Things We Don’t Say

Studio 360 | Jun 4, 2014

The members of They Might Be Giants have started keeping a list of meaningless phrases that prevent real communication. "It is what it is" — what does that mean, anyway?

And the band revisits their classic explainer song, “Why Does the Sun Shine?” The original lyrics came from the encyclopedia, but facts change. In the new answer song, “Why Does the Sun Really Shine?,” they bring their astrophysics up to date.

(Originally aired: July 17, 2009)

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy Running for Congress in New York. Plus, the Astronaut Reid Wiseman

The candidate on the role of social media in politics, and speaking out against his cousin R.F.K., Jr. Plus, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the dark side of the moon.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

NJ Gov. Sherrill: If state police were too aggressive at Delaney Hall, we'll look into it

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill took call after call Wednesday night from people who told her state police had been overly aggressive in violent clashes with protesters outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center this weekend.
Ask Governor Sherrill |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.
On the Media |

Ask the Mayor Recap and More News From City Hall

Elizabeth Kim discusses the issues Mayor Mamdani talked about in his first "ask the mayor" segment.
The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE