Why people never smiled in old photos
Adults CultureEarly portraits looked pretty grim. A lot of old photos from the 19th and early 20th century are fraught with doom and gloom-and on the occasion the literal dead face. That led to the popular belief that people just did not smile in old photographs. The common explanation is due to the limited technology at the time to capture a smile. Exposure times were long and the thinking was it's easier to hold a serious expression over a long period. Another theory included early photography being heavily influenced by painting (which meant no smiling).
Why We Only Learn When We Repeat
Adults CultureOur education system is based on the idea that we can learn things once, and that they'll then stay in our minds throughout our lives. That's far too optimistic. Our brains are like sieves. If anything is going to remain in them, we need regular reminders of what really matters. Fascinatingly, religions always understood that.
Bug Chef | David George Gordon // 60 Second Docs
Adults CultureThe Bug Chef, aka David George Gordon, released an insect-based cookbook in 1998 and has been cooking with bugs ever since, a traveling chef sauteing scorpions for cheering crowds. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, two billion people are already eating bugs; Gordon's just bringing gourmets up to speed. As our population grows another billion in the next 40 years, Gordon warns that humans will have to find alternate protein sources to spare the environment -- and he thinks bugs are just the superfood we need.
How the bendy straw was invented | Moments of Vision 12 - Jessica Oreck
Adults CultureToday, 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.
Binging with Babish: Twin Peaks Pancakes & Coffee (feat. Cocktail Chemistry)
Adults CultureLooking at his work, it would appear as though David Lynch loves a few themes: surrealism. Dream sequences. Machinery. And apparently, coffee. Learn how to make the fluffiest of pancakes and the coffeeist of coffees with the help of Nick Fisher from Cocktail Chemistry as we welcome back Twin Peaks this weekend.
How tap dancing was made in America
Adults CultureTap 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
Adults CultureTea 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
Adults CultureWhat 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.
Gaming Through New Eyes - Award Winning Short Documentary
Adults CultureThis is a short documentary about Toby Ott, a man who was born with Bilateral Anopthalmia, or in other words, without eyes. This didn't stop him from discovering the medium of video games, and his childhood interest grew into a lifelong passion. This is a whole new perspective on video games, from the imagination of someone who has never known what it is to have sight.
Flying Above The Clouds In A Hot Air Balloon
Adults CultureThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. For 9 days, it brings together pilots and guests from all over the world to witness a one of a kind experience. Seeker takes you to the festival to witness this beautiful event, and to envision what it's like to ride above New Mexico in a Hot Air Balloon.