The Great Molasses Flood

The Great Boston Molasses Flood

Transcript On January 15, 1919, the city of Boston suffered its greatest disaster when a storage tank filled with over 2 million gallons of molasses burst and killed 21 people and injured 150 more.  Researchers have been studying the unique circumstances surrounding this industrial accident ever since. Learn more about the Great Boston Molasses Flood …

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Last Man on the Moon

Last Man on the Moon

Transcript Everyone knows that Neil Armstrong was the first person to step foot on the moon. But who was the last person on the moon?  And why haven’t we ever sent anyone back to the moon?  Learn more about the last person to set foot on the moon and the past, present, and future of …

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Extremely Long Term Debt

Extremely Long Term Debt

Transcript If you have ever taken out a loan, you are probably familiar with the details of taking on debt. You have an amount that is borrowed, an interest rate, and a term over which the debt is paid back. However, sometimes, a term might be extremely long. In a few cases, the debts can …

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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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