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
Could Dilophosaurus Really Spit Poison?
OK, we're almost sure the answer is no. But there was a fossil-based reason that 'Jurassic Park' included this detail. Learn about the real-life Dilophosaurus in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/dinosaurs/dilophosaurus.htmSee ... Show More
9m 28s
Jun 3
Do Our Pinky Toes Serve a Purpose?
Your pinky toes are actually powerhouses of locomotion. Learn how they help us move -- and what can go wrong if they get injured -- in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/surprise-pinky-toe-does-serve-purpose.htm ... Show More
6m 42s
Jun 1
Where Did the At Symbol Come From?
The @ sign goes by many names today, but it's only so commonplace because of medieval merchants and one 1970s programmer. Learn more about the at sign (or arroba, Klammeraffe, strudel, grisehale, or gül) in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuf ... Show More
9m 4s
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
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 travel ... 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