About This Show
James May's Things You Need to Know is a news/current affairs series airing on UK television.
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James May's Things You Need to KnowThe show is an engineering‑focused episode presented by the familiar face from Top Gear. It’s part of a programme that aims to present factual material about how things work, rather than offering entertainment or opinion. The presenter takes the viewer through a series of technical subjects, keeping the tone informative and straightforward. In this particular instalment the presenter zeroes in on two landmark achievements in engineering history. First, he breaks down the inner mechanics of the Saturn V space rocket, explaining how its components fit together and what makes it capable of propelling humans beyond Earth’s atmosphere. He then shifts to the age of steam, outlining the pivotal role steam power played in reshaping industry and society. Throughout the episode the presenter sticks to clear, fact‑based explanations, guiding the audience through the complexities of each subject without digressing into speculation. By juxtaposing the high‑tech world of rocketry with the more historic era of steam, the episode highlights how different engineering breakthroughs have each left a lasting imprint on the modern world. The overall effect is a concise, fact‑rich look at engineering milestones, presented in a conversational style that makes the material accessible while still respecting the technical depth of the topics.
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Tomorrow
The episode sets out to untangle chemistry’s puzzling questions, turning a spotlight on the curious suggestion that a common brew could actually drive a jet engine. It probes whether the alcohol‑laden liquid might serve as a fuel source, weighing the concept against what we’ve learned about energy and propulsion without venturing beyond the basic premise. It also revisits the age‑old alchemical ambition of converting lead into gold, asking if modern chemistry can fulfil that legendary transmutation. The segment examines the possibility, contrasting the historic dream with today’s scientific understanding, and asks whether the transformation of a base metal into a precious one couldn’t ever be more than a myth.
In this engineering programme, the Top Gear presenter concentrates on factual details, guiding viewers through the inner workings of the Saturn V space rocket. He breaks down the vehicle’s complex systems, describing how its stages, engines and guidance components interlock to achieve the power needed for a lunar mission. The episode also turns to steam power, outlining the technology’s transformative impact on society. By tracing how steam engines altered production methods and transportation, the presenter shows the significant part this energy source played in reshaping the modern world. Throughout, the focus clearly remains firmly on engineering facts rather than speculation today.
The episode sets out to untangle chemistry’s puzzling questions, turning a spotlight on the curious suggestion that a common brew could actually drive a jet engine. It probes whether the alcohol‑laden liquid might serve as a fuel source, weighing the concept against what we’ve learned about energy and propulsion without venturing beyond the basic premise. It also revisits the age‑old alchemical ambition of converting lead into gold, asking if modern chemistry can fulfil that legendary transmutation. The segment examines the possibility, contrasting the historic dream with today’s scientific understanding, and asks whether the transformation of a base metal into a precious one couldn’t ever be more than a myth.
Tuesday 10 February
In this Speed episode, the Top Gear presenter takes a look at the science behind velocity, breaking down what makes something move quickly and how that knowledge can be applied in everyday life. He uncovers the most rapid method of circumnavigating the globe, outlines practical steps for evading a hurricane’s destructive force, and explains why the moon stays suspended in the sky rather than crashing down to Earth. By combining clear examples with simple physics, the programme offers viewers a concise guide to understanding speed’s role in travel, weather avoidance and celestial mechanics. The segment keeps the tone light while still delivering solid scientific insight.
In this engineering programme, the Top Gear presenter concentrates on factual details, guiding viewers through the inner workings of the Saturn V space rocket. He breaks down the vehicle’s complex systems, describing how its stages, engines and guidance components interlock to achieve the power needed for a lunar mission. The episode also turns to steam power, outlining the technology’s transformative impact on society. By tracing how steam engines altered production methods and transportation, the presenter shows the significant part this energy source played in reshaping the modern world. Throughout, the focus clearly remains firmly on engineering facts rather than speculation today.
In this Speed episode, the Top Gear presenter takes a look at the science behind velocity, breaking down what makes something move quickly and how that knowledge can be applied in everyday life. He uncovers the most rapid method of circumnavigating the globe, outlines practical steps for evading a hurricane’s destructive force, and explains why the moon stays suspended in the sky rather than crashing down to Earth. By combining clear examples with simple physics, the programme offers viewers a concise guide to understanding speed’s role in travel, weather avoidance and celestial mechanics. The segment keeps the tone light while still delivering solid scientific insight.
In this engineering programme, the Top Gear presenter concentrates on factual details, guiding viewers through the inner workings of the Saturn V space rocket. He breaks down the vehicle’s complex systems, describing how its stages, engines and guidance components interlock to achieve the power needed for a lunar mission. The episode also turns to steam power, outlining the technology’s transformative impact on society. By tracing how steam engines altered production methods and transportation, the presenter shows the significant part this energy source played in reshaping the modern world. Throughout, the focus clearly remains firmly on engineering facts rather than speculation today.