meta dict | text listlengths 124 216 |
|---|---|
{
"things": [
"Pencils",
"Metal Recycling",
"Coffee"
]
} | [
"The lead inside a pencil isn't actually lead.",
"It's mostly graphite, which was discovered in england in the mid-1500s, giving birth to the pencil industry.",
"In 1795, a french chemist invented a new type of pencil lead, made of graphite powder and clay fired in an oven, making it possible to produce leads w... |
{
"things": [
"Combination Squares",
"Farmed Shrimp",
"Ball Valves",
"String Trimmers"
]
} | [
"A combination square is a measuring tool you use when building with wood, masonry or metal to make sure something's straight, even and level.",
"It's essentially a ruler with interchangeable sliding heads.",
"The most basic head, called a square, measures 90 and 45 degree angles.",
"This combination square c... |
{
"things": [
"Wood Watches",
"Steel Bicycles",
"Raw Pet Food",
"Replica Police Lanterns"
]
} | [
"Sure, your mobile phone will give you the time, but not nearly as conveniently or fashionably as a wristwatch does.",
"Watches come in a variety of materials, often combined with stainless steel.",
"But one of the more creative pairings is stainless steel with wood.",
"This company makes wristwatches which f... |
{
"things": [
"Corn Tortillas",
"Crankshafts & Camshafts",
"Bush Planes",
"Aluminum Bike Wheels"
]
} | [
"The corn tortilla is the original flatbread invented, legend has it, thousands of years ago by a mayan peasant to feed his king.",
"A royal appetite may have been the inspiration for this unleavened creation, but it soon gained mass appeal and became a staple of the mexican diet.",
"The corn tortilla has been ... |
{
"things": [
"Levels",
"Hot Dogs",
"Abrasive Grains",
"Sandpaper"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Levels...",
"Hot dogs...",
"Abrasive grain...",
"And sandpaper.",
"The level was invented in the 17th century to keep structures plumb and true.",
"Without it, buildings would lean, floors would be crooked, and maps would have inaccurate elevation information.",
"No m... |
{
"things": [
"Miniature Furniture",
"Garden Steam Locomotives",
"Hovercraft",
"Folding Bicycles"
]
} | [
"Selecting furniture is a matter of scale, especially when it's a dollhouse room.",
"Miniature furniture is sized for really small spaces.",
"A popular scale is 1/12 of full-sized furnishings.",
"But as far as attention to detail, there's no need to scale down one's expectations.",
"These are replicas of fu... |
{
"things": [
"Navajo Rugs",
"Crude Oil",
"Kaleidoscopes",
"Titanium Dental Implants"
]
} | [
"Rug weaving is a traditional art practiced by the navajo, an indian nation located in the united states where colorado, new mexico, utah, and arizona intersect.",
"They originally wove blankets and clothing.",
"Then, in the early 1800s, they began weaving rugs for sale.",
"While many weavers create contempor... |
{
"things": [
"Digital Dentistry",
"Nail Clippers",
"Poster Restoration",
"Canola Oil"
]
} | [
"Digital technology is revolutionizing dental treatment.",
"3-d cameras and computers can now be used to produce crowns and other prosthetic restorations on site, eliminating the need to send the work to an outside lab.",
"For the patient, it means one appointment instead of two and less time in the dentist's c... |
{
"things": [
"Industrial Wire Ropes",
"Living Walls",
"Large Format Cameras",
"Gemstones"
]
} | [
"Industrial machines often have heavy loads to lift or pull.",
"Whether it's a dragline excavator working in an open-pit mine, an oil-drilling rig, a construction crane, or farm machinery, the weight is borne by ultrastrong wire ropes.",
"Industrial-wire ropes typically range from 8/10\" to 5\" in diameter.",
... |
{
"things": [
"Nails and Staples",
"Safety Glasses",
"Fabrics",
"Bicycles"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Nails and staples-- a fascinating manufacturing process.",
"Safety glasses-- focused on protecting your eyesight.",
"Fabrics-- we'll weave our way through a textile mill.",
"And bicycles-- we gear up to see how they're made.",
"If you've ever needed to attach two pieces o... |
{
"things": [
"3D Commercial Signs",
"Hardwood Floors",
"Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe",
"Mattresses"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Three-dimensional commercial sighs...",
"Hardwood floors...",
"Corrugated polyethylene pipe...",
"And mattresses.",
"There's nothing like an eye-catching sign to attract customers.",
"Many signs have three-dimensional lettering or decoration.",
"Whether you hang a sma... |
{
"things": [
"Footballs",
"Electric Guitar Amplifiers",
"Marbles",
"Airplane Propellers"
]
} | [
"Today, on \"how it's made\"...",
"Footballs...",
"Electric-guitar amplifiers...",
"Marbles...",
"And airplane propellers.",
"In 1869, players in the first football game used a round ball, like in soccer.",
"It was tough to carry and awkward to throw, so they changed it to look more like a watermelon.",... |
{
"things": [
"Fur Coats",
"Hearses",
"Outdoor Lighting Fixtures",
"Golf Tees"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Fur coats...",
