For over 150,000 years, our ancient cousins, the Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis), thrived throughout Europe until, in the blink of an eye (geologically speaking), they disappeared off the face of the Earth. Several theories have been proposed to explain their extinction, although a consensus is growing that the primary factor was competition with us (Homo sapiens). Despite their annihilation, however, their […]
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Today in History: August 12, 1938 On August 12, 1938, Adolph Hitler introduced the Mother’s Cross as an incentive for German women to produce as many children for the Third Reich as possible. The date was chosen to honor his mother Klara every year on her birthday. A gold medal was presented to mothers with seven children, a silver to […]
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Becky R. asks: Why do they use 21 guns in the 21 gun salute? The 21-gun salute that we know today has its roots in the ancient tradition of warriors demonstrating their peaceful intentions by resting the point of their weapons on the ground. The notion of making a soldier’s weapons useless to show that he came in peace continued […]
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In this episode of the podcast, you’re going to learn how a chance doodle ultimately resulted in a billion dollar franchise. [TRANSCRIPT] Don’t miss future episodes of this podcast, subscribe here: iTunes | RSS/XML You can also find more episodes by going here: Daily Knowledge Podcast
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Today in History: August 11, 1492 Rodrigo Borgia was elected to (or bought) the papacy on August 11, 1492 and became Pope Alexander VI. He was arguably the most controversial pope in the history of the Catholic Church, and certainly one of the most fascinating figures of his time. Though the Borgias are strongly associated with Italy, the family originated […]
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This is a weekly wrap of our Daily Knowledge Newsletter. You can get that newsletter for free here. Why the French-Founded Notre Dame School’s Athletic Teams are the “Fighting Irish” When the green and blue uniformed athletes of the University of Notre Dame run on to the field or court, their fans are rooting for the “Fighting Irish.” Represented by […]
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In this episode, you’re going to learn about a remarkable, yet little known, book titled Gadsby, and just what makes this book so incredibly unique. [TRANSCRIPT] Don’t miss future episodes of this podcast, subscribe here: iTunes | RSS/XML You can also find more episodes by going here: Daily Knowledge Podcast
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Tabitha Babbitt was a quiet weaver living in a Shaker community in Massachusetts. The community thrived on the forestry industry, and she would observe men hard at work sawing logs. In 1810, she thought up an easier way of cutting wood that wouldn’t expend quite so much energy. The men were using a pit saw. It had two handles which […]
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For years conventional medicine has told us that high cholesterol levels contribute to heart disease, and as a result, doctors have instructed patients to keep cholesterol levels low – at nearly any cost. Recent scholarship, however, has demonstrated that this all-or-nothing approach to cholesterol and heart disease is short-sighted, and could result in some unintended adverse consequences. Facts Cholesterol (in […]
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This Day In History: August 8, 1775 “They are remarkably stout and hardy men; many of them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks, or rifle-shirts, and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim; striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance. At a review, a company of […]
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In this episode, you’re going to learn about the extreme controversy currently surrounding whether those with high blood pressure should be concerned at all about their salt intake. You’re also going to learn the results of a 2011 Cochrane Review that perhaps should begin to put the issue to bed, but for some reason most health organizations making recommendations on […]
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During the early years of the Victorian era, an imposing figure dressed in black terrorized the English countryside almost unchallenged. According to eyewitness accounts, this specter had bulging, red eyes, pointy ears and razor-sharp metal claws. He would materialize to attack unsuspecting victims, and when townsfolk gave chase, easily outmaneuvered them by effortlessly jumping over high fences and hedgerows to […]
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Pirates murdered, pillaged, raped, stole, and generally made the lives of others who stood in their way terrible. But despite these facts, books and, more recently, Hollywood have glamorized the “swashbuckler on the high seas.” In the process, a lot of fiction has been attached to the pirate mythos. For example, the rumor that pirates commonly made people walk the plank […]
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This Day In History: August 7, 1782 The Purple Heart was created by George Washington to honor merit, especially in the case of enlisted solders, as the Continental Congress rejected his request to grant commissions and promotions in ranks based on merit. Yet Washington firmly believed meritorious action should be acknowledged, and on August 7, 1782, he issued an order […]
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In this episode, you’re going to learn the fascinating story about a breakout modern artist… who ultimately turned out to be a chimpanzee. [TRANSCRIPT] Don’t miss future episodes of this podcast, subscribe here: iTunes | RSS/XML You can also find more episodes by going here: Daily Knowledge Podcast
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Guy C. asks: I live in America and was just wondering how far below and above my land do I own? On paper, the concept of land ownership sounds very simple- you pay money and in return you’re given unfettered access to a predetermined amount of land. But how much of that land do you actually own? Do you own […]
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This Day In History: August 6, 1890 “I would rather see ten hangings than one such execution as this. In fact I never care to witness such a scene again. It was fearful. No humane man could witness it without the keenest agony.” – Deputy Coroner Jenkins of New York On August 6, 1890, murderer William Kemmler became the first […]
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In this episode, you’re going to learn about the inspiration for the Graham cracker and just what the inventor was trying to rid the world of when he made it. [TRANSCRIPT] Don’t miss future episodes of this podcast, subscribe here: iTunes | RSS/XML You can also find more episodes by going here: Daily Knowledge Podcast
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