Podcast Transcript If you are listening to my words right now, then you are obviously an internet user. The internet has arguably been the most transformative technology of the last fifty years. But it wasn’t developed overnight or all at once. It was a gradual process to solve specific problems, and no one knew at …
Podcast Transcript The best-known battles of the American Civil War, such as Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, and Bull Run, all occurred in the eastern theater. However, one of the most important battles, from both a strategic and tactical standpoint, took place in the west. It was one of the most brilliantly led battles of the entire …
Podcast Transcript One of the biggest and most important industries in the world is banking. Banks control an enormous amount of money and are often the most influential economic institutions in most countries. Yet, banks are not a modern invention. Banks, in one form or another, have been around for thousands of years and have …
Podcast Transcript Our calendar and system of keeping time are rather unique. It isn’t nice and tidy like the metric system. It is a collection of odd time units, leap years, and rotating calendars. As such, many people throughout history have thought that they could do better. So they have made proposals for changing our …
Podcast Transcript After the death or resignation of a pope, but before the election of a new pope, there is a period of time at the Vatican known as Sede Vacante. The Sede Vacante doesn’t last very long, and it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does occur, it is a very busy time. …
Podcast Transcript One of the greatest periods of social and technological change in world history was the Renaissance. At the heart of the Renaissance was the city-state of Florence. It was the home to some of the world’s greatest artists and thinkers. At the heart of Florence was a family that ran the city for …
Podcast Transcript Today, approximately 160 currencies are used worldwide. Some countries share the same currency, while others use the currency of another country. However, not all currencies are equal. One currency always tends to become the dominant currency in international affairs, known as the global reserve currency. There are benefits for the country that issues …
Podcast Transcript All living things on the planet Earth, from microbes to whales, can be categorized into a single hierarchical system. This system has been developed over the last 300 years. Layers have been added, and there have been debates as to what creatures should go where. However, it has proved an incredibly useful way …
Podcast Transcript In 1995, the first planet outside our solar system was discovered. Since then, with improved techniques and tools, over 5,000 exoplanets have been confirmed, and another 10,000 candidates are awaiting confirmation. With some of these exoplanets, astronomers can actually study their atmospheres and search for signs of life. Learn more about the search …