"Hearses...",
"Outdoor lighting fixtures...",
"And golf tees.",
"Fur coats have been around through thick and thin.",
"They used to be very bulky, but today's garment is much thinner because of new manufacturing techniques.",
"The new lightweight fur co... |
{
"things": [
"Ceramic Grills",
"Pneumatic Punchers",
"Water Jet Fountains",
"Hollow Wooden Surfboards"
]
} | [
"Ceramic is one of the best insulation materials in the world.",
"Grills made with ceramic bodies can bake, roast, smoke, and, of course, grill food.",
"Ceramic grills retain more heat than metal ones, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful meal.",
"Ceramic grills use natural-lump charcoal.",
"Natural charc... |
{
"things": [
"Whips",
"Automated Pizza Makers",
"Incense Cones",
"Model Jet Engines"
]
} | [
"In the old days, ranchers used the sound of the whip to move cattle.",
"Today, collectors buy different types as functional works of art while others practice the sport of whip cracking, training to compete in competitions.",
"There are even entertainers who perform eye-popping tricks with whips.",
"In the w... |
{
"things": [
"Motorcycles",
"Clay Pipes",
"Drum Sticks",
"Whistles"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Motorcycles...",
"Clay pipes...",
"Drumsticks...",
"And whistles.",
"The invention of the motorcycle late in the 19th century was speed driven.",
"People wanted to go places faster than they could on a bicycle.",
"So they strapped an engine on a bike-- a simple concep... |
{
"things": [
"Winter Jackets",
"Animation",
"Mushrooms",
"Gold Rings"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Winter jackets, animation, mushrooms, and gold rings.",
"As anyone who's shivered through a cold winter knows, you've got your run-of-the-mill winter jackets and then, those really warm winter jackets that can run up to $1,000.",
"The difference is what they're made of and ho... |
{
"things": [
"Ultra"
]
} | [
"Today, on \"how it's made\"...",
"Thinner than a human hair, ultrathin glass flexes like plastic.",
"It can also have greater electrical sensitivity, making it useful for things like fingerprint scanning on smartphones.",
"Manufacturers have only just begun to explore the potential of this new class of glass... |
{
"things": [
"Baseball Gloves",
"Medical Electrodes",
"Stetson Hats"
]
} | [
"A baseball glove is an extraordinary thing.",
"Each and every one starts out brand spanking new and ends up fitting its owner like a second skin.",
"Before long, the player and his glove are inseparable.",
"The glove helps him live his dreams and fills his imagination with lifelong memories.",
"Baseball gl... |
{
"things": [
"Toothpicks",
"Acrylic Bathtubs",
"Helicopters",
"Beer"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Toothpicks...",
"Acrylic bathtubs...",
"Helicopters...",
"And beer.",
"Some people use them to hold hors d'oeuvres together.",
"Kids make scale models of famous buildings and bridges out of them.",
"And some people actually use them for their primary purpose-- to remo... |
{
"things": [
"Nail Nippers",
"Jade Putters",
"Ice Cider",
"Water Skis"
]
} | [
"And water skis.",
"Whether it's a hangnail that needs fixing or it's simply time for a trim, a nail nipper is a good thing to have at your fingertips.",
"A nipper is a precision tool, one that offers a bit more control than lever-style clippers.",
"The result is usually a more manicured look.",
"Heavy duty... |
{
"things": [
"Motorcycle Engines",
"Glass Enamel Sculptures",
"Hand"
]
} | [
"The v-twin motorcycle engine actually dates back more than a century.",
"Talk about staying power.",
"Central to the design are two cylinders that form a \"v\" around the crankshaft.",
"This configuration is more compact than a straight-line engine, and its appeal is timeless.",
"With its throttle cranked,... |
{
"things": [
"Gummies",
"Aluminum Cans",
"Fish Farming",
"Bronze Sculptures"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made,\" gummies, aluminum cans, fish farming, and bronze sculptures.",
"There's nothing kids love more than candies they can pull and stretch, which probably explains why gummy candies and licorice have always been stick-to-your-teeth favorites, except with parents who don't have a family den... |
{
"things": [
"Dragster Tires",
"Icing",
"Floating Docks",
"Spiral Pipes"
]
} | [
"A dragster's tires take quite a beating during the brief, but fast run down the racetrack.",
"The tires have to face full-on acceleration right out of the starting gate, then heavy-duty braking after the finish line, with the car deploying a rear parachute and slowing to an eventual stop.",
"A drag race is the... |
{
"things": [
"Spiral Stairs",
"Pita Bread",
"Exhaust Headers",
"Molded Limestone Artwork"
]
} | [
"spiral stairs were part of a strategy to defend the towers of medieval castles.",
"Attackers had to climb single-file and couldn't storm the castle all at once.",
"And at the top of the stairs, the guardsmen could more easily maneuver their swords, giving them the upper hand.",
"Spiral stairs take people to ... |
