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    • A mountain of ceramic dishes and teacups found in the woods sparks curiosityAn unexpected discovery of a mountain of ceramic dishes and teacups in the woods led to an intriguing journey of discovery and questioning the world around us.

      Sometimes the most intriguing stories come from the most unexpected places. In this podcast episode, the team from Endless Thread came across a strange Reddit post about a mountain of ceramic dishes and tea cups found in the woods of Pennsylvania. The discovery led them on an adventure they would never forget. The strange and absurd image of the mountain of white dishes and teacups resonated with people, garnering tens of thousands of upvotes and thousands of responses. The team was intrigued and decided to investigate further. The discovery of the dishes in the woods was a mystery that captured their imagination and led them on a journey of discovery. The experience reminded them that sometimes the best stories are the ones that make us think and question the world around us. The BBC provides information and inspiration for such stories, allowing listeners to experience and learn from the world's most intriguing discoveries.

    • Mysterious pile of plates discovered in Pennsylvania woodsAn enormous pile of plates, possibly 10-20 feet high, was found in Pennsylvania woods, sparking theories and international attention on Reddit

      A mysterious pile of plates, estimated to be at least 10-20 feet high, has been discovered in the woods of Pennsylvania, sparking intrigue and numerous theories on the internet. The identity of the pile's owner remains unknown, with theories ranging from illegal dumping by a business or casino, to a strange art installation or even a Ren and Stimpy reference. Despite efforts to contact the original poster, they have remained unresponsive. The mystery has gained international attention, with over 2,000 comments on Reddit, showcasing the platform's ability to unravel unsolved mysteries. The episode "We want plates" on Endless Thread, a podcast that explores stories found on Reddit, delves deeper into the mystery, including an interview with a Redditor from Australia who became fascinated by the pile's origins and theories. The mystery remains unsolved, but the internet's collective curiosity continues to fuel the search for answers.

    • Mystery of the reflective plates solved through satellite imagery and GIS technologyA group used satellite imagery and GIS technology to locate and identify the owner of a mysterious pile of reflective plates, leading to an exciting road trip adventure to uncover its origin

      A group of individuals embarked on a road trip to investigate a mysterious pile of plates discovered through satellite imagery and campground research. James, the leader of the group, used satellite imagery and a radius search around campgrounds in Pennsylvania to locate the plates. They found a large, reflective blob near Tanglewood Campground, which was labeled as "huge pile of plates" on Google Maps. The group drove to the location, unsure of who the landowner was or if they would be allowed on the property. They used geographic information system (GIS) technology to identify the landowner, Clifford Cross Junior, who owned a trucking company nearby. The group's plan was to approach the property and see if they could view the plates from the road before contacting the landowner. Along the way, they encountered various sights and experiences, sharing theories about the origin of the plates, which ranged from natural phenomena to illegal activities. The group's adventure continued as they approached the property, filled with excitement and a sense of discovery.

    • Investigation leads to Corning, New York, but no connection to Corningware foundDespite investigating a lead in Corning, New York, the group failed to find a connection to Corningware and encountered challenges along the way.

      The group's investigation into the mysterious pile of dishes led them to Corning, New York, in search of a connection to Corningware, a line of dishware from a New York company. However, upon arriving at the factory, they discovered that the facility produced only biomedical plastic and not dishware. Meanwhile, the town they were passing through, Covington Township, has been embroiled in controversies involving environmental law violations by its board of supervisors. The group's theory about the dishes hit a dead end, but they continued their search, encountering challenges such as driving through a creek bed and encountering a private property fence.

    • Mystery of the Missing Plates in the WoodsDespite initial fears and uncertainty, a team resolved to trust and communicate with a property owner to clarify a misunderstanding.

      The team, led by Ben, went to investigate a reported pile of plates in the woods, but they were unable to find it and became increasingly uneasy about the situation due to the unfamiliar location, private property status, and allegations of illegal activity. The property was owned by Clifford Cross, who ran a trucking company, leading to theories that the plates may have been transported there using a big truck. When they finally managed to contact Clifford, he explained that there had been a misunderstanding, and the pile of lime that had been reported was no longer there. Despite this, Clifford invited the team to meet him to discuss the situation further. Throughout the experience, Ben and his team grappled with their fear and uncertainty, ultimately deciding to trust that the situation was not as ominous as it seemed.

    • DEP investigates illegal dumping of plates at Cliff's propertyDespite a visit to a local resident's property, the DEP team couldn't find the illegally dumped plates and continued their search at a nearby campground, while also trying to contact the original tipster and DEP official without success.

      The investigation into the illegal dumping of plates continued, leading the team to visit a local resident named Cliff. Cliff, who was dressed in full tree camo, claimed that someone had illegally dumped plates on his land. However, the DEP official couldn't find any evidence during their visit. Cliff showed the team his collection of taxidermy animals and welcomed them into his home. The team left without finding the plates but continued their search at a nearby campground, as that was where the original tip had mentioned the plates were found. They also attempted to contact the DEP official and the person who had initially posted about the plates online, but both were unresponsive.

