History Schmistory: January 27. “Isn’t the world awesome! Let’s start a club!”
Friday, January 27, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
1888: The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C. by a collective of 33 explorers and scientists. Their mission: “To increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting the conservation of the world’s cultural, historical, and natural resources.” Later the group added, “and yellow rectangles!”
History Schmistory: January 26. Did you sea that?
Thursday, January 26, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
1911: Glenn H. Curtiss flies the first successful American seaplane, executing a flawless landing, a feat that remains much more difficult than it looks.
GO THERE! Hope you like stairs!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in Culture, Learn!, Travel, Travel Tips
In central Burma, high atop Mount Popa, nestles the Popa Taungkalat Temple, a shrine to the 37 “Nats”, (spirits of the Burmese Buddhist faith.) It’s a popular place to check out during the full moon of Naylon, (May/June) when the Thingyan Festival is held.
Just be prepared; before ascending all 777 steps to the top, you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes. The Nats aren’t crazy about footwear. Also, don’t wear red. Or black. Or green. And definitely do NOT bring meat, especially pork. You don’t want to get the Nats all up in your face, do ya? Besides, the masses of local monkeys will harass you all the way up the mountain with that bacon in your pocket.
History Schmistory: January 25. She’s Baaaaaack!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!, Travel Tags: nelly bly
1890: Renowned journalist, Nellie Bly completes her round-the-world journey in record time, beating Jules Verne’s prediction from his famous novel Around the World in 80 Days.
Before she set out, her goal was to complete the journey in 75 days. In their brief meeting, Jules Verne himself was quoted as saying “If you do it in 79 days, I shall applaud with both hands. But 75 days -mon Dieu- that would be a miracle.” Try 72, Jules! Phileas Fogg was a pansy! …That’s totally what she said when she got back 
History Schmistory: January 24. The Mac Daddy.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
1984: The Apple Macintosh computer is unleashed into the world, and in less than 30 years, manages to drastically change it. We here at TMP stare at iMacs for hours daily, but tonight, to celebrate, we might just take them out to the Cheesecake Factory or something…
History Schmistory: January 23. Last day in the China shop.
Monday, January 23, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
971: In China, the war elephant corps of Southern Han are thoroughly defeated at Shao by crossbow fire from Song Dynasty troops. The remaining disheartened pachyderms relocate to Middle-earth where they enjoy a more favorable size advantage.
Culture Buzz: “Lotus pray…”
Monday, January 23, 2012 in Culture, Learn!, Travel
To say the lotus flower is an important symbol in India would really be an understatement. The potent and resilient plant, which has no trouble thriving in the muddiest of swamps without breaking a sweat, or even getting dirty, has become the supreme icon of beauty, strength, longevity and fertility in Indian culture. In Hinduism, the lotus is also a symbol of divinity that seems to turn up everywhere, even growing from Vishnu’s belly-button! In fact, they believe the spirit of the Lotus itself exists within every human being. That’s a lot of lotuses… Loti?
Anyhoo, it is only fitting that there is a temple in New Delhi bearing semblance to a giant lotus flower preparing to bloom. Pretty sweet.
Also looks a bit like a citrus juicer.
…
Video Schmistory: January 22.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
What do Darwin, Truman, Brahms, Queen Victoria and giant cheese all have in common? January 22, that’s what!
GO THERE! “Can I get this in large print?”
Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Learn!, Travel
This ain’t no Photoshop! That’s right, the south wall of the Kansas City Public Library displays 22 GIANT mylar book spines up to 25 feet tall. As of yet, none are available for checkout.
History Schmistory: January 21. Off with his head!
Saturday, January 21, 2012 in History, History Schmistory, Learn!
1793: After being found guilty of treason by the French Convention, Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine. A perfect excuse to roll out our Bastille video! Viva la France!