{
"things": [
"Wheel Loaders",
"Vegetable Oil",
"Hand Tools",
"Cotton Swabs"
]
} | [
"Today, on \"how it's made\"...",
"Wheel loaders...",
"Vegetable oil...",
"Hand tools...",
"And cotton swabs.",
"They're big, they're bulky, and boy, can they move stuff.",
"Wheel loaders are drivable heavy machines.",
"You see them on construction sites moving dirt, at landfill sites moving garbage, ... |
{
"things": [
"Solid State Drives",
"Eye Shadow",
"Limousines",
"Dead Blow Hammers"
]
} | [
"The drive in your computer saves and stores your data-- everything from documents to photos to software programs.",
"The newer generation drives are solid state drives.",
"They're gradually replacing traditional hard disk drives because they're compact, more durable, and process information much faster.",
"J... |
{
"things": [
"Engine Blocks",
"Jawbreakers",
"Drum Shells",
"Drums"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Engine blocks...",
"Jawbreakers...",
"Drum shells...",
"And drums.",
"The engine block is the largest single piece of metal in a car and also one of the most intricate.",
"It houses and links all the engine components, such as the cylinders and pistons, and it contains ... |
{
"things": [
"Firefighter Helmets",
"Nautical Compasses",
"Packaging Tubes",
"Hand Saws"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Firefighter helmets.",
"Nautical compasses.",
"Packaging tubes.",
"And handsaws.",
"In the early 1800s, luggage maker henry gratacap created one of the first firefighter hats.",
"The leather helmet had a long rear brim and curved sides as a shield against falling debris... |
{
"things": [
"Aluminum Screw Caps",
"Chocolate",
"Pills",
"Pasta"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Aluminum screw caps-- we'll pop the top off this manufacturing secret.",
"Chocolate-- there's nothing like the taste of sweet success.",
"Pills-- watch as directed.",
"And pasta-- we'll visit a factory that churns out oodles of noodles.",
"Twisting off an aluminum screw c... |
{
"things": [
"Old West Holsters",
"Underwater Video Housings",
"Soy Beverages",
"Pet Nail Trimmers"
]
} | [
"In the days of the american wild west, you didn't leave home without a gun.",
"Both the sheriffs and outlaws carried guns and ammunition.",
"It was important to have your gun easily accessible.",
"Wearing a holster around the waist putts a gun in the perfect position for a quick draw.",
"These handcrafted ... |
{
"things": [
"Matches",
"Carousel Horses",
"Fine Porcelain",
"Automobile Fuel Tanks"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"-- matches.",
"Carousel horses.",
"Fine porcelain.",
"And automobile fuel tanks.",
"Lighting a controlled fire was not always easy.",
"Only 200 years ago, you'd rub a rock on steel to create sparks.",
"Then a stunning discovery-- that combining certain chemicals can ignite fir... |
{
"things": [
"Cast Iron Stoves",
"Ultralight Aircraft",
"Snow Groomers",
"Rubber Bands"
]
} | [
"Cast-iron stoves have been adding warmth to people's lives for more than three centuries.",
"Today there are new reasons to cozy up to this invention.",
"It's had a major update.",
"Modern stoves burn wood more cleanly and efficiently, providing heat without the dirty fallout from the chimney.",
"Modern ca... |
{
"things": [
"Pneumatic Impact Wrenches",
"Cultured Marble Sinks",
"Plantain Chips",
"NASCAR Stock Cars"
]
} | [
"A pneumatic impact wrench is a power tool that tightens and untightens nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.",
"You hook it up to the air hose coming off a compressor.",
"The anvil at the tip turns at high speed to tighten until snug, then switches to a hammering action, called impacting, to tighten even more.",
... |
{
"things": [
"Paper Umbrellas",
"Coal",
"Aircraft Seats",
"Cremation Urns"
]
} | [
"Paper umbrellas originated in china and eventually spread throughout asia.",
"Initially, their purpose was solely practical-- to protect against rain and to provide shade from the scorching sun.",
"But before long, they took on symbolic significance and were incorporated into many ceremonies and rituals.",
"... |
{
"things": [
"Leather Sculptures",
"Travel Hot Plates",
"Ochre",
"Hurdy"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"The use of leather as an artist medium dates back to the middle ages, when it was crafted into fierce animal shapes that were then affixed to battle helmets.",
"Fast-forward several centuries, and some artists are rediscovering leather as a sculpting material and redefining the... |
{
"things": [
"Lighters",
"Fossils",
"Hockey Pucks",
"High"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Lighters...",
"Fossils...",
"Hockey pucks...",
"And high-pressure cylinders.",
"It's a case for combustion.",
"Spin the wheel, and you have an instant flame.",
"Flip the lid, and the flame is extinguished.",
"A version of the lighter first appeared in the 19th centu... |
{
"things": [
"Cotton",
"Rodeo Roping Chutes",
"Asian Noodles",
"Rotary Engines"
]
} | [
"The exact origins of the cotton plant are unknown, although archeologists have unearthed pieces of cotton cloth over 7,000 years old.",
