Useless Information Podcast

When the radioactive element radium was discovered, it quickly found its way into many products. One of those was glow-in-the-dark watch and clock faces, which were painted by women who licked their paintbrushes to keep them pointed. This was a deadly mistake. Also, learn about the demonstration of a 150,000-volt electric chair, Charles Hawker and his high-voltage electric chair, the electrifying sermon of George Speake, and the largest chain of retail stores. Retrosponsor: Adam Hats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Ford is best remembered as the father of the Model T and the assembly line, but his efforts to get the American people dancing are nearly forgotten. Also, learn about that small bump that appears around mosquito bites and a woman who bequeathed 24 quadrillion dollars to the poor. Retrosponsor: The 1950 Ford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true story of the 1897 invention of the "accumulator" that was designed to extract gold from the world's oceans. Also, find out about the significance of the death of Lt. Thomas Selfridge on September 17, 1908. Plus, learn about Campbell McCarthy's death row last meal request, Auguste Mosner's unique robbery technique, and a story from Bloomingburg, NY, where Francis Van Winkle sold his father's farm machinery. Retrosponsor: Goodyear Lifeguard Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unbelievable story of how to deal with the disposal of millions of pieces of the toy Flubber. It's the product that they just couldn't put down! Also, find out about the origin of the name Bluetooth. Plus, learn that one-third of New York City's population is Jewish, a Brooklyn man who stared at women on the subway with binoculars, and how the Florence, Kansas post office sold $800 in stamps to keep its ranking. Retrosponsor: Ting Pimple Cream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The long-defunct Spirits of St. Louis basketball team may actually be one of the most profitable of all time, earning more annually than most likely any team in the NBA. Listen to this fascinating story to find out why. Learn about Melba 15th's world's record in buttermilk production, why Preston Jenkins was sentenced to 1 minute in jail, a car accident in Middletown, NY, and why is freezing and boiling set at 32º and 212ºF. Also, listen to the first radio commercial ever broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis caused the worst at-sea loss of life in the history of the US Navy. Hundreds of lives could have been saved if the US Navy had not forgotten about the ship. Also learn a little more about singer Johnny Mathis, the number of toothbrushes purchased annually, the Walter Johnson/Sydney Smith car/motorcycle accident, and a mattress stuffed with concrete and underwear. Retrosponsor: Merchant Marines of WWII Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The largely untold story of human-computer Henrietta Leavitt and how she unlocked the key to the vast universe. Also hear about a woman who hiccupped for 12 weeks, the burglary of William Fricke residence, riding a bike from California to Virginia Beach. and John Cleves Symmes plan to enter the interior of the Earth through the giant hole at the North Pole. Retrosponsor: Camel Cigarettes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, it appears that scientists may have finally found what appears to be Earth's southernmost red-light district. This is a story about penguins and what they do in their spare time. This time, however, it is the betrayed husband who is left home crying. Also, learn about the most played song on American radio during the 20th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about one of the most unusual shortages ever in US history - one that was all started by Tonight Show host Johnny Carson. This podcast also features a discussion of the In A Gada Da Vida/Speed of Light conspiracy theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Purvis was hanged for the murder of another man, yet was able to walk away after the hanging was over. Possibly a case of divine intervention, but we will never know for sure. Find out the details of this fascinating twist-of-fate in this completely true story. Also learn if the plural of fish is fish or fishes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you recall the Tom Hanks movie The Terminal? His character was stuck in the airport and was unable to leave. Believe it or not, this was very loosely based on a true story, one that was much more unusual with a sadder ending. Also, learn about the average distance between asteroids in the asteroid belt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true story of the 1902 Shiloh Baptist Church Disaster, which explains why you should never scream the word "Fight!" in a crowded room. Also find out the difference between a meteor, meteorite, and meteoroid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What were you doing when you were 14 years old? At that very young age, Philo Farnsworth invented something that would change the world forever. There is a very good chance that you are using his invention right now, yet he is largely forgotten today. Also learn why most laundry detergents are blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the United States expanded into the Southwest, the heat and lack of water prevented long-term use of horses. The federal government found the perfect solution in the acquisition of camels. While the camel experiment was successful, it ended just as quickly as it began. Listen to find out why. Also, learn about the place on Earth that is farthest from its center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true story of a Boeing 767 that ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet and lost total power. With no airport within gliding range, find out how these courageous pilots dealt with this frightening life or death situation. Also, do you know which celebrity Nobel Prize physicist Max Born was the grandfather of? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incredible true story of the unsinkable Violet Jessop and her survival of the collisions of the three sister ships - Olympic, Titanic, Britannic. The story that the movie should have been based on. Also, can you name the group that had the most #2 songs on the Billboard Pop Chart? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While most people know about the massacre at Columbine, few realize that the deadliest act of US school violence occurred in Bath, Michigan in 1927. Listen to this fascinating story to find out the who, what, and why... Also, learn about some famous valedictorians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fascinating true story of the development by the US government of incendiary bombs carried by living bats during World War II. One can't help but wonder if WWII would have ended differently if this weapon had been used. Also learn why a circle has 360 degrees in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An introductory podcast that that tells you a bit about what the Useless Information Podcast is all about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices