The Carrington Event

The Carrington Event

Podcast Transcript On September 1 and 2 of 1859, people all over the world were treated to something quite rare. Auroras were seen in the skies as far south as the Caribbean and as far north as Brisbane, Australia.  However, some astronomers and telegraph operators experienced something different.  If this same event were to happen …

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Everything You Need to Know About the Territories of the United States

Everything You Need to Know About the Territories of the United States

This article focuses on the territories of the United States. It’s part of a three-part series explaining the current day situation of the remnants of the colonial empires of the early 20th century, almost all of which are small islands scattered around the world. Other parts of the territories series examine the status of British …

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Anatomy Of A Road Trip….or, Living Out Of A Car

On September first of 2009 I set out on a 3 month trip of the American and Canadian West. In those three months I put on about 13,000 miles and visited 2 provinces and 25 states. On July 28 of this year, I headed out for a month to visit the Canadian Atlantic Provinces. On …

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Life on Easter Island: The Most Isolated Human Settlement on Earth

Early inhabitants living on Easter Island left behind clues.

A Chilean territory with volcanoes, subtropical vegetation, and a surprising history, Easter Island is a fascinating place to explore. Tourism is the island’s largest source of income, and it largely sustains the livelihoods of those people living on Easter Island permanently—indigenous locals are called Rapa Nui.  Where is Easter Island located?  Latitude: S 27.14295Longitude: W …

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The 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai Eruption

The 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha?apai Eruption

Podcast Transcript On January 15, 2022, one of the biggest geologic events in the last 30 years occurred.  The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano in the nation of Tonga erupted. It wasn’t just a volcanic eruption, however,  It was an event that actually had repercussions all around the world.  Learn more about the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha?apai …

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The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Podcast Transcript In the aftermath of World War II, the newly formed United Nations placed a group of Pacific Islands into a trusteeship that was to be administered by the United States.  After several decades, that trusteeship was dissolved and it resulted in three independent countries, one US territory, and a unique system of international …

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Rare Earth Elements

Rare Earth Elements

Podcast Transcript Modern society is completely dependent on a set of technologies that include computer chips, fiber optic cables, lasers, video screens, electric motors, and batteries.  All of those things are dependent on a small category of chemicals called rare earth elements.  Their importance in technology has made them a focal point of international trade …

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