WEIRD HISTORY

The History of Violent Attacks on the U.S. Capitol

While the building has seen politically motivated mayhem in the past, never before has a mob of insurrectionists tried to overturn a presidential election. An illustration of the British burning Washington in 1814 (Library of Congress via Wikicommons) – By Nora McGreevy SmithsonianMag.Com …

 

‘Calvin and Hobbes’ said goodbye 25 years ago.

Here’s why Bill Watterson’s masterwork enchants us still. The final “Calvin and Hobbes” strip, by Bill Watterson, published 25 years ago this week — departing in peak form. (Bill Watterson/Andrews McMeel Syndication) – By Michael Cavna 2020 Dec 31 – “A new year…a …

How the Federal Reserve literally makes money

The Fed is ‘making’ a lot of money. Alex Wong/Getty Images – By William J. Luther, Assistant Professor of Economics, Florida Atlantic University 2020 Jun 10 The Federal Reserve has vowed to provide up to US$2.3 trillion in lending to support households, employers, …

How Venetians Invented Health Care 

Venice’s small footprint, dense population, unusual governmental structure, and its devotion to trade was a unique combination that fostered innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.  – By Meredith F. Small 2020 Dec 06 – When Venetians invented quarantine in 1348, the government proclamation was based …

Was Jesus really born in Bethlehem?

Why the Gospels disagree over the circumstances of Christ’s birth. A doll representing the infant Jesus in St. Catherine’s, the Franciscan church in the town of Bethlehem. David Silverman/Getty Images – By Rodolfo Galván Estrada III, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the New Testament, Fuller …