99% Invisible Mini-Stories: Volume 20
91 snips
Jan 7, 2025 
Kelly Prime, an editor focused on design and architecture, and Gillian Jacobs, an actor who frequently contributes to the show, bring fascinating insights to the table. They explore the quirky history of alarm clocks, including the beloved snooze button. Listeners learn about Warsaw's vibrant neon signage as a symbol of hope during the Cold War and its resurgence today. The discussion also dives into unique emergency indicators and the novel 'Scent of Mystery,' a film that introduced viewers to the concept of experiencing scents in cinema.
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Historic Waking Methods
- Plato used a water-drip system to wake up.
- Industrial Revolution era towns used whistles and knocker-uppers.
Snooze Button Origins
- GE invented the first snooze button alarm clock in 1956.
- The nine-minute snooze was a compromise due to technical limitations.
Snooze Button's Deception
- The snooze button provides little meaningful sleep and hinders waking up.
- It preys on our weakest moment of decision-making.