This Thing Rules
@thisthingrules.bsky.social
A good show about great things from @brianaltano.bsky.social and @maxscoville.bsky.social. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Overcast, and more.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
November 16, 2025 at 7:05 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
November 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
November 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
November 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
November 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🖋️
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
October 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🖋️
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍬
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
October 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍬
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
October 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
While most bat species live less than 20 years, a few have been recorded as living for far longer - such as the Siberia Bat, which holds the record for longest-living bat at 41 years old. (That means somewhere out there, there’s a Siberian bat older than the NES!)
While most bat species live less than 20 years, a few have been recorded as living for far longer - such as the Siberia Bat, which holds the record for longest-living bat at 41 years old. (That means somewhere out there, there’s a Siberian bat older than the NES!)
October 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
While most bat species live less than 20 years, a few have been recorded as living for far longer - such as the Siberia Bat, which holds the record for longest-living bat at 41 years old. (That means somewhere out there, there’s a Siberian bat older than the NES!)
While most bat species live less than 20 years, a few have been recorded as living for far longer - such as the Siberia Bat, which holds the record for longest-living bat at 41 years old. (That means somewhere out there, there’s a Siberian bat older than the NES!)
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦕
While the stegosaurus could grow as large as 9 meters (30 ft) long, it possessed a small brain roughly the size of a lime; poor thing probably never figured out how to get the ice beam in Metroid.
While the stegosaurus could grow as large as 9 meters (30 ft) long, it possessed a small brain roughly the size of a lime; poor thing probably never figured out how to get the ice beam in Metroid.
October 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦕
While the stegosaurus could grow as large as 9 meters (30 ft) long, it possessed a small brain roughly the size of a lime; poor thing probably never figured out how to get the ice beam in Metroid.
While the stegosaurus could grow as large as 9 meters (30 ft) long, it possessed a small brain roughly the size of a lime; poor thing probably never figured out how to get the ice beam in Metroid.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦕
Did you know that "stegosaurus" means "roof lizard?" When the first stegosaurus remains were identified in 1877, it was mistakenly believed that its plates laid flat on its back, overlapping like roof shingles. The hypothesis proved false...but the name stuck!
Did you know that "stegosaurus" means "roof lizard?" When the first stegosaurus remains were identified in 1877, it was mistakenly believed that its plates laid flat on its back, overlapping like roof shingles. The hypothesis proved false...but the name stuck!
October 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦕
Did you know that "stegosaurus" means "roof lizard?" When the first stegosaurus remains were identified in 1877, it was mistakenly believed that its plates laid flat on its back, overlapping like roof shingles. The hypothesis proved false...but the name stuck!
Did you know that "stegosaurus" means "roof lizard?" When the first stegosaurus remains were identified in 1877, it was mistakenly believed that its plates laid flat on its back, overlapping like roof shingles. The hypothesis proved false...but the name stuck!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 👽
Zutton - the Star Wars cantina patron also known as Snaggletooth - is a "Snivvian," an alien species native to Cadomai Prime. Snivvians live much of their lives avoiding Cadomai's harsh winters in underground caverns, and can communicate by snorting through their nostrils.
Zutton - the Star Wars cantina patron also known as Snaggletooth - is a "Snivvian," an alien species native to Cadomai Prime. Snivvians live much of their lives avoiding Cadomai's harsh winters in underground caverns, and can communicate by snorting through their nostrils.
October 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 👽
Zutton - the Star Wars cantina patron also known as Snaggletooth - is a "Snivvian," an alien species native to Cadomai Prime. Snivvians live much of their lives avoiding Cadomai's harsh winters in underground caverns, and can communicate by snorting through their nostrils.
Zutton - the Star Wars cantina patron also known as Snaggletooth - is a "Snivvian," an alien species native to Cadomai Prime. Snivvians live much of their lives avoiding Cadomai's harsh winters in underground caverns, and can communicate by snorting through their nostrils.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍪
The largest gingerbread house in the world was created in November of 2013 in Bryan, Texas. Over 18 meters (60 ft) long, 12 meters (42 ft) wide and 6 meters (20 ft) tall, it was effectively a real house - albeit without any witches or cunning children.
The largest gingerbread house in the world was created in November of 2013 in Bryan, Texas. Over 18 meters (60 ft) long, 12 meters (42 ft) wide and 6 meters (20 ft) tall, it was effectively a real house - albeit without any witches or cunning children.
October 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍪
The largest gingerbread house in the world was created in November of 2013 in Bryan, Texas. Over 18 meters (60 ft) long, 12 meters (42 ft) wide and 6 meters (20 ft) tall, it was effectively a real house - albeit without any witches or cunning children.
