Part-Time Genius 9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions
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Dec 5, 2025 Discover the surprising origins of winter inventions! Did a teenager really create the snowmobile? Learn about the evolution of earmuffs and the accidental invention of man-made snow. Ever wonder what Kleenex's original use was? It started as makeup wipes! Eddie Bauer's groundbreaking down jacket invention also gets its moment in the spotlight. The hosts dive into the quirky history of mittens and hand muffs, showcasing how these cozy essentials have changed over time. Get ready for a fun wintry exploration!
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Why Movie Snow Is Paper Now
- Film crews used many substrates for fake snow before settling on paper because it doesn't melt and can be dampened to stick.
- Modern paper snow can cover large areas quickly and remains stable under hot studio lights.
Teen Inventor Of Earmuffs
- Chester Greenwood was a 15-year-old from Maine who had wool allergies and wanted to skate without cold ears.
- He and his grandmother created beaver-fur ear protectors that evolved into patented Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors and a factory.
Model T Snow Conversions
- Early snow vehicles were improvised by converting Model Ts with skis on the front and tracks on the rear, called snow flyers.
- Rural communities used them for essential tasks like mail delivery in the 1910s.
