Useless Information Podcast

UI #16 - The Flubber Fiasco

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:07:00 GMT

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.

UI #15 - The Spirits of St. Louis - NBA's Most Profitable Team

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 5 Jul 2008 00:28:00 GMT

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. Also listen to the first radio commercial ever broadcast.

UI #14 - Disaster of the USS Indianapolis

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:35:00 GMT

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, hear from our retrosponsor, and listen to a few true tidbits from our weird past.

UI #13 - Henrietta Swan Leavitt Unlocks the Universe

useless@steve.silverman.name — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:49:00 GMT

The largely untold story of human computer Henrietta Leavitt and how she unlocked the key to the vast universe. John Cleves Symmes is also discussed, as well as our first Retro-Sponsor and News of the Weird Past.

UI #12 - Antarctica's Red Light District

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 6 Apr 2008 18:26:00 GMT

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.

UI #11 - The Great Toilet Paper Shortage

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:56:00 GMT

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.

UI #10 - The Hanging of Will Purvis

useless@steve.silverman.name — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 01:02:00 GMT

Will Purvis 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.

UI #9 - The Terminal Starring Sir Alfred???

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:59:00 GMT

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.

UI #8 - Fight! - Shiloh Baptist Church Disaster

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 9 Feb 2008 22:50:00 GMT

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 a meteoroid.

UI #7 - Philo Farnsworth

useless@steve.silverman.name — Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:29:00 GMT

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.

UI #6 - U.S. Camel Corp

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 22:32:00 GMT

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.

UI #5 - Gimli Glider - What if your airplane ran out of fuel?

useless@steve.silverman.name — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:57:00 GMT

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 live or die situation.

UI #1 - Useless Information Podcast - Introduction

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:18:00 GMT

A introductory podcast that gives a brief overview of who I am, where these stories originated from, and what to expect in the future.

UI #4 - Titanic - The Unsinkable Violet Jessop

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:46:00 GMT

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.

UI #3 - Bath School Disaster

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:02:00 GMT

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...

UI #2 - Bat Bombs - The Other Secret Weapon

useless@steve.silverman.name — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:56:00 GMT

Fascinating true story of the development by the US government of incediary 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.