The History of Credit Cards (How Clay Tablets Became Credit Cards)
When you go to the checkout line at a grocery store or when it is time to pay the bill after eating dinner at a restaurant, payment is as simple as handing over your credit card to the cashier or waitress, and with a quick swipe or scan, your debt is paid, and you are on your way. You don't even need to carry physical paper money as that tiny plastic card is connected to your bank account where you can see your total amount as well as all your transactions at your fingertips on your smartphone. Credit Cards are extremely common in the United States today, in fact, about 79% of Americans have one. But how did we get here? Where did the idea of a credit card come from and what led to its creation? The history and background behind credit cards is actually a long and interesting history that dates all the way back to the earliest forms of trade in human history and the creation of the concept of credit. It is safe to say that credit cards have come a long way before becoming the convenient daily items that they are today. So if that sounds interesting, let us dive deep into the eventual history of the credit card.
30 Juni 202217min
Why Cement Ships Were A Terrible Idea
Ships have been an integral part of humanity forever. Even very primitive tribes use boats and canoes. There are many kinds of these vessels to imagine wooden, aluminum, and steel. Even concrete ships floated around the world. The wreck of one called the SS Atlantus can be spotted in Cape May, New Jersey. The SS Atlantus is probably the most famous concrete ship. She was built by the Liberty Ship Building Company in Georgia and was the second concrete ship constructed in the World War I Emergency Fleet. SS Atlantus was a 260 feet long cargo ship powered by a steam engine. SS Atlantus could swim at speeds up to 10.5 knots, about 12 mph. The steamer was launched on December 5, 1918.
25 Juni 202214min
What Really Happened at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893?
The world we know it today is overtly connected in almost every facet whether it is through culture, media, technology or art. Throughout the majority of human history, this was not the case, however, and this global interconnection was only made possible through advanced forms of travel and communication. One cultural marker that points to the transition from global isolation to inclusion is the World Fairs which are also called World Expositions where people from all around the world come and both present and admire scientific, cultural or artistic creations from their peers. There have been several impactful iterations of the World Fair throughout history, but one edition, in particular, was the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. For both the city of Chicago and the entire world, the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition left a lasting impact in ways both big and small. For a city that was rebuilding itself after a devastating fire, the Exposition proved as a shining example of Chicago's resilience. From the Ferris Wheel to Chicago-style hotdogs, Woodrow Wilson to electricity, this edition of the World Fair often served as a first exposure to things that would become household names for many. Originally held to commemorate the near 400-year anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America, the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago now serves as a marker within American history itself, signaling the height of the Industrial Revolution and more explicitly, a foreshadowing for the passing of the torch from Europe to America in terms of geopolitical and culture power, which was hastily approaching.
23 Juni 202218min
Why Abandoned Battleships haunt Texas
Throughout the majority of its history, Texans often had to fight for their freedom and Texan military culture is deeply embedded in what makes Texas, Texas. The Lone Star has been the site of numerous famous battles but these iconic historical events were not just limited to land though, as Texas also has a long history connected to Naval Warfare. In fact, the history of several discontinued warships still lives on in Texas as there still remain several ships, each with a long story to tell long after their service. This begs the question though, what happened to these abandoned warships that led to them laying dormant in the waters of Texas?
18 Juni 202224min
The Rise and Fall of Bisbee Arizona
Arizona, was a major copper-producing center built on the steep canyon slopes east of the Mule Mountains. Bisbee is 92 miles southeast of Tucson and 11 miles north of the Mexican border and is one of the world's richest mineral sites resulting in what was once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Bisbee's unique history attracts thousands of tourists worldwide every year. It also boasts of having the "Best Climate Year Round" by the locals. It is one of the few cities in Arizona where you can get a taste of all four seasons. The Copper Queen Mine, located in what is now called Old Bisbee, is a popular tourist stop when visiting the historic town.
16 Juni 202219min
Why New York's First River Tunnel is Falling Apart (The Story of The Hudson Tunnel)
The Hudson Tunnel is absolutely massive and was the first large-scale tunneling project under a prominent American river. Originally intended to be the first trans-river rail link between Jersey City and Manhattan, the tunnel took more than 30 years to complete. The history of the tunnel is a fascinating example of early Gilded Age engineering technology and is considered a notable engineering achievement. Today we will discover the story of the Hudson Tunnel and how it came to be!
11 Juni 202218min
The Rise and Fall of Compton California
Compton is a city in southern California, with a rich history of both tragedy and triumph. Come explore the Compton of the past by reading historical accounts and watching old footage, then compare it to what Compton looks like today. We'll cover everything from gang violence to the history of hip-hop as we explore the rise and fall of this iconic city.
9 Juni 202218min
What's on the rooftops of famous Texan buildings?
The state of Texas is one of the most iconic and influential states in the entirety of the United States and because of that, it is world-renowned for its status. The intricacies of Texan society can be seen across the board in things like cultural mannerisms and attitudes, food, film, music, art, fashion and even political ideologies. But one area where it is very easy to see the mark of Texas is in its architecture. By taking a simple walk through some of the biggest and busiest cities or through a quiet suburb, the manner and style in which these structures are built are enriched in what makes Texas, Texas. The Lone Star State has a vast array of famous buildings to explore from famous historical sites such as the Alamo to the Texas Capitol Building where the state government resides, or even cloud-piercing skyscrapers like JP Morgan Chase Tower or Heritage Plaza, the list goes on. While all these structures are beautiful and emblematic in their own right, one inevitable question arises for us citizens who are often looking up at these tall buildings from the ground. And that question is, what is on the rooftops of Texas's most famous buildings?
4 Juni 202228min