"Through the centuries, cotton fiber was traditionally processed by hand until the first 18th century, when the first automated processing machine was invented.",
"Before cott... |
{
"things": [
"Skateboard Wheels",
"Baklava & Galactoboureko",
"CO2 Scrubbers",
"Honeycomb Candles"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"The invention of polyurethane skateboard wheels in the early 1970s suddenly made jumps and tight cornering possible because these wheels had a better grip on riding surfaces than the old metal or ceramic wheels.",
"They were more durable, and the shock absorption was greatly im... |
{
"things": [
"Stainless Steel",
"Football Helmets",
"Resin Figurines",
"Laboratory Glassware"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made,\" stainless steel...",
"Football helmets...",
"Resin figurines...",
"And laboratory glassware.",
"Stainless steel was invented in the early part of the 20th century.",
"The key ingredient is chrome, which forms a protective oxide film on the surface.",
"Originally called nonru... |
{
"things": [
"Handcrafted Skis",
"Septic Tanks",
"Hydroformed Chassis Parts",
"Aquarium Windows"
]
} | [
"You can buy mass-produced skis from a large company, or you could choose to purchase a handcrafted set from a small independent.",
"It's a matter of preference-- much like drinking beer produced by a major brewery versus a microbrewery.",
"In fact, many ski-buying guides call small, independent brands microbre... |
{
"things": [
"Replica Foods",
"Traffic Cone Dispensers",
"Rocking Horses",
"London Taxis"
]
} | [
"This meal may look delicious, but it actually tastes like plastic.",
"This is fake food.",
"It's not for tasting-- it's for tempting.",
"Restaurants and food stores use these imitations to entice customers.",
"Fake food is also used as props in movies and tv because the camera loves it.",
"This fake foo... |
{
"things": [
"Champagne",
"ATMs",
"Marine Turbochargers"
]
} | [
"The word champagne is often used to describe sparkling white wines.",
"But true champagne can only come from the champagne region of france.",
"It must meet a long list of special requirements before receiving the coveted label.",
"The champagne industry is heavily regulated.",
"The grapes must be locally ... |
{
"things": [
"Swiss Army Knives",
"Player Piano Rolls",
"Oil Tankers",
"Racing Wheels"
]
} | [
"The swiss army knife is an entire tool kit in a pocket-sized package.",
"This little multitool actually dates back to 1891 with the original swiss soldier's knife.",
"It wasn't long before it morphed into other versions for sale to the general public, and a century later, it continues to come in handy.",
"Lo... |
{
"things": [
"Wax Figures",
"Awnings",
"Sandwich Crackers",
"Pewter Tankards"
]
} | [
"We can't all rub shoulders with political greats and movie stars.",
"But for the price of admission to a wax attraction, anyone can mingle with their wax replicas.",
"These look-alikes aren't much for conversation, but the likeness can be startling, thanks to a process honed over centuries.",
"Famous faces c... |
{
"things": [
"Hammers",
"Swiss Cheese",
"Roller Skates",
"Coloured Pencils"
]
} | [
"The need to hammer things goes back to prehistoric times when early man used stones as tools.",
"The modern hammer evolved from those first crude implements.",
"But with its forged-steel design and user-friendly handle, the hammer of today is strikingly different.",
"No one-hit wonder, the modern hammer is m... |
{
"things": [
"Robotic Arms",
"Tattoos",
"Sanitary Napkins",
"Concrete Pipes"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made,\" robotic arms...",
"Tattoos...",
"Sanitary napkins...",
"And concrete pipes.",
"The term \"robot\" comes from the czech word \"robota,\" which means \"forced labor\".",
"Most robots are designed for repetitive work that's difficult, dangerous, or would just bore human beings to... |
{
"things": [
"Horseshoes",
"Dishwashers",
"Graphite Fly Rods",
"Pizza"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Horseshoes...",
"Dishwashers...",
"Graphite fly rods...",
"And frozen pizzas.",
"Horses first wore leather and metal shoes around 500 a.d. to protect their hooves from wear and tear.",
"Today, depending on the animal's vocation, horseshoes are usually made of steel, alu... |
{
"things": [
"Cheese Graters",
"Hot Sauce",
"Silver Jewellery",
"Traditional Mexican Chairs"
]
} | [
"Many recipes call for shredded ingredients, which is why a cheese grater is an indispensable kitchen tool.",
"Depending on which type of blade or blades a grater has, you can coarsely shred to finely grate not just cheese but also potatoes and vegetables.",
"Graters come in different sizes, shapes, and configu... |
{
"things": [
"Macarons",
"Pine Needle Baskets",
"Micrometers"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made,\" macarons...",
"Pine-needle baskets...",
"And micrometers.",
"Meringue cookies with a flavored filling, macarons were first produced in the eighth century in venetian monasteries.",
