Podcast Summary: "A Fascinating Tour of Our Solar System & The Amazing Story of the Sandwich" Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media | Released December 23, 2024

Introduction: The Curious Case of a Runny Nose in Cold Weather

Mike Carruthers opens the episode by addressing a common winter phenomenon: why our noses run when it's cold. He explains the physiological response of the human body to cold air:

Mike Carruthers [00:47]: "The nose is kind of a fancy air conditioner, and one of its jobs is to warm and humidify the air we inhale."

When exposed to unusually cold air, the nose ramps up its production of mucus to warm and humidify the air, leading to a runny nose. Additionally, the moisture from exhaled air condenses in colder temperatures, contributing to the phenomenon. Mike reassures listeners that this is a normal response, albeit sometimes inconvenient.

Exploring Our Solar System with John Moores

Guest: John Moores, a seasoned planetary scientist and author of "Daydreaming in the Solar System, Surfing Saturn's Rings, Golfing on the Moon, and Other Adventures in Space Exploration."

Mike introduces John Moores, who shares his extensive experience in space missions and planetary science.

Sensory Journey Through Space

John begins by contemplating what it would be like to experience the planets through human senses:

John Moores [05:37]: "Each one of the planets is a different place, and some of the planets even have multiple characters."

He highlights the Moon's unique scent, likening it to "spent gunpowder," a smell reported by Apollo astronauts after returning from lunar walks.

Mars: A Desert with a Blue Sunset

Mars is described as a "dry and frozen version of our home." John points out intriguing differences, such as:

John Moores [07:51]: "The sunset that you see, it's not a red sunset like we get on the Earth. It's a blue sunset."

Mars' day is similar in length to Earth's, slightly over 24 hours, which he notes could allow for familiar sleep and wake cycles. The prospect of gaining extra minutes in a Martian day adds a humorous touch:

John Moores [09:14]: "I mean, you've got the fact that on Mars, the day is just a little over 24 hours long, so you could have the same sort of sleep and wake cycle that we have here on the Earth. And frankly, the 40 minutes. Who doesn't want 40 minutes back in their day every day?"

Venus: Two Faces of the Planet

John describes Venus as having a dual nature:

John Moores [09:45]: "Venus has this dual character to it. You've got this sort of hellish world down at the bottom of the atmosphere, intense pressure, intense heat... But once you're 50 or 80 kilometers up, then you're actually sitting in the most Earth-like environment in the entire solar system."

He elaborates on the challenges of exploring Venus, particularly the extreme heat that hampers robotic missions.

Mercury: Relentless Pace Around the Sun

Mercury's unique orbital characteristics are discussed, emphasizing its prolonged daytime:

John Moores [11:57]: "Mercury's got this weird orbit. Its day is actually longer than its year. So when I think about Mercury, I think about being able to sort of outrun the sun at a walking pace."

The Sun: Our Life-Giving Star

John provides insights into the sun's lifecycle and its role in the solar system:

John Moores [17:57]: "The sun is middle-aged, so it's about four and a half billion years old... It's just like being near a campfire or being near the burner on a stove. We get to bask in a bit of that heat."

He explains the controlled nuclear reactions at the sun's core that sustain its glow and energy output.

Jupiter: The Gas Giant's Majestic Atmosphere

Jupiter is portrayed as the solar system's behemoth with a mesmerizing atmosphere:

John Moores [18:50]: "Jupiter, the biggest of all the planets... it's got that bottomless atmosphere, what it would be like to be in that atmosphere."

He describes the experience of descending through Jupiter's cloud layers, encountering diminishing light and increasing density, akin to exploring a "giant fluffy cave."

Pluto: From Planet to Dwarf Planet

Addressing the controversial reclassification of Pluto, John clarifies:

John Moores [21:37]: "Pluto is technically now called a dwarf planet. Don't worry, it's still where it was. It's still doing its same orbit."

He explains that the discovery of similar trans-Neptunian objects led scientists to reclassify Pluto, distinguishing it from the eight primary planets.

Anthropic Principle: Why Earth?

John delves into the philosophical aspects of Earth's uniqueness:

John Moores [25:24]: "They have something called the anthropic principle in which the reason that the Earth is here and why does the universe have the physical laws it does... is because if it didn't, then we wouldn't be here to observe it."

He marvels at Earth's hospitable conditions amid the vast array of planetary environments, pondering the rarity of life-supporting worlds.

The Amazing Story of the Sandwich with Barry Enderwick

Guest: Barry Enderwick, renowned sandwich expert and author of "Sandwiches of the Cookbook: All the Best and Most Surprising Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread."

Mike transitions to the second segment, focusing on the humble yet versatile sandwich.

Origins: Beyond the Earl of Sandwich

Barry discusses the debated origins of the sandwich, acknowledging the popular tale of the Earl of Sandwich while presenting evidence of earlier versions:

Barry Enderwick [30:25]: "We don't know where they came from, per se... it's rumored that in 1762 or thereabouts, he was playing cards and didn't want to get up. So he had meat between two slices of bread."

He cites an ancient Chinese sandwich-like food, the Rojia Mo, dating back to 200 BC, highlighting the inevitability of combining ingredients between bread.

Defining a Sandwich: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Barry affirms that hamburgers and hot dogs fit within the sandwich category, emphasizing their structural characteristics:

Barry Enderwick [32:58]: "Early menus used to call it a hamburger sandwich. You've got meat and other toppings between bread. That's a classic definition of a Sandwich."

Regarding hot dogs:

Barry Enderwick [33:12]: "Technically it does fall into sandwichedom."

He acknowledges the cultural disconnect but stands by his technical definition.

Evolution of the Modern Sandwich

Barry traces the modern sandwich's evolution from simple meat-and-bread combinations to diverse and unconventional creations:

Barry Enderwick [37:00]: "You start to see these ingredients being put together that don't, you know, wouldn't have been put together previously. And I think that's reflective of how the nation was."

This trend mirrors societal changes and increased access to varied ingredients and cuisines.

Favorite Sandwiches and Surprising Combos

Barry shares his personal favorites and surprising sandwich combinations that defy expectations:

Barry Enderwick [33:54]: "I have over a hundred sandwiches of our history where, you know, people say, my grandpa used to make this, my mom used to make this."

Highlights include:

• Tomato from Turkey and the Wolf (New Orleans): A blend of thick Texas toast, butter, mayonnaise, mustard, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, herbs, and lemon.
• Reuben Sandwich: Classic combination of mustard, pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, griddled to perfection.
• Pan Bagnat (France): Similar to a Nicoise salad with anchovies and tuna, soaked into crusty bread overnight.

Conversely, Barry mentions less successful attempts, such as a red onion and peanut butter sandwich, reflecting on historical necessity during tough times.

Cultural Variations: Open-Faced and Tea Sandwiches

Discussing open-faced sandwiches and tea sandwiches, Barry explains their historical context and purpose:

Barry Enderwick [40:17]: "Sandwiches weren't always intended as the end all, be all of a meal. They were part of a course within a larger meal."

These smaller, delicate sandwiches were designed to accompany other dishes rather than serve as standalone meals.

Butter: The Silent Hero of Sandwiches

Barry highlights the role of butter in traditional sandwiches and its decline post-World War II due to rationing:

Barry Enderwick [47:15]: "Up until World War II, almost every sandwich in the United States started with buttered bread... but it is still done to every sandwich in the UK and a lot of places in Europe."

Butter added richness and moisture, a practice that waned with the introduction of alternatives like margarine.

Fascinating Facts and Fun Q&A

Mike concludes with intriguing tidbits, such as the physics behind dropping objects from skyscrapers:

Mike Carruthers [48:24]: "If you drop a penny off the Empire State Building and it hits someone in the head, it probably won't kill them... but if you dropped a ballpoint pen, that would be deadly."

He encourages listeners to share the podcast and promotes other shows, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging wrap-up.

Conclusion

In this episode, Mike Carruthers expertly navigates two vastly different yet equally fascinating topics. From the intricate details of our solar system's planets to the rich history and cultural significance of the sandwich, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge and engaging conversations. Notable experts John Moores and Barry Enderwick provide deep insights, memorable anecdotes, and thought-provoking perspectives, making this episode a must-listen for curious minds.

Notable Quotes:

• John Moores [05:37]: "Each one of the planets is a different place, and some of the planets even have multiple characters."

• Barry Enderwick [33:54]: "I have over a hundred sandwiches of our history where... people say, my grandpa used to make this, my mom used to make this."

• Mike Carruthers [48:24]: "If you drop a penny off the Empire State Building and it hits someone in the head, it probably won't kill them... but if you dropped a ballpoint pen, that would be deadly."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, insights, and memorable moments, providing a robust overview for both existing listeners and newcomers alike.