On the Spot

I ran across this show recently while channel surfing, and found it entertaining. Yes, the format is a bit hectic, but I got used to that. I watch and read a lot of science and history and technology, so I found the show interesting and informative. It provided the sort of material I like to slip into conversations at parties and bars and such - little tidbits of unusual information to get conversations started.

Then a recent episode claimed that a googol is 1 to the 100th power. No, a googol is TEN to the hundredth power. One to ANY power is still one. So I stopped watching - if they can't get something as basic as that right, they can't be trusted on anything else. If I have to go verify everything they say, it's not worth the trouble to watch. Too bad.

BTW, I'm talking about a newer version than the one described here - it was episode 302, and was not man-on-the-street Q&A (which would not interest me - I know that most people are stupid) - instead it just feeds the factoids rapid-fire with supporting stories.