Wow! I Never Knew That

★ 7 · 2011

Wow, I Never Knew That! is a whimsical, half-hour television series that is jam-packed with exciting tidbits and fascinating facts that uncover the truths and origins behind the stuff you’re already familiar with. From the items you use every day to the phrases you use in conversation to the habits you’re so accustomed to, you’ll be fascinated to learn how they’ve all really come about!

Episodes

▶1. Coca Cola, Slinky, Frisbee23m · Learn how a pharmacist and an accountant created Coca-Cola. How a U.S. president helped create the Teddy Bear. How the Slinky and Wiffle Balls were invented.▶2. Etch A Sketch, Bingo, Bikini23m · Before computer drawing programs, there was a toy that if you mastered its two circular white knobs you could have a picture perfect SKETCH. We’ll explain how the ETCH A SKETCH drew onto the scene. And what did Neil Armstrong REALLY say when he stepped on the moon, the “aahh” answer will surprise you! Plus, where did the explosive name BIKINI come from?▶3. Popsicle, Barber Poles, Brain Freeze23m · Learn how an 11-year-old boy created the Popsicle. Why barber poles have red and white stripes? How a melting chocolate bar gave way to the invention of the microwave.▶4. Kitty Litter, Bullet Proof Vest, Neon Lights23m · You’ll learn how Kitty Litter clawed its way into our homes. And you’ll learn how a bulletproof vest stops a bullet. And we’ll “cut to the chase” and explain the history behind this common phrase!▶5. Haagen Dazs, America's First Pizzeria, Charcoal Briquettes23m · Did you know Parisians wanted to tear down the Eiffel Tower? We’ll explain why and how it was saved! Then, you’ll visit America’s first pizzeria. And how the gourmet ice cream Haagen Dazs started in Bronx, New York!▶6. Sweet 'N Low, Riding Shotgun, Potato Chip23m · Find out the truth behind how SWEET N LOW actually got its name! Why do we yell Shotgun when getting into a car with friends? How the potato chip was invented out of anger.▶7. Thermos, Pez Candy, Mark Twain23m · Learn the secrets behind how a Thermos can keep your beverage hot or cold for hours. How PEZ was initially created to help people to stop smoking? And what Mark Twain’s real name is and why he changed it.▶8. Grand Central Terminal, 120 Volts, Nachos23m · Learn many astonishing secrets within the world’s most famous train station, Grand Central Terminal. Why don’t birds fall off branches when they sleep? And how do dry cleaners clean your clothes without water?▶9. Domino's Pizza, Fortune Cookies, Gadgets23m · You’ll learn why Dominick’s Pizza became Domino’s Pizza. And the origin of fluffy sweet cotton candy. Where did the term Gadget come from?▶10. Monopoly, Area Codes, Tuxedo23m · How the Jersey shore and one of its famous boardwalks helped to inspire the iconic board game Monopoly. How did a donkey and an elephant become associated with politics? What’s the difference between top-grain leather and full-grain leather?▶11. Zamboni Ice Resurfacing Machine, Pistachio Nuts, Stars23m · How does one revolutionary machine keep the fun and action going on the ice? You’ll learn about the Zamboni Ice Resurfacing Machine. What is the meaning of “looking a gift horse in the mouth?” Why did some pistachio nuts used to be red?▶12. Swiss Army Knife, Cup of Joe, Hamburger23m · We’ll explain how the Swiss Army knife evolved into the most famous knife in the world and learn how the company’s name got “cut” together! And where did the term “cup of Joe” come from? And why is there no ham in hamburgers?▶13. Almond Milk, Scapegoat, Buffalo Wings23m · Learn how almond nuts get transformed into “milk.” And why are movie trailers shown at the beginning of the film? And learn how detergents make your clothes seem brighter and whiter.

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