"In 1533, the recipe came to france with the pastry chefs brought by the italian noblewoman who ar... |
{
"things": [
"Kitchen Knives",
"Mannequins",
"Socks",
"Hypodermic Needles"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Kitchen knives...",
"Mannequins...",
"Socks...",
"And hypodermic needles.",
"Any good cook knows that you're only as good as your tools, so using the right kitchen knife for the job is essential.",
"From chef's knives and cleavers to boning knives, filleting knives, and... |
{
"things": [
"Anatomical Models",
"Jukeboxes",
"Tortilla Chips",
"Spark Plugs"
]
} | [
"In the 18th century, anatomical models became widely used for educational purposes.",
"However, they were unique pieces carved in wax, which made them expensive and fragile.",
"Today, they're made of plastic-based resin and are found in medical schools, doctors' offices, even art schools.",
"This model of a ... |
{
"things": [
"Pewter Flasks",
"Potato Salad",
"Hydrogen Fuel Cells",
"Engineered Wood Siding"
]
} | [
"Long before the plastic water bottle, there was the hip flask, carried in a pocket or strapped to the waist or hip.",
"Unlike a water bottle or earlier canteen, the flask was used for carrying a very different type of thirst quencher-- several ounces of hard liquor.",
"In the 18th century, it became quite fash... |
{
"things": [
"Scalpels",
"Oil Paints",
"British Police Helmets",
"Ice Axes"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Scalpels...",
"Oil paints...",
"British police helmets...",
"And ice axes.",
"The scalpel is the surgeon's trademark tool.",
"Its short blade is razor-sharp and designed to slice swiftly and cleanly.",
"This little knife may seem like a simple instrument, but its incr... |
{
"things": [
"Hearing Aids",
"3"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Hearing aids.",
"We're turning up the volume for this one.",
"3-d puzzles-- a traditional pastime enters a new dimension.",
"Rubber mats-- we bring you a step-by-step explanation.",
"And toilets-- this fascinating report leaves us flushed with pride.",
"When you stop an... |
{
"things": [
"Motorcycle Sidecars",
"Frozen French Toast",
"Refrigerator Compressors",
"Superchargers"
]
} | [
"A sidecar is a passenger attachment that bolts to a motorcycle.",
"Sidecars are aftermarket products, meaning a separate company-- not the motorcycle maker-- manufactures and markets them.",
"You buy a model that's compatible with your motorcycle.",
"A motorcycle sidecar carries one passenger or two, if the... |
{
"things": [
"Power Steering Pumps",
"Asian Bowl Meals",
"Walking Canes"
]
} | [
"In the first half of the 20th century, power steering was not an option.",
"Prototypes were too expensive for production.",
"During world war ii, the british and american armies began to use power steering in heavy vehicles like armored cars, and auto makers soon began adding it to passenger vehicles.",
"The... |
{
"things": [
"Upright Pianos",
"Flags",
"Wet"
]
} | [
"Unlike a grand piano, an upright piano is vertical, so you can place it against a wall.",
"Uprights come in various heights.",
"The taller ones have longer strings and a larger soundboard, so their sound is closer to that of a grand piano.",
"Around four feet tall, this is the largest upright piano on the ma... |
{
"things": [
"Airstream Trailers",
"Horseradish",
"Industrial Steam Boilers",
"Deodorant"
]
} | [
"In 1931, airstream founder wally byam sold plans to build your own travel trailer.",
"In response to a growing demand, he decided manufacturing was the better way to go.",
"He then introduced the airstream trailer, with its familiar modern design that has withstood the test of time.",
"The airstream trailer ... |
{
"things": [
"Turbochargers",
"Enchiladas",
"Watches"
]
} | [
"A turbocharger harnesses a vehicle's exhaust gases to compress fresh air, forcing the pressurized air into the engine's combustion chamber for a turbocharged performance.",
"With it, a small engine can be as powerful as a larger one, using energy that would otherwise disappear out the tailpipe.",
"The exhaust ... |
{
"things": [
"Pipes",
"Rock Climbing Gear",
"Leather Bike Saddles",
"Luxury Sports Cars"
]
} | [
"When christopher columbus discovered the americas, he also discovered the tobacco pipe.",
"The pipe was an important part of native culture to be shared during times of negotiation and celebration.",
"Columbus and other explorers brought the concept home, and the rest is history.",
"Since the 19th century, p... |
{
"things": [
"Racing Shells",
"Stainless Steel Sinks",
"Leather",
"Pedal Steel Guitar"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Racing shells...",
"Stainless-steel sinks...",
"Leather...",
"And pedal steel guitars.",
"The racing shell is a high-tech rowboat that's built for speed.",
"Long and exceptionally narrow, it's designed to cut through wave drag and leave the competition in its wake.",
... |
{
"things": [
"Western Revolver Replicas",
"Arc Trainers",
"Used"
]
} | [
"In the american wild west, the gun ruled, and that gun was usually a six-shooter revolver.",
"Today, replicas of those revolvers can take you back to dodge city, and they do at cowboy shooting competitions.",
