The Speaker of the House of Representatives
Podcast Transcript The United States Congres is divided into two houses. The larger of the two houses, the House of Representatives, is led by a single representative known as the Speaker of the House. The duties and powers of the Speaker of the House have changed since the office was established in 1789 as they …
The City of Troy and the Trojan War
Podcast Transcript Sometime about 3,200 years ago, one of the most famous wars in ancient history took place. Maybe. It has been the subject of some of the greatest works of western literature, and it has given us some of the most enduring cultural references. It was also the subject of one of the greatest …
The Zone of Death in Yellowstone National Park
Podcast Transcript What if I told you there is a place within the borders of the United States where, theoretically, you could get away with murder scot-free? No matter what you did, a jury of your peer wouldn’t convict you because you could never convene a jury. According to at least one legal scholar, such …
Why Are There No Flying Cars?
When airplanes were developed in the early 20th century, the technology developed rapidly. Within a matter of a couple of decades, aviation had become a norm for transporting people and delivering mail. As flight technology kept improving, people assumed that it would keep improving to the point where everyone would own their own personal airplanes. …
New Year’s Traditions
Podcast Transcript Every year, people around the world ring in the New Year. How they do this, however, can differ radically from place to place. New Year’s traditions tend to be even more varied than Christmas celebrations. As with Christmas, traditions involve drinks, food, and rituals, but usually with a lot more noise and staying …
The Sight and Sound Decadal Film Survey
Podcast Transcript What is the greatest movie ever made? It seems like a highly subjective question that is impossible to answer. However, in 1952 the magazine of the British Film Institute took it upon itself to come up with an answer to the question. They surveyed an international group of film professionals to ask them …
Abram Petrovich Gannibal
Podcast Transcript Abram Petrovich Gannibal was one of the most notable Russians of the 18th century. He was the godson of Peter the Great. He was among the most educated men and best engineers in the Russian Empire. He served as a general to Catherine the Great. ..and one of his great-grandsons was the greatest …
The Little Ice Age
Podcast Transcript Approximately 700 years ago, something happened to the Earth’s climate. The world started to cool down. It wasn’t dramatic enough to cause another ice age and cause ice caps to cover the poles of the Earth, but it did result in significant changes. In fact, many historians think for a period of about …