Banned Techniques That Would Smash World Records in Track and Field

Banned Techniques That Would Smash World Records in Track and Field

Podcast Transcript In 1968, American high jumper Dick Fosbury introduced a new way to compete in the high jump. His new technique worked so well that he won an Olympic gold medal, and within a few years, everyone used his method of high jumping. Fosbury’s innovation wasn’t the only one in the track and field …

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Philip II of Spain

Philip II of Spain

Podcast Transcript Philip II of Spain was one of European history’s most important yet underrated monarchs.  He had more titles and kingships than almost anyone and was behind some of the biggest events in the history of several European countries.  On top of all of that, he also reigned over one of the largest empires …

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The Presidential Line of Succession

The Presidential Line of Succession

Podcast Transcript Many movies and television shows have as their plot some disaster that eliminates the United States government.  As a result, some low-level cabinet official becomes president, who then has to solve the crisis. How accurate is such a scenario? What really would happen if multiple members of the executive branch were incapacitated?  Learn …

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The Panic of 1893

The Panic of 1893

Podcast Transcript It was the worst economic depression that the United States had ever seen.  The stock market crashed. Thousands of businesses went bankrupt. The unemployment rate hit 20% There were soup lines and an army of homeless scattered throughout the country.  It was not the Great Depression. Learn more about the Panic of 1893, …

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All About the Maldives

All About the Maldives

Podcast Transcript Located just southwest of the southern tip of India lies one of the only countries in the world consisting solely of coral atolls.  Unlike similar countries, which are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this country has a location and proximity which has given it a unique history. It also faces a …

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Operation Felix: The Planned German Invasion of Gibraltar

Operation Felix: The Planned German Invasion of Gibraltar

Podcast Transcript Early in the second world war, the Germans found themselves with a metaphorical pebble in their shoe. The pebble was actually a rather large rock that happened to guard the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.  Unfortunately for them, it happened to be controlled by the British. If they could remove the British, they …

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The History of Recorded Sound

The History of Recorded Sound

Podcast Transcript One of the landmark inventions in human history was the ability to record sound.  This technology allowed music to go from something only appreciated by a small number of people to something which could be enjoyed by millions.  It also allowed people to speak to others across vast distances and eventually led to …

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There Once Was A Man From Phuket

Well, the airport protest only lasted a day so I was able to get the next flight on Monday. It is amazing what a difference a border can make. Phuket is only about 200 miles from Penang, and that 200 miles is a thin isthmus, but it is a totally different world. Thailand uses a …

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The Seven Wonders of Australia

A natural wonder at Australia's Kakadu National Park

Australia is among the wealthiest countries in the world, and it’s the sixth-largest country by land size. Don’t be fooled by the size, though, as the interior is sparsely populated, and most of the life is lived along the eastern and southern rim of the continent. That means when you’re planning a trip to Australia, …

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