"It's a chance to engage in a little old-fashion gunslinging for old time's sake.",
"With its six-sh... |
{
"things": [
"Pre"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Pre-inked stamps...",
"Cranberries...",
"Cotton yarn...",
"And road signs.",
"\"paid,\" \"rush,\" \"approved\" are some of the terms routinely stamped onto documents.",
"Professionals, such as engineers, have their official stamps, too.",
"For years, you had to dab th... |
{
"things": [
"Tasers",
"Canned Soup",
"Jaw Harps & Mouth Bows",
"Diving Boards"
]
} | [
"A taser device fires bursts of electricity to deliver a high-voltage, low-amp shock that temporarily disables the subject.",
"Invented in 1969 by an american aerospace scientist, the taser has become a weapon of choice for police forces around the world.",
"Today, when an officer reaches for his or her gun, it... |
{
"things": [
"Riding Mowers",
"Popcorn",
"Adjustable Beds",
"Cultured Diamonds"
]
} | [
"When it comes to sitting down on the job, the riding mower is just the vehicle.",
"Animals powered the first ones in england in the 19th century.",
"When motorized mowers came along in the 20th century, they improved on the concept, and we were on our way to greener pastures.",
"Step behind the controls of a... |
{
"things": [
"Traffic Signal Poles",
"Coffee Filters",
"Chainsaw Mining Machines"
]
} | [
"Traffic-signal poles must be strong enough to bear the weight of road signs, street lights, and, of course, traffic signals.",
"The poles are also built to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy snow accumulation.",
"Traffic signal poles are made of high-strength steel.",
"Years o... |
{
"things": [
"Flight Simulators",
"Bookbinding",
"Greenhouse Tomatoes",
"Hurricane"
]
} | [
"Most hands-on pilot training occurs not in the air, but on the ground.",
"The classroom in which this instruction takes place is a flight simulator-- a high-tech replica of the aircraft cockpit.",
"Through the magic of sophisticated computer software, the simulator mimics the process and feel of flying the air... |
{
"things": [
"Barber Chairs",
"Sewage Pumps",
"Bimini Boat Tops",
"Diesel Filters"
]
} | [
"The reclining barber chair was invented in america in 1878.",
"At the time, it was a grooming breakthrough.",
"With a chair that leaned back and moved forward, the barber could shave the customer with greater precision, and when wielding a straight-edged razor, precision is definitely a good thing.",
"The ba... |
{
"things": [
"Escalator Handrails",
"Highlighters",
"Guitar Strings",
"Wigs"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Escalator handrails...",
"Highlighter pens...",
"Guitar strings...",
"And wigs.",
"The escalator was invented over 100 years ago as an amusement park ride.",
"The moving staircase was soon equipped with a moving handrail for safety reasons, but those early handrails wer... |
{
"things": [
"Racing Leathers",
"Evaporative Cooling Towers",
"Wood Rocking Chairs",
"Wire Wheels"
]
} | [
"With no car frame around them, motorcycle racers look to their clothes for protection.",
"One-piece suits called racing leathers provide it.",
"They're made of padded leather, and the design is form-fitting and aerodynamic.",
"Motorcycle racing leathers are a kind of body armor.",
"Equipped with padding an... |
{
"things": [
"Halogen Bulbs",
"Cellulose Insulation",
"Aluminum Ladders",
"Bamboo Fly Rods"
]
} | [
"Today, on \"how it's made\"...",
"Halogen bulbs...",
"Cellulose insulation...",
"Aluminum ladders...",
"And bamboo fly rods.",
"Halogen headlights are an example of technological progress.",
"The halogen bulbs throw cool, white light that mimics daylight, illuminating the road ahead.",
"And because t... |
{
"things": [
"Ski Goggles",
"Tower Cranes",
"Porcelain Figurines",
"Diesel Engines"
]
} | [
"Fog and blinding snow can obscure the view from the top of a ski mountain, but a good pair of ski goggles can add some clarity to the situation.",
"They shield the eyes from the elements, and certain lenses add contrast in low light to allow the skier to see the bumps and dips ahead.",
"Goggle lenses come in d... |
{
"things": [
"Commercial Drones",
"Aquarium Fish",
"Runway Cleaners",
"Shuttlecocks"
]
} | [
"A commercial drone is a small, unmanned aircraft with an onboard camera it can capture a bird's-eye view of the ground, collecting up-to-the-minute data useful for many types of applications.",
"They're used to plan infrastructure projects, overseeing natural resources, or manage farmland.",
"Spanning about fi... |
{
"things": [
"Stuffed Olives",
"Astrolabes",
"Western Saddles"
]
} | [
"Several millennia before it ever adorned a martini, the olive and its oil were central to many ancient economies.",
"Today, olives remain as popular as ever.",
"Not only are they tasty, they're also healthy, low in calories and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber and iron.",
"Olives are inedible unless the... |
{
"things": [
"Rice Cookers",
"Concealment Furniture",
"Promotional Origami",
"Hedge Shears"
]
} | [
