Part-Time Genius 9 Facts About Buttons That Aren't Nuclear
Apr 3, 2026
Gabe Luzier, Frequent Nine Things contributor who shares researched trivia and anecdotes. Short, surprising tales include Jimmy Carter’s accidental panic-button bathroom press and colonial lead button molds. They also cover foot‑mounted car dimmer buttons, button hooks for tiny fasteners, why men's and women's buttons differ, and an ultrasonic TV remote origin.
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Carter's Bathroom Panic Button Incident
- President Jimmy Carter accidentally pressed a hidden panic button in a bathroom, prompting Secret Service to burst in with guns drawn.
- Agent Marty Venker recalled Carter was "pretty chilly to him" after being found zipping his pants, highlighting the alarm's real-world consequences.
Foot Operated High Beam Dimmer In Old Cars
- Older cars used a floor-mounted dimmer switch that drivers activated with their left foot to toggle high beams.
- Will Pearson noted this odd placement next to the brake pedal, questioning its ergonomics and design logic.
Staples Sold Many Themed Easy Buttons
- Staples sold novelty Easy Buttons in multiple themed varieties like Easy For Parents and Easy For Kids with pre-recorded, situational messages.
- Mangesh Hatikater described examples: the parents version saying "of course you're right" and the kids version promising "no homework."