Podcast Transcript One of the most common types of plants in the world is grass. Grass is almost everywhere. An enormous part of the landmass on Earth is covered with grass. Grass isn’t just stuff in a field that cows eat, although that is part of it. Grasses also include some of the most economically …
Podcast Transcript In 1428, a young girl from the village of Domrémy, France, audaciously set out to meet the heir apparent to the French throne, the Dauphin, and told him what he had to do to defeat the English occupying her country. She claimed that she was told what to do by God. Against all …
Podcast Transcript The 19th century was one of rapid technological advancement. Of all of the innovations to come out of this century, and there were many, perhaps none was more important than that of the telephone. The telephone radically changed communications, allowing personal communications over long distances. Despite what many people are often told, this …
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 …
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 …
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 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 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 After the American War of Independence, Britain recognized the United States, but it didn’t necessarily make them close allies. Each country had its own agenda, and a generation later, they were butting heads again over a host of issues. The result was another war, but unlike the Revolutionary War, everyone claimed victory, and …