History – Page 10 – Content Catnip

What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor

So basically, the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in Australia have invented a truckload of good things. Insect repellent was one – out of necessity in Australia no doubt. Polymer banknotes was another, and so was WiFi. But probably their most esoteric and weird invention was a word to describe a smell. Petrichor.Continue reading “What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor”

The World of Tomorrow – Yesterday: The World’s Fair in 1939, New York

Rediscovering the World's Fair in 1939, New York

This bright bold fold-out map from the World’s Fair in 1939 along with postcards, pictures and a documentary speak volumes about a new optimism following the bleakness of the Depression and a blind faith in technology and all of the hopes and possibilities of the future. Click image to see larger detailed version. Watch anContinue reading “The World of Tomorrow – Yesterday: The World’s Fair in 1939, New York”

Tangible Things: How Do Cultures Measure the Past?

Tangible Things is a fascinating MOOC by Harvard University about material culture. Now finished, you can still cruise through the videos. You will be taken on a journey into the living, breathing history of material objects. Sound boring? It’s anything but! It may well change the way that you view mundane things like chairs, rocks andContinue reading “Tangible Things: How Do Cultures Measure the Past?”

The Paris Metro After Dusk

The Paris Metro is a beautiful work of art that has been depicted in many films and photographs over the years. Although many daily commuters would argue that it’s a stinking cesspit instead! It looks a lot more attractive than many other subways across the world and I enjoyed travelling on it when I wasContinue reading “The Paris Metro After Dusk”

Babelicious Fashion Trends From The Summer of ’69

These images remind me of my mother and her wild friends, they wore these bohemian outfits when they were teens. The swinging 60’s looks like such a playful time for fashion. Here are some images of teens doing what they do best – leading fashion trends for all of the oldies to follow. IContinue reading “Babelicious Fashion Trends From The Summer of ’69”

The Falling Cat Phenomenon: How NASA Trained Astronauts For Zero Gravity

Back in the golden era of space exploration – the 1960’s, NASA scientists were concerned with how astronauts would orient their bodies in space. This led to a watershed study at Stanford, featured in the International Journal of Solids and Structures, entitled “A Dynamical Explanation of the Falling Cat Phenomenon.” Partly funded byContinue reading “The Falling Cat Phenomenon: How NASA Trained Astronauts For Zero Gravity”

The Culinary and Poetic Legacy of Robert Burns in Scotland

Robert Burns is a cult figure amongst Scottish people for his celebrated poetry and folk songs from the 18th Century. He used to write in the Scots language and also English with Scots dialect. Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns has travelled far beyond Scotland, to become a universal song for New Year’s Eve. EveryContinue reading “The Culinary and Poetic Legacy of Robert Burns in Scotland”

Ask Us Anything And We Will Answer…Google Before Computers

Remember what it was like when you needed a question answered, and you consulted a book and not Google? Back in the analogue age, we consulted unweildy encyclopaedias which smelt of dusty paper and a pleasant musty ink. Or you could ask the New York Public Library? By writing on a little cue-card, which was researchedContinue reading “Ask Us Anything And We Will Answer…Google Before Computers”

The Secret Back Door to the Entire World

This is just perfect for armchair travelers and people with incurable wanderlust. Take a step through this virtual door and be transported to some of the most curious, random and exotic locations in the world, all courtesy of Google Maps/ Google Earth. What a clever idea by this British door replacement company. Surely the marketingContinue reading “The Secret Back Door to the Entire World”

Scotland’s Momentous Decision on September 18th

In about a week’s time Scotland’s people will be making a momentous decision for the country’s future. The decision to cleave away from their historic neighbours and become an independent country, or to stay and be a part of Britain. There have been fiery debates between Tory minister Alaisdair Darling and First Minister Alex Salmond.Continue reading “Scotland’s Momentous Decision on September 18th”