unfortunately wasn’t able to find any pictures of her, but the profile picture on her possible-facebook can tell you how she looks (although you can’t really see much).

Just something I thought was interesting. I know there are plenty of unusual names out there and I plan on writing about some of my favorites in the future. Does anyone else have a favorite unusual name?