The largest gingerbread house in the world was created in November of 2013 in Bryan, Texas. Over 18 meters (60 ft) long, 12 meters (42 ft) wide and 6 meters (20 ft) tall, it was effectively a real house - albeit without any witches or cunning children.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
The album art of Rush's final studio album, Clockwork Angels, depicts an esoteric clock that reads "9:12." This is a reference to both the birthday of Neil Peart (who was born on September 12th, 1952) and to Rush's album 2112 (as 9:12 in military time is "21:12").
The album art of Rush's final studio album, Clockwork Angels, depicts an esoteric clock that reads "9:12." This is a reference to both the birthday of Neil Peart (who was born on September 12th, 1952) and to Rush's album 2112 (as 9:12 in military time is "21:12").
September 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
The album art of Rush's final studio album, Clockwork Angels, depicts an esoteric clock that reads "9:12." This is a reference to both the birthday of Neil Peart (who was born on September 12th, 1952) and to Rush's album 2112 (as 9:12 in military time is "21:12").
The album art of Rush's final studio album, Clockwork Angels, depicts an esoteric clock that reads "9:12." This is a reference to both the birthday of Neil Peart (who was born on September 12th, 1952) and to Rush's album 2112 (as 9:12 in military time is "21:12").
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
In 1999, Iron Maiden and Synthetic Dimensions released "Ed Hunter," a greatest hits compilation/first-person shooter in which Eddie (Iron Maiden's ghoulish mascot) blasts his way through levels inspired by the band's past album covers:
In 1999, Iron Maiden and Synthetic Dimensions released "Ed Hunter," a greatest hits compilation/first-person shooter in which Eddie (Iron Maiden's ghoulish mascot) blasts his way through levels inspired by the band's past album covers:
September 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
In 1999, Iron Maiden and Synthetic Dimensions released "Ed Hunter," a greatest hits compilation/first-person shooter in which Eddie (Iron Maiden's ghoulish mascot) blasts his way through levels inspired by the band's past album covers:
In 1999, Iron Maiden and Synthetic Dimensions released "Ed Hunter," a greatest hits compilation/first-person shooter in which Eddie (Iron Maiden's ghoulish mascot) blasts his way through levels inspired by the band's past album covers:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
H.R. Giger produced covers for some 20-odd records over the course of his life, starting in 1969 with the album Walpurgis from Swiss psychedelic rock group The Shivers; some of his most famous works include the covers for Debbie Harry's KooKoo and Danzig's How the Gods Kill:
H.R. Giger produced covers for some 20-odd records over the course of his life, starting in 1969 with the album Walpurgis from Swiss psychedelic rock group The Shivers; some of his most famous works include the covers for Debbie Harry's KooKoo and Danzig's How the Gods Kill:
September 21, 2025 at 8:06 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
H.R. Giger produced covers for some 20-odd records over the course of his life, starting in 1969 with the album Walpurgis from Swiss psychedelic rock group The Shivers; some of his most famous works include the covers for Debbie Harry's KooKoo and Danzig's How the Gods Kill:
H.R. Giger produced covers for some 20-odd records over the course of his life, starting in 1969 with the album Walpurgis from Swiss psychedelic rock group The Shivers; some of his most famous works include the covers for Debbie Harry's KooKoo and Danzig's How the Gods Kill:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
The original album cover for Prodigy's The Fat of the Land was going to be a doner kebab - imprinted with the album's title - before it was changed at the last minute to the crabby fellow pictured on the right:
The original album cover for Prodigy's The Fat of the Land was going to be a doner kebab - imprinted with the album's title - before it was changed at the last minute to the crabby fellow pictured on the right:
September 20, 2025 at 9:59 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💿
The original album cover for Prodigy's The Fat of the Land was going to be a doner kebab - imprinted with the album's title - before it was changed at the last minute to the crabby fellow pictured on the right:
The original album cover for Prodigy's The Fat of the Land was going to be a doner kebab - imprinted with the album's title - before it was changed at the last minute to the crabby fellow pictured on the right:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
In some parts of Asia the George Foreman Grill is co-promoted by Jackie Chan, with the famed actor having appeared in both commercials and the grill’s packaging since the mid-2000s.
In some parts of Asia the George Foreman Grill is co-promoted by Jackie Chan, with the famed actor having appeared in both commercials and the grill’s packaging since the mid-2000s.
September 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
In some parts of Asia the George Foreman Grill is co-promoted by Jackie Chan, with the famed actor having appeared in both commercials and the grill’s packaging since the mid-2000s.
