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No Such Thing As A Fish
No Such Thing As A Fish

No Such Thing As Lithuanian Soap Ornaments

October 22, 2026 • 56m

Summary

⏱️ 7 min read

Overview

The podcast explores four fascinating facts: Portuguese dictator Salazar was kept believing he was still in power for two years after being deposed; a Four Tops singer was put in a straitjacket after claiming to be the lead singer; Motown's production-line approach to creating music stars; and how Japan's largest toilet maker Toto became essential to the computer chip industry. The hosts also discuss census challenges in India and China, company pivots across industries, and various toilet innovations.

The Dictator Who Never Knew He Was Deposed

Antonio Salazar ruled Portugal as dictator until 1968, when he fell into a coma after an accident. When he recovered, rather than telling him he'd been replaced, his staff maintained an elaborate deception for two years until his death. They printed fake newspapers, brought cabinet members to take fake orders, and kept him believing he was still in charge. The story reveals a fascinating glimpse into mid-20th century Portuguese politics and the strange character of this austere, lonely dictator who lived frugally despite his power.

  • Salazar was deposed in 1968 but tricked into thinking he remained leader until his death two years later
  • His housekeeper Donna Maria printed fake newspapers daily that removed all references to his successor
  • Cabinet members would visit and pretend to take orders from him, then ignore his instructions
  • The global press knew about the deception - Time magazine wrote about it in 1969
  • Salazar was voted the greatest Portuguese person in 2007, showing he's still thought of fondly
" Friendship is completely irrelevant to this conversation. I can't have friends. I am nobody's friend. "
" One in six working Americans was involved in the car industry. One in six. "

The Four Tops Singer Put in a Straitjacket

Alexander Morris, lead singer of the Motown group The Four Tops, was hospitalized in 2024 with breathing difficulties and chest pain. When he informed medical staff that he was a member of The Four Tops due to security concerns about stalking fans, they thought he was delusional and put him in a straitjacket. He eventually had to show YouTube videos to prove his identity, and his wife had to bring Grammy photos. He sued the hospital, citing racial profiling as part of the issue. The case highlights both the revolving membership of classic Motown groups and troubling medical treatment.

  • Alexander Morris was put in a straitjacket after telling hospital staff he was the lead singer of The Four Tops
  • He mentioned his group membership due to security concerns about stalking fans
  • His wife eventually showed staff videos of him at the Grammys to prove his identity
  • The hospital initially offered only a $25 gift card as compensation
  • The Four Tops had multiple lineup changes over the years, with Morris serving a seven-year stint as lead singer

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