99% Invisible Mini-Stories: Volume 21
63 snips
Dec 23, 2025 
Join Chris Berube, a producer and reporter, as he explores the ecological impact of Las Vegas's Luxor pyramid and its mesmerizing sky beam. Vivian Leigh shares hilarious insights into gail.com, a domain perpetually flooded with visitors due to typos from eager Gmail users. Meanwhile, Jason DeLeon delves into a fascinating Rhode Island miracle investigation, revealing the meticulous process the Catholic Church uses to verify miracles, including unexpected questions about costs and credibility. Expect quirky tales and deep dives into unusual subjects!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Luxor Sky Beam As A Night Landmark
- The Luxor pyramid uses powerful xenon spotlights to create a sky beam visible across states.
- The beam functions as a nocturnal landmark and navigation cue for drivers and pilots.
Incline Rides Up The Luxor
- The Luxor has no interior elevators and instead uses steep inclinators up the pyramid's sides.
- Billy Padovis describes the ride as like a roller coaster up a 39-degree incline.
Artificial Light Creates Urban Ecosystems
- Bright architectural lighting attracts insects and creates temporary urban ecosystems.
- The Luxor beam drew millions of grasshoppers during a wet season, producing visible swarms and cleanup problems.