In some parts of Asia the George Foreman Grill is co-promoted by Jackie Chan, with the famed actor having appeared in both commercials and the grill’s packaging since the mid-2000s.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
Shish kebabs - possibly the most fun-to-pronounce thing that you can grill - originated in Turkey; its name comes from the Turkish words "şiş," which means "skewer" or "sword," and "kebap," which means "roast meat."
Shish kebabs - possibly the most fun-to-pronounce thing that you can grill - originated in Turkey; its name comes from the Turkish words "şiş," which means "skewer" or "sword," and "kebap," which means "roast meat."
September 16, 2025 at 7:22 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
Shish kebabs - possibly the most fun-to-pronounce thing that you can grill - originated in Turkey; its name comes from the Turkish words "şiş," which means "skewer" or "sword," and "kebap," which means "roast meat."
Shish kebabs - possibly the most fun-to-pronounce thing that you can grill - originated in Turkey; its name comes from the Turkish words "şiş," which means "skewer" or "sword," and "kebap," which means "roast meat."
Even if you've (somehow) never grilled before, you've seen the Maillard reaction in action if you've ever roasted marshallows, baked bread, fried dumplings, and so on. A helpful reaction if there ever was one!
September 15, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Even if you've (somehow) never grilled before, you've seen the Maillard reaction in action if you've ever roasted marshallows, baked bread, fried dumplings, and so on. A helpful reaction if there ever was one!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
What is it that gives grilled meats their distinctive appearance and flavor? You can thank the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars that occurs at 155 Celsius (310 Fahrenheit) that makes them deliciously savory and browned.
What is it that gives grilled meats their distinctive appearance and flavor? You can thank the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars that occurs at 155 Celsius (310 Fahrenheit) that makes them deliciously savory and browned.
September 15, 2025 at 8:51 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
What is it that gives grilled meats their distinctive appearance and flavor? You can thank the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars that occurs at 155 Celsius (310 Fahrenheit) that makes them deliciously savory and browned.
What is it that gives grilled meats their distinctive appearance and flavor? You can thank the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars that occurs at 155 Celsius (310 Fahrenheit) that makes them deliciously savory and browned.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
In November of 2023, the city Ishigaki, Japan set the world record for the most people grilling/barbecuing simultaneously, with 2200 residents spending the day grilling up Ishigaki beef skewers (Ishigaki beef being the signature meat of said city).
In November of 2023, the city Ishigaki, Japan set the world record for the most people grilling/barbecuing simultaneously, with 2200 residents spending the day grilling up Ishigaki beef skewers (Ishigaki beef being the signature meat of said city).
September 13, 2025 at 7:24 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍖
In November of 2023, the city Ishigaki, Japan set the world record for the most people grilling/barbecuing simultaneously, with 2200 residents spending the day grilling up Ishigaki beef skewers (Ishigaki beef being the signature meat of said city).
In November of 2023, the city Ishigaki, Japan set the world record for the most people grilling/barbecuing simultaneously, with 2200 residents spending the day grilling up Ishigaki beef skewers (Ishigaki beef being the signature meat of said city).
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📺
In one of his earliest TV appearances, Bryan Cranston starred in a commercial for the Atari 2600 game MegaForce - a Defender-esque action game based on the 1982 movie of the same name.
In one of his earliest TV appearances, Bryan Cranston starred in a commercial for the Atari 2600 game MegaForce - a Defender-esque action game based on the 1982 movie of the same name.
September 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📺
In one of his earliest TV appearances, Bryan Cranston starred in a commercial for the Atari 2600 game MegaForce - a Defender-esque action game based on the 1982 movie of the same name.
In one of his earliest TV appearances, Bryan Cranston starred in a commercial for the Atari 2600 game MegaForce - a Defender-esque action game based on the 1982 movie of the same name.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📺
The Buzz Lightyear commercial that plays on Sid’s TV in the original Toy Story was voiced by Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller). According to Penn, he was instructed while recording his lines to "scream like someone in your family is dying and you have to save them.”
The Buzz Lightyear commercial that plays on Sid’s TV in the original Toy Story was voiced by Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller). According to Penn, he was instructed while recording his lines to "scream like someone in your family is dying and you have to save them.”
September 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📺
The Buzz Lightyear commercial that plays on Sid’s TV in the original Toy Story was voiced by Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller). According to Penn, he was instructed while recording his lines to "scream like someone in your family is dying and you have to save them.”
The Buzz Lightyear commercial that plays on Sid’s TV in the original Toy Story was voiced by Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller). According to Penn, he was instructed while recording his lines to "scream like someone in your family is dying and you have to save them.”