This episode covers a variety of interesting winter-related topics, including trivia about snowmen, why Japanese people don't like root beer, and the fact that people can be allergic to the cold. They also discuss unique Long Island clam chowder, childhood memories from Taiwan, and rare reactions to cold and sunlight.
The tallest snowperson on record stood at a towering 122 feet, one inch in height and took a month to construct, featuring various elements like ski lashes and arm spruce trees.
Many people experience mild cases of cold urticaria, such as red or itchy skin after exposure to cold temperatures, despite the misconception that it is rare.
The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink in New York City, originally a temporary installation, opened in 1936 and quickly became a popular attraction.
Operation Santa is a program run by the United States Postal Service, connecting donors with those in need by allowing children and families to send letters to Santa Claus.
Deep dives
The Tallest Snowperson on Record
The tallest snowperson on record was built in Bethel, Maine in 2008 and stood at a towering 122 feet, one inch in height. Named Olympia, it took an entire month to construct and featured various elements like ski lashes and arm spruce trees.
Allergic to Cold
The speaker shares a personal experience of being allergic to cold, known as cold urticaria. Symptoms included hives, itching, and swelling. Despite the misconception that it was rare, the speaker reveals that many people experience mild cases, such as red or itchy skin after exposure to cold temperatures.
The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink
The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink opened in 1936 and quickly became a popular attraction for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Originally a temporary installation, it was transformed into a permanent fixture the following year. The rink's official address is 123 Elf Road, North Pole, with the zip code 88888.
Operation Santa
Operation Santa is a program run by the United States Postal Service that allows children and families to send letters to Santa Claus. Started in the 1910s, the program has evolved into a well-run gift-giving initiative, connecting donors with those in need. The official address for Santa Claus is 123 Elf Road, North Pole, with the zip code 88888.
Winter by the Numbers: Fun Winter Facts
The podcast episode includes a quiz called 'Winter by the Numbers' with questions about the tallest snowperson, the coldest temperature in US history, the opening year of the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, and more. Listeners learn interesting facts about these winter-related topics while challenging their knowledge.
The Cringe Attack Memory
The speaker shares a personal experience of experiencing a cringe attack memory. In third grade, the speaker had a rare case of cold urticaria, an allergy to cold temperatures, which caused hives and swelling. This memory resurfaced during a particularly embarrassing moment at school, leading to feelings of intense embarrassment and a desire to hide.
Trivia About Soups
The podcast includes a trivia segment about soups, covering various types of soups and their history. Questions range from the first soup introduced by Campbell Soup Company in 1895 to the signature dish of Ding Tai Fung, a Chinese restaurant chain known for its soup dumplings. Listeners test their knowledge and learn interesting facts about soups.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The classic holiday TV special, 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' premiered in 1965. Despite early reluctance from CBS, the show became a huge hit, with nearly half of all TV viewers tuning in to watch. The episode became a beloved holiday tradition and continues to be aired every year.
If we were to knit trivia into a chunky scarf, this episode would be it. Befriend a giant snowman and take a spin on ice in Colin's "Winter by the Numbers" quiz. Prepare for your jaw to drop in Chris' minty science segment, "Why Japanese People Don't Like Root Beer." Warm yourself with Karen's comforting soup trivia (just don't pair the chowder with tequila), and did you know people can actually be allergic to the cold?