logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2019
4m 53s

Why Do We Drop a Ball on New Year's Eve?

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

The tradition of dropping a ball in Times Square to mark the beginning of a new year only goes back about a century. Learn about the history -- plus four weird things that other cities drop instead -- in this episode of BrainStuff.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
How Does the Skin Barrier Work?
<p>Our skin is our first line of defense as we move through the world, providing both a physical barrier and an immune barrier against microbes and other dangers that could make us sick. Learn how the skin barrier works in this episode of BrainStuff.</p><p>See <a href="https://om ... Show More
10m 52s
Nov 21
What's the History of Skid Row?
<p>In downtown Los Angeles, the 50-block neighborhood called Skid Row is home to thousands of low-income people who live in tents, run-down hotels, and other temporary shelters on a permanent basis. Learn how Skid Row came about (and has persisted) in such a wealthy place in this ... Show More
11m 25s
Nov 20
How Do You Make Hoshigaki?
<p>Hoshigaki are a type of dried fruit made by massaging a persimmon every day for weeks. Learn more about this traditional Japanese treat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/hoshigaki.htm</p><p>See <a hr ... Show More
6m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2013
New Year's Life Hacks
<p>New Year's Life Hacks: Want improved focus this year? A better creative flow or stronger decision-making skills? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Julie run through some simple, scientifically-backed ways to maximize your new year.</p><p> </p> Learn more a ... Show More
44m 42s
Dec 2014
PB 18: Dropping Balls
<p>Start the New Year’s countdown with Psychobabble! This week, Tyler and Korey say sayonara to 2014 and celebrate the arrival of 2015. Who will be their New Year’s kiss? What are they sending into the universe next year? But before making too many resolutions, the boys time trav ... Show More
29m 46s
Jan 2022
From the Vault: Sinkholes, Part 1
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of sinkholes. How have these impressive geographic features impacted our world, and what can they reveal about the past? (originally published 1/14/2021) Learn more about your ad-ch ... Show More
43m 22s
Jan 2021
Sinkholes, Part 1
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of sinkholes. How have these impressive geographic features impacted our world, and what can they reveal about the past? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork ... Show More
42m 59s
Jan 2022
From the Vault: Sinkholes, Part 2
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of sinkholes. How have these impressive geographic features impacted our world, and what can they reveal about the past? (originally published 1/19/2021) Learn more about your ad-ch ... Show More
44m 20s
Jan 2015
Brainhacking 101: New Year, New Habits
<p>How long does it take to make or break a habit? Is this really the year you make major changes or learn a new craft? Robert and Julie break down the science of it all in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="h ... Show More
25 m
Mar 2020
Offbeat History: The Crash at Crush and Other Train Wreck Spectacles
In fall 2017, we talked about a strange cultural phenomenon. For a brief window from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, people in the United States were watching train wrecks for fun. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/liste ... Show More
28m 12s
Feb 2022
TechStuff Classic: Ice Core Drilling
How do scientists retrieve ice core samples? What can we learn from them? Joe McCormick joins the show to talk about really cool historical records. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
40m 14s
Feb 2022
TechStuff Classic: The Golden Age of Radio
How did broadcast radio get its start? What were the challenges and controversies? And how did the golden age fade into history? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
1h 10m
Dec 2021
A Look Back on 2021: Would Facebook Lie to You? (Probably)
It's time to look back on some of the big tech stories of 2021, and golly this past year was a doozie. In this first episode, we look at tech's role in the spread of misinformation, how it played a part in the US capitol riots, and Jonathan once again rails about NFTs. Learn more ... Show More
50m 19s