99% Invisible

Mini-Stories: Volume 15

10 snips
Dec 14, 2022
Join Chris Berube, a producer, as he shares amusing anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Canada, exposing the quirks of royal protocols. Engineer Martin Gonzalez unveils the wacky tale of how Janet Jackson’s 'Rhythm Nation' inadvertently caused laptops to crash, thanks to its unique frequencies. Kurt Kolstad reveals a fascinating story of Operation Beaver Drop, where beavers were parachuted from planes to new habitats, blending humor with a touch of environmental history. These tales prove that stories can be found in the most unexpected places!
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INSIGHT

Siren Loudness as Noise Indicator

  • Emergency siren loudness reflects ambient noise levels.
  • Sirens are six times louder today than in 1912, showing increased environmental noise.
ANECDOTE

Scripted Encounters with the Queen

  • Chris Berube shares a story about Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the CBC in 2002.
  • The CBC scripted dialogue for all employees interacting with the Queen, sending it to Buckingham Palace for approval.
ANECDOTE

Wheaton Station Escalator

  • The Wheaton Metro Station escalator is the longest in the US, taking three minutes to ride.
  • Its deep, vaulted design, inspired by international subway systems, creates a unique atmosphere.
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