Useless Information Podcast

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 gives a brief overview of who I am, where these stories originated from, and what to expect in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices