How does an Umbrella keep from getting soaking wet?

Summary

Who Smarted? - Episode Summary: "How Does an Umbrella Keep From Getting Soaking Wet?"

Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
Episode Title: How Does an Umbrella Keep From Getting Soaking Wet?

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Introduction: The Umbrella Adventure Begins

The episode kicks off with a whimsical narrative, setting the scene on a potentially rainy day. The host playfully engages listeners with fun terminology, introducing words like "bumbershoot" and "parapleuie" before settling on the familiar "umbrella." This engaging start immediately captures the curiosity of young listeners.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [00:08]: "What's that? You didn't bring a bumbershoot."

The Historical Roots of the Umbrella

Delving into history, the episode explores the origins of umbrellas, tracing them back approximately 4,000 years. The discussion highlights the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, which were pioneers not only in umbrella usage but also in inventions like the wheel and writing.

Key Points:

• Inventors Unknown: While the exact inventor remains a mystery, experts agree on Mesopotamia as the likely birthplace.
• Original Purpose: Initially, umbrellas served as sun protectors, an essential tool in the sun-drenched climates of ancient civilizations.
• Upper-Class Symbol: Early umbrellas were status symbols, reserved for the elite due to their elaborate designs and expensive materials.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [05:00]: "But who invented it? The answer is nobody knows for sure. But most experts do have an idea where it was invented."

Evolution from Sunshade to Rain Protection

The transition from parasols (sun umbrellas) to rain umbrellas marks a significant evolution in umbrella design and functionality. The episode explains how the discovery of wax and oil coatings in the 16th century transformed umbrellas into effective rain protectors.

Key Points:

• Parasol to Umbrella: Originally designed to block the sun, the coating innovation allowed umbrellas to repel water, making them suitable for rain.
• Jean Marius’ Contribution: In 1710, French merchant Jean Marius introduced the Paraplouie, a lightweight, folding umbrella that became a fashion trend among Parisian aristocrats.
• Fashion Accessory: By the 18th century, umbrellas had become essential fashion accessories, especially among women, with handles crafted from luxurious materials like ebony and mahogany.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [09:45]: "It's called the Daily Brain... a mini workout for your mind. No heavy lifting required."

Technological Advancements and Modern Innovations

The episode highlights various technological advancements that have enhanced the functionality and convenience of umbrellas over the centuries.

Key Points:

• Material Evolution: From heavy whalebone frames to modern materials like aluminum and fiberglass, umbrellas have become more durable and lightweight.
• Canvas Innovation: The shift from traditional canvas to nylon, treated with Teflon, made umbrellas more waterproof and easier to maintain.
• Compact Designs: Innovations such as the compact, foldable umbrella introduced by Bradford Phillips in 1969 revolutionized portability.
• Creative Designs: Modern umbrellas now feature unique designs like see-through canopies, inverted structures, and even umbrellas that project images, blending functionality with creativity.

Notable Quote:

• Brandon Bumbershoot [16:39]: "The answer is true. So if anybody ever throws rotten eggs at you, just hold up your umbrella."

Umbrellas in Popular Culture and Unique Uses

Beyond their primary function, umbrellas have found their way into various aspects of popular culture and unconventional uses.

Key Points:

• Weaponization: The episode shares an intriguing historical anecdote about a Soviet KGB spy using an umbrella as a weapon, dipped in poison, to eliminate an enemy spy in 1978.
• Fashion and Media: Umbrellas are frequently featured in art and media, symbolizing status and style, as seen in paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries and characters like Penguin from Batman.
• Innovative Uses: From umbrellas with built-in watches and lights to those hiding weapons, the versatility of umbrellas is showcased through imaginative examples.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [16:24]: "Imagine the umbrella selfies. Imagine the cute pet photos that give its raining cats and dogs a whole new meaning."

Fun Facts and Statistics

To engage and inform young listeners, the episode shares several interesting statistics about umbrellas.

Key Points:

• Sales Figures: In the United States alone, 33 million umbrellas were sold last year.
• Cost and Loss: The average cost of an umbrella is about $13, and an average person loses four umbrellas in their lifetime.
• Economic Impact: Umbrellas constitute a seven billion dollar industry annually.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [03:34]: "33 million umbrellas were sold last year in the United States alone. Which makes sense considering the average person loses at least four umbrellas during their lifetime."

Superstitions and Safety Concerns

The episode addresses the common superstition that it's bad luck to open an umbrella indoors, clarifying the rationale behind this belief.

Key Points:

• Safety Over Superstition: The superstition likely stems from safety concerns, as opening a large umbrella indoors can cause injury or property damage.
• Practical Advice: Listeners are advised to open umbrellas in spacious outdoor areas to avoid accidents.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [18:27]: "But why is it bad luck to open one indoors? Well, it's not so much bad luck as a potentially bad outcome."

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Umbrellas

Wrapping up the episode, the narrator emphasizes the umbrella's significance as one of humanity's most useful and versatile inventions. From ancient sunshades to modern technological marvels, umbrellas continue to evolve, serving both practical and fashionable purposes.

Key Points:

• Versatility: Umbrellas protect against various elements, serve as fashion statements, and inspire creative designs.
• Enduring Popularity: Their sustained popularity over millennia underscores their importance in daily life.
• Encouraging Curiosity: The episode invites listeners to explore further and appreciate the ingenious design and history of umbrellas.

Notable Quote:

• Narrator [19:24]: "Looks like the storm has passed. I no longer need my bumbershoot."

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Episode Credits and Acknowledgements

The episode concludes with credits acknowledging the creators, voice actors, and production team behind "Who Smarted?"

Key Contributors:

• Writers: Storming St Steve Melcher
• Voice Actors: Brandon Bumbershoot, Bayless Adam, Tex Davis, Gia Davis, Dad Davis, Jenny Canopy Chan, and Jerry Colbert
• Technical Direction and Sound Design: Josh Paraploui Hahn
• Associate Producer: Max the Gantt Kamasky
• Theme Song: Brian Sunshade Suarez, performed by Adam Tex Davis

Production Company: Atomic Entertainment
Recording Location: Relic Room Studios

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Final Thoughts:

This episode of "Who Smarted?" masterfully combines humor, historical insights, and fascinating facts to explore the multifaceted world of umbrellas. By blending storytelling with educational content, it not only entertains but also enlightens young minds about the significance and evolution of this everyday invention. Whether used to shield from the rain or as a symbol of status, umbrellas remain a testament to human creativity and ingenuity.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Hey, smarty pants.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

I'm glad you could join me.

[Narrator]

I was just about to take a walk on this crisp fall day. Uh oh, did you hear that? Um, maybe it was just a truck or an airplane. Nope, not a truck or a plane. I think we're about to get a little rain. Or a lot of rain. Quick, smarty pants, get out your bumbershoots. You did remember to bring a bumbershoot, right? After all, the forecast said there might be rain today. What's that? You didn't bring a bumbershoot.

[Gia Davis]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Oh, you don't know what a bumbershoot is? That's understandable. That word isn't used a lot these days. How about your brawley? Your gam? Your parapleuie? Oh, wait, I know. Open your umbrella. Phew, that's better. Thank goodness for your trusty umbrella. Or your umbrella Ella. Ella, if you're Rihanna. But whatever you call it when it's raining cats and dogs, it's certainly good to have one, right, smarty pants? But who do you have to thank.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

For the handy umbrella?

[Narrator]

How did a gawky sun canopy manage to transform itself into a fashion accessory? And why is it bad luck to open one indoors? It's time for another whiff of science and history on the smarted.

[Gia Davis]

Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science? Or history? Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smart?

[Narrator]

And.

[Jerry Colbert]

Hey there, smarty pants. Parents, you love whosmarted because it makes learning fun for your kids.

[Narrator]

But what about your brain?

[Jerry Colbert]

I'm Jerry Colber, the co creator of WhoSmarted, and yes, your very own trusty narrator. And I've got something just for you. It's called the Daily brain, a quick 10 minute podcast designed to help you think, sharper stress less and boost your brain power with simple science backed exercises. From problem solving hacks to memory tricks and focus boosters, the Daily Brain is like a mini workout for your mind. No heavy lifting required. So after Whosmarted, treat yourself to some brain boosting fun. Listen to the Daily Brain wherever you get your podcasts.

[Abby]

Parents, if you've ever experienced bedtime battles with the kids, I'm gonna let you into a little secret. I'm Abby, a mother of two. And I had these battles myself. Endless excuses, delay tactics, and many tears and tantrums. But I've created a solution. The perfect kids podcast that makes bedtime a dream. It's called Koala Moon. And it's hosted by me, Abby, with over 300 episodes. Packed with original stories and sleep meditations, Koala Moon makes bedtimes easy and enjoyable. Episodes start out engaging and really rather magical, but but as they progress, they gently slow to a calm and relaxing pace to have your little ones out like a light. Since launching in 2022, Koala Moon has helped with over 20 million night sleep and received over 6,000 five star reviews. Win back your evenings. Listen to Koala Moon now wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

Okay smarty pants, Hopefully I've whet your appetite for a contraption that keeps you dry. But clearly lots of people love Umbrella Ella Ellas. Did you know 33 million umbrellas were sold last year in the United States alone? Which makes sense considering the average person loses at least four umbrellas during their lifetime. And that can add up. Here in the United States, the average umbrella costs $13, about the same as the riblets platter at Applebee's.

[Gia Davis]

Nom nom nom nom nom.

[Narrator]

But wastes a lot less napkins. No joke, umbrellas are a seven billion dollar a year business. Yep, that's billion with a B.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

But why?

[Narrator]

Why is an umbrella such a must have item? Well, not only does it protect you from the rain, it provides shade from the sun and shelter from the elements. And if you're a magical nanny, it lets you fly. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. But seriously, the umbrella might be one of the most useful and versatile gadgets that humans have invented. Ever.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

So.

[Narrator]

Grab your umbrella and join me on a trip to the Umbrella Academy to find out more about umbrellas. Well, not that Umbrella Academy. I meant the who Smarted Umbrella Academy, where I, the trusty narrator, will teach you more about umbrellas. First off, how long has the umbrella in any of its forms been around? Is it 100 years, 1,000 years, 4,000 years? Or 10,000 years? If you said 4,000 years, you were right. But who invented it? The answer is nobody knows for sure. But most experts do have an idea where it was invented. Where do you think that was, smartypants? Here, I'll give you a hint. This early civilization also invented the wheel, writing and the map. Talk about overachievers. It rhymes with pesomomamia. Did you say Mesopotamia? Of course, these super Sumerians and the Egyptians, who were also early to the umbrella game, didn't have much of a problem with rain given their particularly deserty locale. So why the need for umbrellas? Ellas Ellas. It's because of the sun. The Egyptians may have worshipped a Sun God. But that doesn't mean they liked getting sunburned. Of course, like many things back then, umbrellas were mainly reserved for the upper class.

[Tex Davis]

It is so hot. My sweat is sweating.

[Adam Davis]

Why, yes, the sun seems angry with.

[Tex Davis]

I am literally melting. There's going to be nothing left of me but a puddle in the sand.

[Adam Davis]

If only I was rich and powerful enough to have one of those whatchamacallits that Pharaoh has.

[Tex Davis]

Yes, that giant contraption he uses to block the sun's rays and stay cool. How I wish I could afford one too. Who even invented it?

[Adam Davis]

No idea, but they definitely smarted.

[Tex Davis]

Agreed. Oh, well, I guess we'll just Zwelter. Elter. Elter he like this song.

[Narrator]

The very first umbrellas were actually used as sun shelters. Today we call sun umbrellas parasols, from the French word para, which means to protect against, and sol, which means sun. Para sol. Protect against the sun.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Get it?

[Narrator]

Of course, I like to call it a sunbrella. Ella, ella. Early umbrellas were made of palm leaves, papyrus, and the feathers of a bird that's famous for its spectacularly colorful tail. Do you know what bird I'm talking about, smarty pants? That's right. They used peacock feathers. Because why not give your personal protective canopy a bit of razzle dazzle? Oh, and the original umbrellas were heavy. Like really heavy. So heavy it took the strength of several people to hold one up over the rich and powerful. The sun blocking version of the umbrella was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In fact, the word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, which means shade. And their umbrellas looked a lot like the ones you use today. Later, in medieval China, sun umbrellas were made of bamboo sticks covered with leaves and feathers, which worked great as long as you weren't near any pandas.

[Gia Davis]

Hey, panda, that bamboo is my umbrella, not your dinner.

[Tex Davis]

Bup.

[Narrator]

Surprisingly, it wasn't until the 16th century that someone reinvented the umbrella game and figured out how to make one that protected you. From what? Yep, you guessed it, smarty pants. Rain. The big breakthrough came when somebody discovered you could coat a sunbrella or parasol with wax and oil to keep water out.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Whoa.

[Gia Davis]

Check it out.

[Narrator]

A rainbrella.

[Adam Davis]

Ella, ella.

[Narrator]

Not only did umbrellas cut down on people getting wet, they helped cut down on the need to take. What type of transportation? Everywhere, smarty pants? Was it A, bicycles, B, horse drawn carriages, or C, the subway? Did you say horse drawn carriages? Correct. If you had an umbrella to keep you dry, you could walk and save money. Which Is good because carriage fares back then were pretty steep. And I'm not horsing around.

[Gia Davis]

That bad joke spooked the horses.

[Narrator]

Anyway, what do you think they call this new rain umbrella? Did you say a paraplouie? Of course you didn't. But that's what they called it. It's kind of like parasol, Only they traded out the French word for sun sol for the French word for rain. Pluy, para pluit. Protection against the rain. It was actually a French merchant named Jean Marius who designed a lightweight folding Paraplouie in 1710. And let me tell you, his umbrella started a major fashion trend among the aristocrats of Paris. And I mean major. Like we're talking the 18th century version of crocs. That's hot. In fact, the next time you're in a museum or just browsing the Internet, check out some paintings from the 17 and 1800s. You'll see umbrellas were everywhere. It was an umbrella palooza. Why do you think that is, smarty pants? Is it because, A, it rained more back then? B, B, umbrellas became a status symbol? Or C, umbrellas are super easy to paint? If you said umbrellas became the new status symbol. Nice. Having an umbrella showed people you were wealthy. Just like fancy diamond jewelry or an expensive sports car does today. Soon, umbrellas were a must have fashion accessory, with handles carved out of expensive materials like ebony and mahogany. At first, it was mostly women flaunting umbrellas. But it wasn't long until the fellas. Fellas, Ellas Got in on the act. Umbrellas were so popular, people came up with cute nicknames for them, like bumbershoots. Bumber is a play on umbra as an umbrella. And an open umbrella resembles the canopy of an open parachute. Hey, you know Penguin from Batman has all those tricked out umbrellas. Well, that's kind of based on reality.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

What?

[Narrator]

No. You can't turn an umbrella into a rocket and fly away. Or transform it into helicopter blades. Or flip it upside down and ride it like a pogo stick. Although how fun would that be? But it is true that once umbrellas got super popular, they started getting even crazier. To find out just how crazy they got. Stick around.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science and social studies with interactive practice problems, games and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun. Just like who Smarted for homeschool parents, iexcel is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class, whether they need extra help or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign [e-mail] smarted. Visit ixl.com smarted now to give your child the best learning support available. IXL where learning Clicks this episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Smarty Pants it's quiz time. If you wanted to start a business, share your ideas with the world, or finally launch your site about history's weirdest inventions, what is the smartest way to do it? Is it A Shouting your message from the top of a volcano? B Training an army of synchronized skywriting parrots, or c Building a sleek professional website with Squarespace. If you said C, congratulations, you win the Internet. With Squarespace's design intelligence, you can build a beautiful website in minutes. No coding, wizardry or secret handshake required. Want to sell stuff? Squarespace Payments lets you accept Apple Pay, Klarna, and even credit cards. And because social media runs the universe, Squarespace seamlessly connects your site to Instagram, YouTube, and more, so your fans or future customers can can easily find you. Start your free trial [e-mail] smartid and when you're ready to launch, use code smarted to save 10% on your first website or domain. Now who's ready to make history? Hey smarty parents. I love Green Chef because of how absolutely easy the meals are to make and how every night it feels like we're eating at a restaurant right at home. The variety is excellent and includes meals for special diets like keto gluten free and calorie Smart with pre portioned ingredients, there's less prep, less mess and more time to enjoy delicious meals. Green Chef's easy to follow directions means my kitchen phobic family members actually cook when we get our Green Chef kit and it's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen too. Plus, Green Chef is owned by HelloFresh, which lets me switch between the brands for even more variety. And now my listeners can enjoy both at a discount with me. Thrive all year with with clean, easy meals from Green chef. Go to greenchef.com smartedfree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. That's greenchef.com smartedFree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50 percent off your first box. Green Chef the number one meal kit for eating well.

[Narrator]

Now back to whosmarted. You think an umbrella can only be used to block the sun and rain? Think again. Umbrella makers started adding watches and lights to them, and some people even used them to hide weapons like swords and knives. In 1978, a Soviet KGB spy eliminated an enemy spy by poking them with.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

The tip of an umbrella.

[Tex Davis]

Hey, you just poked me with your.

[Narrator]

Unfortunately, the umbrella's tip was soaked in a poison called ricin.

[Gia Davis]

My plans had gone kapooing.

[Tex Davis]

Thanks to a paraplui.

[Narrator]

The materials used to make umbrellas also became more technologically advanced. The frames of many early umbrellas were originally made with whale bones.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Thankfully, whalebone was replaced by wood, then steel, then aluminum, and eventually fiberglass, which.

[Narrator]

Is cheaper and better for umbrellas, customers.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

And of course, whales.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the canvas used to make the umbrella's canopy was replaced by a man.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Made material called nylon.

[Narrator]

Smarty Pants do you know what they coated the nylon with to make umbrellas extra waterproof? It's called Teflon. True or false? The Teflon on umbrellas is the same.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Coating used on frying pans.

[Narrator]

So your eggs don't stick.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

The answer is true.

[Narrator]

So if anybody ever throws rotten eggs at you, just hold up your umbrella. In 1969, Bradford Phillips, owner of the Totes Company, came up with a compact, foldable umbrella. You know, the kind that fits in your backpack and snaps open with a push of a button.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

But the innovations didn't stop there.

[Narrator]

There's the see through umbrella, the inverted umbrella, a tiny umbrella you can stick in your pocket. And in Japan, they recently unveiled an.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Umbrella that projects images on the inside.

[Narrator]

That you can scroll through by twisting the handle.

[Abby]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Imagine the possibilities. Imagine the umbrella selfies. Imagine the cute pet photos that give its raining cats and dogs a whole new meaning. But while the umbrella is clearly one of the niftiest inventions ever created, there's one thing you should never do with it. Any guesses? Did you say don't open it inside? Or at least that's how the superstition goes. But why is it bad luck to open an umbrella inside? Well, it's. It's not so much bad luck as a potentially bad outcome. After all, a large umbrella opening suddenly in a small room could injure someone.

[Tex Davis]

Ouch.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

Or cause breakage.

[Narrator]

Yeah, you're much better off not chancing it and waiting until you're outside with lots of room before.

[Gia Davis]

Ah.

[Narrator]

Looks like the storm has passed. I no longer need my bumbershoot. I mean parapleui. I mean umbrella. Of course now I have to carry it around with me. Or I could just boing, boing, boing.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

A big shout out to super smarty.

[Narrator]

Fan Isaac in Kent, Washington. We hear you love learning with us on your way to school.

[Brandon Bumbershoot]

What a great way to start the day.

[Narrator]

Keep up the smarting, pal. This episode Umbrellas was written by Storming St Steve Melcher and voiced by Brandon Bumbershoot. Bayless Adam, Tex Davis, Gia I Lost My Umbrella dad Davis, Jenny Canopy Chan and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Paraploui Hahn who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios. Our associate producer is Max the Gantt Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Sunshade Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis who Smith was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.