"Preparing rice in an electric cooker is easier than cooking rice on the stove.",
"You throw in the rice and water, press a button, and walk away until it's ready.",
"This machine is designed to steam rice to perfection.",
"Rice cookers use indirect heat to circulate steam around rice and water, from the oute... |
{
"things": [
"Audio Vacuum Tubes",
"Light Bars",
"Wood Model Aircraft",
"Metal Snare Drums"
]
} | [
"When it comes to sound quality, audiophiles swear by amplifiers which contain vacuum tubes to boost and modify the electrical signal.",
"They were the norm until transistors came along in the 1950s.",
"Many audio enthusiasts still prefer tube sound, which they find warmer, richer, and more natural.",
"once s... |
{
"things": [
"Hot Rods",
"Decorative Eggs",
"Fire Hose Nozzles",
"Baseballs"
]
} | [
"A hot rod is a normal car that's been radically modified to look snazzier and drive faster.",
"Some amateur mechanics tinker away at building one in their garage, while other car buffs custom-order one from a specialty auto shop.",
"Either way, hot-rod lovers are driven by their passion for these mean machines... |
{
"things": [
"Recycled Skateboards",
"Braided Pastry",
"Construction Trailers",
"Metalworking Vises"
]
} | [
"Sixty years ago, surfers in california were looking to ride the streets like they surf the waves.",
"They came up with an idea to strap roller skate wheels on their surfboards, and the skateboard was born.",
"Since then, skateboarding has evolved into a sport, a passion and a lifestyle for people all over the ... |
{
"things": [
"Yacht Wheels",
"Braided Rugs",
"Automobile Thermostats",
"Chisels"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Yacht wheels...",
"Braided rugs...",
"Automobile thermostats...",
"And chisels.",
"A wheel is a fairly modern way to steer a boat.",
"Before the 18th century, captains shifted a stake attached directly to the rudder.",
"Today ship wheels connect to the rudder through ... |
{
"things": [
"Custom Running Shoes",
"Axes",
"Racing Karts",
"Animatronics"
]
} | [
"Poorly fitted shoes can ruin a runner's day.",
"They can compromise the runner's gait and lead to injuries.",
"It's why custom-made running shoes have become popular.",
"Tailored for one specific pair of feet, they give the runner the necessary support to go the distance.",
"Thanks to the use of synthetic ... |
{
"things": [
"Clay",
"Pitted Prunes",
"Spurs",
"Polyurethane Tires"
]
} | [
"The origin of so many useful things is muddy-- from bricks to tiles to dinnerware.",
"Even the kitchen sink can be made from clay.",
"Clay is a component of soil that, when wet, has a certain plasticity that allows it to be shaped into hundreds of things.",
"There are many shades of clay.",
"The whitest is... |
{
"things": [
"Peaked Caps",
"Custom Water Heaters",
"Electric Boats",
"Fencing Foils"
]
} | [
"Throughout europe in the late 1700s, peaked caps were traditionally worn by industrial workers.",
"Today, they are worn by professionals such as security personnel, members of the military, and police officials that wear uniforms.",
"In the united kingdom, some police officers still wear the classic custodian ... |
{
"things": [
"Trucks",
"Adhesive Bandages",
"Computer Circuit Boards",
"Liquors"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Trucks-- we'll tell you haul[all] you need to know about them.",
"Adhesive bandages-- we'll stick to the facts in this report.",
"Computer circuit boards-- letting the chips fall where they may.",
"And liquor-- we distill the whole process for you.",
"Whether your rig of ... |
{
"things": [
"Mini GP Motorcycles",
"Fig Cookies",
"Tool Boxes",
"Pipe Bends"
]
} | [
"They're called mini g.p.s-- pint-sized motorcycles whose design is identical to that of the full-size motorbikes that race on the grand prix circuit.",
"Mini g.p.s are designed for kids 9 to 12 years old who aspire to one day race the big bikes.",
"A mini g.p. can reach speeds of 80 miles per hour.",
"Its ch... |
{
"things": [
"Leather Basketballs",
"Flood Gates",
"Wood Panel Canvases",
"Shoelaces"
]
} | [
"In the early days of basketball, players used a soccer ball to play the game.",
"In 1894, a special basketball was designed.",
"It was laced and larger, with a circumference that was about 4 inches greater than the soccer ball.",
"For players, the new ball was a game changer.",
"Basketballs have evolved, b... |
{
"things": [
"Metal Nail Files",
"Birch Bark Canoes",
"Cruiser Boat Hardtops",
"High Voltage Circuit Breakers"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Metal nail files.",
"Birch bark canoes.",
"Cruiser boat hardtops.",
"And high-voltage circuit breakers.",
"Throughout history, people have wanted nice nails.",
"And they used whatever they could get their hands on to make them look good.",
"Marie antoinette is said to... |
{
"things": [
"Life Casting",
"Downdraft Cooktops",
"Compression Hosiery",
"Electric Motorcycles"
]
} | [
"Egyptian pharaohs were likely the first to have molds made of their bodies and the images cast.",
"Today, anyone can have this done.",
"The experts have it down to a fine art.",
