The Election of 1876

The Election of 1876

Transcript If you think the current American political climate is contentious, then you need to take a step back and take a close look at American history.  The most controversial, divisive, and probably corrupt election in US history was the election of 1876. It’s an event that has been largely forgotten by most Americans today.  …

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The SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 Blackbird

Translate The Lockheed SR-71, nicknamed the Blackbird, holds the record for the fastest airplane ever. A record which it set in 1976 and has held for 44 years. It also set a record for the highest altitude ever recorded for a sustained flight.  Even though the plane hasn’t flown in over 20 years, it is …

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When the CIA Kidnapped a Soviet Lunar Probe

When the CIA Kidnapped a Soviet Lunar Probe

Transcript In the late 50s and early 60s, the US space program wasn’t doing great. The Soviets had beaten the US to almost every major first in space, and American rockets kept blowing up on the launchpad.  According to declassified CIA documents, one night the American’s did their best to get back, even if it …

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The War of Jenkin’s Ear

The War of Jenkins' Ear

Transcript Throughout history, there have been many causes for wars. Surprise attacks, broken marriages, unpaid debts, and even, of course, good old greed.  However, an 18th-century war between Great Britain and Spain had perhaps the oddest genesis of all: a severed ear.  Learn more about the War of Jenkin’s Ear on this episode of Everything …

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A History of Presidential Inaugurations

A History of Presidential Inaugurations

Transcript Every four years on January 20th, the United States holds a ceremony for the inauguration of the President of the United States. There are traditions for the inauguration, some of which have been passed down since the very first. Why do we use January 20th as the date, and how did many of these …

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Point Nemo and Other Poles of Inaccessibility

Point Nemo and Other Poles of Inaccessibility

Transcript Have you wanted to get away from it all? I mean really, really, really, REALLY get away from it all? Then I have got the place for you. Point Nemo.  Point Nemo is literally the most remote place on planet Earth.  Learn more about Point Nemo and other poles of inaccessibility on this episode …

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The Lykov Family

The Lykov Family

Transcript In 1978, a Soviet helicopter pilot flying over the forests of Siberia made an incredible discovery. Not far from the border of Mongolia, up the side of a mountain, he saw a clearing and signs of human habitation.  The location was far removed from any other humans. In fact, it was almost 250 kilometers …

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The British Pound(s)

The British Pound(s)

Transcript If you visit a different country you might need to get some of the local currency. You might get Ringgit in Malaysia, Pesos in Mexico, Kip in Laos, or Tala in Samoa.  However, there is one country where you have to be careful what currency you get because there are different notes produced in …

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Giving the Finger to the Denisovans

Giving the Finger to the Denisovans

Podcast Transcript In 2008, researchers searching for fossils in the Denisova cave in Siberia came across something interesting. It appeared to be the bone from an ancient hominid species. Subsequent DNA analysis on this bone has revolutionized everything we know about the origin of humanity. Had this bone been discovered a few decades beforehand, we …

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