American English Podcast 191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave
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Jun 13, 2025 Discover the hilarious backstory of the microwave's invention, sparked by a melting chocolate bar. Explore amusing anecdotes about kitchen mishaps and the quirky evolution of this kitchen staple. Learn about irregular verbs while enjoying funny tales from the 80s and 90s, when skepticism about microwaves ran high. This entertaining narrative combines humor with educational insights, perfect for language learners and food enthusiasts alike!
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Accidental Discovery of Microwave
- Percy Spencer accidentally discovered the microwave when a chocolate bar melted in his pocket near an active magnetron.
- He investigated further and eventually invented the first microwave oven prototype.
Microwave Experiments Gone Wrong
- Percy experimented with popcorn and an egg near the magnetron to confirm microwaves cooked food.
- An egg exploded on a nearby engineer's face, illustrating the microwave's cooking power.
Microwave Evolution and Adoption
- The first commercial microwave was huge, expensive, and mostly used by airlines and restaurants.
- Microwave ovens later became smaller, affordable, and common in households worldwide.