Radiolab Buttons Not Buttons
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Mar 10, 2023 Dive into the quirky world of buttons, where they symbolize power, freedom, and even destruction. Discover the psychological tricks of non-functional elevator buttons and the intriguing story of Button Gwinnett, a lesser-known signer of the Declaration of Independence. Explore the chilling implications of the nuclear launch button, reflecting on authority and accountability. The hosts wrap up with a lighthearted look at the rivalry between buttons and zippers, adding a whimsical note to this multifaceted journey.
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Lost in Long Island City
- Robert Krulwich and Latif Nasser struggled to find the Elevator History Museum in Long Island City.
- The street was filled with taxi signs, disorienting them.
The Placebo Button
- Patrick Carr, the museum owner, reveals that most elevator close buttons are non-functional.
- They are placebos, giving a false sense of control.
Hacking the Elevator
- To "hack" the close button, break the door's beam with your arm and quickly retract it.
- This tricks the elevator into thinking someone entered.