    • A group's journey to find a mysterious pile of platesDespite initial denial and anger, persistence led to acceptance and the solution to a mystery

      A group of individuals embarked on a peculiar journey to find a mysterious pile of plates, leading them through various stages of frustration and eventual acceptance. Despite their initial denial and anger, they persisted in their search, even after encountering false leads and depression. Eventually, they reached acceptance and were on the verge of giving up when they finally connected with the original poster of the internet mystery. The journey served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the unexpected twists and turns that can come with solving a mystery.

    • The mystery of Plate Mountain: A story that provokes thoughtThe power of storytelling lies in its ability to provoke thought and bring communities together to uncover the unknown, even when the destination remains elusive.

      The best stories are those that provoke thought rather than dictate it. The mysterious story of the Plate Mountain, a supposed mountain of dishware in the woods of Pennsylvania, is a prime example. Despite months of searching and countless leads, the exact location remains elusive. However, the intrigue and the community's collective effort to solve the mystery demonstrate the power of storytelling and the human desire to uncover the unknown. In the digital age, traditional journalism and online communities can collaborate to piece together information and bring attention to intriguing stories. The Plate Mountain saga is a reminder that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination.

    • Searching for Illegal Dumping Sites: A Needle in a HaystackFinding illegal dumping sites or specific objects can be difficult due to lack of reliable information or witnesses, making the search a challenging task.

      Even with a solid lead and the help of various resources, finding illegal dumping sites or specific objects, such as a large pile of plates, can be a challenging task. Keith Rule, a solid waste specialist from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, experienced this firsthand when he investigated a reported illegal dumping site. He found nothing at the given location, which was not surprising since it didn't fit the typical description of an illegal dump site. The lack of a specific place to look or a reliable witness made the search a "needle in a haystack" situation. Despite the setback, the investigation continued with the help of various individuals and resources. However, the original poster, Matt, who had initially reported the plate mountain, had limited recollection of the location, making the search even more difficult.

    • EXIF data from photo aids investigationDetailed metadata like EXIF data can provide valuable clues, but accessing and interpreting it can be challenging.

      Important metadata, such as EXIF data, can provide valuable information that is often lost during social media uploads. In this case, the EXIF data from a photo taken at a campground helped investigators identify the location of a potential crime scene. However, the process of obtaining this information was not straightforward, as the data was not easily accessible and required persistent investigation. The investigation also revealed that the person of interest had visited a campground in Ohio called Austin Lake Campground, which became the focus of further investigation. The importance of paying attention to seemingly insignificant details and following up on leads, even if they seem unlikely, was a crucial aspect of the investigation's success.

    • Mystery of dishware pile solved at industrial siteA Reddit post led investigators to an industrial site where they discovered multiple piles of bricks and dishware, exceeding their expectations.

      A mysterious pile of dishware, believed to be in the woods, was actually located at a refractories company in Irondale, Ohio. Ann Marie Sivertson and her team reached out to the company after receiving information from a Reddit post, and spoke with Roy and Janet. The company, Maryland Refractories, confirmed they were the owners of the dishware pile. The team traveled to the site and were amazed to find not just one pile, but multiple piles of bricks and other industrial materials. Despite initial confusion, they were granted permission to visit and were greeted by Roy, Janet, and their pets. The team was thrilled to finally uncover the truth. The experience was more than they had anticipated, with the site being larger and more industrial than expected. The team's quest was almost over, and they left with a sense of accomplishment and excitement.

    • Old industrial recycling company transforms discarded plates into new materialsMaryland Refractories recycles misprints and defects into valuable materials for various industries, including a new building material, using a massive machine named Big Bertha.

      Maryland Refractories, a seemingly endless pile of discarded plates and toilets, is not an illegal dump site but one of the oldest industrial recycling companies in the United States. Instead of disposing of misprints and defects, they recycle them using a massive machine named Big Bertha. The crushed materials are then sold to various industries, such as the steel industry for coating smelters. The company's latest innovation involves turning plates into a new building material, but it's a tough road to innovate in this industry. Despite not wanting people to pilfer their plates, they welcome awareness about their business. The plates, once considered waste, are now being smashed to dust to create potential new countertops or cladding for buildings. It's a fascinating process that's been going on for a long time, even before recycling was cool.

    • Uncovering the larger problem behind discarded platesThrough community involvement and collaboration, companies like Maryland Refractories are finding innovative solutions to reduce waste and give new life to unused items, uncovering the potential for positive change from seemingly insignificant issues.

      While investigating a seemingly mundane issue of discarded plates, the team behind Endless Thread uncovered a larger problem of waste and the efforts being made to address it. Maryland Refractories, a company specializing in upcycling discarded plates, is working to find solutions to reduce waste and give new life to unused items. The team also discovered the importance of community involvement and collaboration in solving complex issues. Through their investigation, they learned about the impact of illegal dumping and the role of technology in uncovering hidden issues. Ultimately, the team's journey highlights the potential for transforming seemingly insignificant issues into opportunities for positive change.

    Recent Episodes from Endless Thread

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    Show Notes

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