The ferocious predatory dinosaurs of Cretaceous Sahara - Nizar Ibrahim
AdultsAnimalsHistoryWorld...In Cretaceous times (around 100 million years ago), North Africa was home to a huge river system and a bizarre menagerie of giant prehistoric predators -- including the Spinosaurus, a dinosaur even more fearsome than the Tyrannosaurus rex. Nizar Ibrahim uses paleontological and geological data to reconstruct this "River of Giants" in surprising detail.
Why wildfires are necessary - Jim Schulz
AdultsEcologyNatureEnvironment...Our early ancestors relied on lightning to cause forest fires, from which they could collect coals and burning sticks to help them cook food and clear land. Yet, it wasn't just humans who benefited from these natural phenomena. Even as they destroyed trees, fires also helped the forests themselves. Jim Schulz outlines the benefits of wildfire.
How the bendy straw was invented | Moments of Vision 12 - Jessica Oreck
AdultsCreativityDesignHistory...Today, Americans use an estimated 500 million drinking straws every day. But where did the idea for this beloved utensil come from? In the twelfth installment of our 'Moments of Vision' series, Jessica Oreck shares the origins of the bendy straw.
How tap dancing was made in America
AdultsCultureHistoryMusic...Tap dancing originated in America. It's a mix of several dance styles-Irish jigging, British clogging, and the percussive steps from African dance. Tap dancing can be traced back to Five Points, now known as Chinatown in New York city. Tap dance also has its roots in minstrel shows, where it was viewed as American comedy. In the 70s, tap dancing legends, Jane Goldberg and Brenda Bufalino took tap from the bright show tune lights of Broadway back to a place of self expression.
The history of tea - Shunan Teng
AdultsCultureFoodHistoryTea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water -- and from sugary Turkish Rize tea to salty Tibetan butter tea, there are almost as many ways of preparing the beverage as there are cultures on the globe. Where did this beverage originate, and how did it become so popular? Shunan Teng details tea's long history. Lesson by Shunan Teng, animation by Steff Lee.
A brief history of goths - Dan Adams
AdultsCultureHistoryMusicWhat do fans of atmospheric post-punk music have in common with ancient barbarians? Not much ... so why are both known as "goths"? Is it a weird coincidence - or is there a deeper connection stretching across the centuries? Dan Adams investigates. Lesson by Dan Adams, animation by Globizco.
History's deadliest colors - J. V. Maranto
AdultsHistoryScienceArtWhen radium was first discovered, its luminous green color inspired people to add it into beauty products and jewelry. It wasn't until much later that we realized that radium's harmful effects outweighed its visual benefits. Unfortunately, radium isn't the only pigment that historically seemed harmless or useful but turned out to be deadly. J. V. Maranto details history's deadliest colors. Lesson by J. V. Maranto, animation by Juan M. Urbina.
How the popsicle was invented | Moments of Vision 11 - Jessica Oreck
AdultsFoodHistoryCreativity...Each year, approximately 2 billion popsicles are sold worldwide. But where did the idea for this tasty treat come from? In the eleventh installment of our 'Moments of Vision' series, Jessica Oreck shares the distracted origins of the popsicle.
Why should you read Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? - Brendan Pelsue
AdultsBooksCreativityCulture..."War and Peace." A tome. A slog. The sort of book you shouldn't read in bed because if you fall asleep it could give you a concussion. Right? Only partly. "War and Peace" is a long book, sure, but it's also a thrilling examination of history populated with some of the deepest, most realistic characters you'll find anywhere. Brendan Pelsue shares everything you need to know to read this classic book.
100 Years of Fashion: Heels - Mode.com
AdultsCreativityHistoryFashion...Take a (well-heeled) walk down memory lane and peep at the peep-toes, pumps, platforms, and other shoes that have kept us in step for the past century.
100 Years of Home Innovation ? Mode.com
AdultsGadgetsHistoryTechnologyIncluding toasters, radios, and microwave ovens, there have been a number of life-changing household breakthroughs through the years. Follow along to see the smartest appliances and laborsaving devices that have emerged in the last century.
PHILOSOPHY - Nietzsche
AdultsPhilosophySelfHistoryNietzsche believed that the central task of philosophy was to teach us to 'become who we are'. Find out more by reading our book 'Life Lessons from Nietzsche '
How did Dracula become the world's most famous vampire? - Stanley Stepanic
AdultsBooksCreativityHistory...Over a hundred years after his creator was laid to rest, Dracula lives on as the most famous vampire in history. But this Transylvanian noble - neither the first fictional vampire, nor the most popular of his time - may have remained buried in obscurity if not for a twist of fate. Stanley Stepanic explains how a critical copyright battle catapulted Bram Stoker's character into literary renown.
Dogs and Humans: A 30,000-Year Friendship
AdultsHistoryHumanPets...Of all the species that humans have domesticated, dogs are our oldest animal friends. But how did a group of wolves become the furry pup at the end of the bed? New research is finally unlocking the paw-in-hand evolution of dogs and humans. In this episode we're answering one big question: Did we domesticate dogs, or did dogs domesticate us?
Illuminating the Universe: The History of Light
AdultsHistoryTechnologyScience...Beyond what we can touch, taste, smell, and hear, we experience the universe through light. But how did we come to discover light, and how did we learn light's true nature, as the fastest thing in the universe, an electromagnetic spectrum, a wave and particle capable of the most amazing things? Here is the history of light, according to physics.
The History and Future of Everything -- Time
AdultsHistoryWorldScience...Time makes sense in small pieces. But when you look at huge stretches of time, it's almost impossible to wrap your head around things. So we teamed up with the awesome blog "Wait but Why" and made this video to help you putting things in perspective with some infographics!