Useless Information Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Spirits of St. Louis - NBA's Most Profitable Team - UI#015 Jul 05, 2008

Show notes

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.

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Disaster of the USS Indianapolis - UI Podcast #014 Jun 15, 2008

Show notes

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

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Henrietta Swan Leavitt Unlocks the Universe - Podcast #013 Apr 26, 2008

Show notes

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

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Antarctica's Red-Light District - UI Podcast #012 Apr 06, 2008

Show notes

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.

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The Great Toilet Paper Shortage - Podcast #011 Mar 16, 2008

Show notes

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.

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The Hanging of Will Purvis - UI Podcast #010 Mar 03, 2008

Show notes

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.

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The Terminal Starring Sir Alfred - UI Podcast #009 Feb 17, 2008

Show notes

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.

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Fight! - Shiloh Baptist Church Disaster - Podcast #008 Feb 09, 2008

Show notes

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.

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The 14-Year-Old Inventor of Television - Podcast #007 Feb 06, 2008

Show notes

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.

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The U.S. Camel Corps - UI Podcast #006 Feb 02, 2008

Show notes

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.

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