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How can you measure the height of a tall tower?

How can you measure the height of a tall tower?

from BrainStuff on November 20, 2009
Duration: 178
In this episode of BrainStuff, Marshall reveals three common techniques for measuring the height of tall objects like towers.
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10 Odd Town Festivals

10 Odd Town Festivals

from Stuff You Should Know on November 19, 2009
Duration: 1590
The world is full of festivals, some of which are really odd. Tune in as Josh and Chuck take a playful look at ten unusual town festivals in this episode of Stuff You Should Know.
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How does the lighter in a barbeque grill work?

How does the lighter in a barbeque grill work?

from BrainStuff on November 18, 2009
Duration: 172
A barbeque grill has a push-button lighter that relies on piezoelectricity to generate a spark. Learn more about how piezoelectricity works -- and the kinds of devices that use piezoelectric materials -- in this episode of BrainStuff.
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What's the deal with totem poles?

What's the deal with totem poles?

from Stuff You Should Know on November 17, 2009
Duration: 1237
If you've ever wondered where the expression "low man on the totem pole" comes from, this episode of Stuff You Should Know is a must-listen. Tune in as Josh and Chuck take a look at the origins, symbolism and history of totem poles.
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How does a magneto work?

How does a magneto work?

from BrainStuff on November 16, 2009
Duration: 229
A magneto is a kind of electrical generator used in small gasoline engines in lieu of a battery. Find out how magnetos work in this episode of BrainStuff.
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Why do tools have "drop forged" stamped on them?

Why do tools have "drop forged" stamped on them?

from BrainStuff on November 13, 2009
Duration: 159
Tools that say "drop forged" have been created using a technique called drop forging. Find out how drop forging and several other kinds of forging work, and why drop forging is a sign of a sturdy tool, in this episode of BrainStuff.
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How Population Works

How Population Works

from Stuff You Should Know on November 12, 2009
Duration: 1675
Population may not seem like the most scintillating topic in the world, but Josh and Chuck beg to differ. Join them as they explore how population works, from demographics to population control, in this episode.
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What is a T1 line and how does it work?

What is a T1 line and how does it work?

from BrainStuff on November 11, 2009
Duration: 190
A T1 line is a dedicated fiber optic or copper cable that provides businesses with far more digital data than a residential line. Discover how T1 and other kinds of fiber optic lines work in this episode of BrainStuff.
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How will the future crime database work?

How will the future crime database work?

from Stuff You Should Know on November 10, 2009
Duration: 1683
The US and England have databases containing DNA from millions of citizens. Originally only criminals were included, but as the programs expanded many more people were added. Learn how these databases work -- and why they were built -- in this episode.
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How does a jet engine's afterburner work?

How does a jet engine's afterburner work?

from BrainStuff on November 09, 2009
Duration: 155
The afterburner on a jet engine adds thrust to the engine. Tune in as Marshall Brain explains how an afterburner works -- and the pros and cons of using one -- in this episode of BrainStuff.
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How does the public option work?

How does the public option work?

from BrainStuff on November 06, 2009
Duration: 300
In the current U.S. debate over health care reform, a government-sponsored public option has been a controversial topic. Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to hear Marshall Brain explain the nuances and implications of the public option.
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How Product Placement Works

How Product Placement Works

from Stuff You Should Know on November 05, 2009
Duration: 1997
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck take a look at the advertising practice of product placement, from its origins to different types to classic examples in film and television.
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Why do they add iodine to salt?

Why do they add iodine to salt?

from BrainStuff on November 04, 2009
Duration: 173
Table salt contains iodine to help prevent thyroid problems and iodine deficiencies. Find out how table salt keeps your thyroid happy -- and what iodine has to do with a nuclear attack -- in this episode of BrainStuff.
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Can you remember being born?

Can you remember being born?

from Stuff You Should Know on November 03, 2009
Duration: 1569
Some people have memories of very early childhood, but how far back can you go? Is it possible to remember your own birth? Josh and Chuck are on the case in this episode of Stuff You Should Know.
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How much sugar do they really put in soda?

How much sugar do they really put in soda?

from BrainStuff on November 02, 2009
Duration: 147
Sodas and soft drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar -- more than you might expect. Tune in as Marshall Brain reveals how much sugar is in soda in this episode of BrainStuff.
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How do you add a USB device if you've run out of ports?

How do you add a USB device if you've run out of ports?

from BrainStuff on October 30, 2009
Duration: 148
Desktop computers and laptops only have so many USB ports, so what do you do when you want to plug in more USB devices and they're all full? You buy a USB hub. Find out how these hubs work, and which kind you should get, in this episode of BrainStuff.
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The Real How Jack the Ripper Worked

The Real How Jack the Ripper Worked

from Stuff You Should Know on October 29, 2009
Duration: 2372
In this Halloween episode, Josh and Chuck go way back to late 19th century London to examine the grisly details of the Jack the Ripper murders. They also discuss Ripperology, Jack the Ripper suspects and theories, and the legacy of the murders.
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How do they make fortune cookies?

How do they make fortune cookies?

from BrainStuff on October 28, 2009
Duration: 142
You've probably had countless fortune cookies after Chinese meals, but have you ever wondered how they're made? Discover the "food technology" behind those prescient little cookies in this episode of BrainStuff.
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How Witness Protection Works

How Witness Protection Works

from Stuff You Should Know on October 27, 2009
Duration: 1602
The Witness Protection Program, or the Witness Security Program, was established in 1970 to protect government witnesses before, during and after a trial. Learn more about witness protection in this episode of Stuff You Should Know.
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