"It's called life casting, or body molding, and it's in demand because every body is different.",
"Need a body double?",
"Life ... |
{
"things": [
"Ceramic Tiles",
"Nuts",
"Steel Forgings",
"Skateboards"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Ceramic tiles...",
"Nuts...",
"Steel forgings...",
"And skateboards.",
"Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for flooring, kitchen backsplashes, and bathroom walls.",
"They can withstand humidity and won't absorb liquids or odors.",
"They're also fireproof, fade-resista... |
{
"things": [
"CNC Assembly Machines",
"Lemon Tarts",
"Miniature War Figures"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Automated machines changed manufacturing forever when they began assembling parts.",
"Cnc assembly machines have taken automation to the next level.",
"Cnc is an acronym for computer numerical control.",
"The machine is automated by a computer rather than by mechanics.",
... |
{
"things": [
"Ceramic Fireplaces",
"Synthetic Corks",
"Parking Garage Floor Slabs"
]
} | [
"The first fireplaces were strictly functional for heating the home, cooking meals, and warming water for bathing.",
"Over time, fireplaces appeared in other rooms of the house and acquired ascetic features such as wood, stone, or tile work.",
"This ceramic fireplace is a heritage model inspired by fireplaces o... |
{
"things": [
"Sails",
"Walnuts",
"Wheel Immobilizers",
"Honeycomb Structural Panels"
]
} | [
"A sail is essentially a vertical wing that provides forward thrust and lift to propel a boat over water.",
"It's impossible to know who came up with the concept because boats with sails have been plying waterways for thousands of years.",
"But there's no doubt that when it comes to their design and constructio... |
{
"things": [
"Gears",
"Leather Watchbands",
"Vitrelle Dishes",
"Kitchen Shears"
]
} | [
"If you've ever looked inside a wind-up watch or a car's transmission, you've seen a system of gears.",
"A gear is a wheel with teeth that meshes with the teeth of another gear to transmit power on a continuous basis.",
"Combining gears of different diameters affects rotation speed and force.",
"This factory ... |
{
"things": [
"Fish Decoys",
"Film Digitization",
"Cylinder Stoves",
"Concrete Light Poles"
]
} | [
"When luring fish to a hole in a frozen lake, it helps to take a crafty approach.",
"It's a handcrafted piece of folk art, and it's also a cunning piece of work.",
"Often brightly colored with bold patterns, the decoy attracts the attention of fish-- an attraction that will likely prove fatal.",
"Native north... |
{
"things": [
"Canvas Wall Tents",
"Peace Pipes",
"Shredded Wheat Cereal",
"Cannons"
]
} | [
"A wall tent is shaped like a cabin.",
"It's tall enough and wide enough to stand up in and walk around.",
"This type of tent is typically used as a base camp on overnight hunting trips.",
"Unlike a smaller camping tent, you usually need to transport a wall tent by vehicle or by horseback.",
"These premium ... |
{
"things": [
"Laminated Wood Beams",
"Sport Utility Vehicles",
"Veggie Burgers",
"Wood Boring Augers"
]
} | [
"In architectural design, exposed wood beams use the structural components of a building in an aesthetic way.",
"These beams are often made of glued laminated timbers.",
"They're constructed by gluing together several layers of lumber and forming them into a particular shape such as a curved arch.",
"These be... |
{
"things": [
"Ambulances",
"Dining Room Tables",
"Diatonic Accordians",
"Acrylic Awards"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"...",
"Ambulances...",
"Dining room tables...",
"Diatonic accordions...",
"And acrylic awards.",
"Historians believe the notion of ambulance service grew out of the 11th-century crusades, when the knights of st.",
"John transported wounded soldiers to treatment tents.",
"Tod... |
{
"things": [
"Oil Lamps",
"Chocolate Mints",
"Underfloor Heating",
"Pillows"
]
} | [
"Before the invention of electricity, humans relied on fire for light.",
"Candles dripped and could be messy.",
"Oil lamps were a cleaner alternative.",
"Initially, oil lamps were dishes of animal fat with floating wicks.",
"But they evolved and became a source of both beauty and light.",
"In the 18th cen... |
{
"things": [
"Electrical Panels",
"Kites",
"Eyeglass Frames",
"Toothbrushes"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made,\" electrical panels...",
"Kites...",
"Eyeglass frames...",
"And toothbrushes.",
"The technical name for it is a residential load center, but people usually call it an electrical panel or circuit breaker box.",
"This enclosed metal panel is usually built into an interior wall and... |
{
"things": [
"Stile and Rail Doors",
"Steam Cleaners",
"Hand"
]
} | [
"Today on \"how it's made\"-- ...",
"Stile and rail doors...",
"Steam cleaners...",
"Hand-held pizzas...",
"And power brushes.",
"Many doors are made of a single piece of wood.",
"But stile and rail doors contain a rectangular frame around one or more central panels.",
"The term stile refers to the fr... |
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