Wondrium

05/15/2022

American Civil Rights: A 100-Year Journey | Wondrium Perspectives

Most Americans are aware of the important roles that Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., bus boycotts, and school desegregation played in the American civil rights movement. But how many of us are also familiar with the effects of the Constitution’s commerce clause, partisan politics, and even the tragic killing of President John F. Kennedy?

In this episode of Perspectives, we’ll hear from four experts on government, history, and constitutional law as they explain important moments that shaped the civil rights movement in the United States. http://ow.ly/1OUk50J8k2h

Most Americans are aware of the important roles that Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., bus boycotts, and school desegregation played in the American civil ...

05/15/2022

If you're seeing red tonight, you have the Earth's atmosphere to thank! What little light reaches the Moon during tonight's lunar eclipse will be filtered through Earth's atmosphere. This process, similar to what happens each evening when the Sun sets, scatters away the blue and green wavelengths of light and leaves only reds and oranges. http://ow.ly/mcRj50J0BQI

05/14/2022

You've heard about extreme sports—but what about extreme birding? Today is Global Big Day, when birders from around the world come out in record numbers to spot as many birds as they can.

Want to join in on the fun? Watch this quick, free lecture on bird behavior, and you'll have a great head start at telling different species apart! http://ow.ly/vNay50J0vLc

05/13/2022

Québecois Hydroelectricity Dispute Puts Hydropower in Spotlight

The development of a hydroelectric plant involving Canada and the U.S. has met resistance from residents of both countries. What are the pros and cons of hydroelectricity? Get your feet wet with this look at the technology.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/quebecois-hydroelectricity-dispute-puts-hydropower-in-spotlight/

A hydroelectric plant in Québec met controversy in Canada and the United States. How does hydroelectricity stack up?

05/13/2022

"The way you design your house is an expression of who you are." - Jonathan Adler

Make your space truly you with superstar interior designer Jonathan Adler. He’ll share his best tips for every step of the design process, from choosing colors to arranging your furniture for optimal flow. Stream Decorate Like a Designer with Jonathan Adler now on Wondrium. https://www.wondrium.com/decorate-like-a-designer-with-jonathan-adler

05/13/2022

Salmonella in Hydroponic Lettuce Shows Challenges in Food Tech

Hydroponic farming earned its first major investigation when a salmonella outbreak occurred in an indoor greenhouse of lettuce. What is hydroponic farming and how does it work? Dig in to this soil-free food tech right here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/salmonella-in-hydroponic-lettuce-shows-challenges-in-food-tech/

Hydroponic gardening is a substitute for growing plants in soil. A salmonella outbreak shows it's a work in progress, though.

05/12/2022

Jonathan Adler Wants to Teach You How to 'Decorate Like a Designer' (VIDEO)

Jonathan Adler Wants to Teach You How to 'Decorate Like a Designer' (VIDEO)

The interior designer, whom viewers first met on Bravo's late, great 'Top Design' in 2007, is back with a new series.

05/12/2022

Design history is full of opposites: natural forms vs geometric forms, maximalism vs minimalism. But behind the fads and trends, interior design is all about making your home a reflection of who you are. And it’s easier than you think!

Tomorrow, join superstar designer Jonathan Adler for his first-ever how-to series, Decorate Like a Designer. Over twelve episodes, you’ll learn the fundamentals of interior design, plus Adler’s top tips for making your space chic and 100% unique. http://ow.ly/s4kH50J5La3

05/11/2022

Scientists Consider Microorganisms in Mars Rocks Coming to Earth

NASA plans to bring materials from Mars back to Earth—and they're considering what would happen if microorganisms came along for the ride. What would they be made of? Compare carbon-based life to the theory of silicon-based life here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/scientists-consider-microorganisms-in-mars-rocks-coming-to-earth/

NASA's plan to bring Martian rocks to Earth may have some tiny stowaways. Microbes still count as aliens, right?

05/11/2022

Just because something needs to function doesn’t mean it can’t be fun too! Design on any budget with Jonathan Adler’s three f-words: form, function, and fun.

Tune in this Friday to stream his new course, Decorate like a Designer, only on Wondrium.
http://ow.ly/jxaA50J5KMq

05/11/2022

The Middle Ages around the World

Middle Ages study is often restricted to Europe. English, Scottish, Irish, and French history abound, but the rest of the world saw great change as well. A new Wondrium series reveals the world before the Renaissance—all of it. http://ow.ly/7e0O50J3ZpG

05/10/2022

Why the Soviet Union Crumbled | Russia Takes Revenge

In 1985, Mikhael Gorbachev became the eighth leader of the Soviet Union, which had stood since 1922—and dissolved just six years into his tenure.

What happened by 1991 to end the enormous Communist union of republics? Prepare to tear down the wall with this look at the end of the Cold War.
https://youtu.be/ddQ9z_jbrj0

In 1985, Mikhael Gorbachev became the eighth leader of the Soviet Union, which had stood since 1922—and dissolved just six years into his tenure. What happen...

05/10/2022

April showers bring May flowers! What's blooming around you? https://www.wondrium.com/the-botanist-s-eye-identifying-the-plants-around-you

05/09/2022

"The Middle Ages around the World" Reveals Flourishing South America

During the Middle Ages, those who lived in the Andes tamed llamas and alpacas, thrived on potatoes, and found seashells to be more valuable than precious metals. They're just one facet of Wondrium's new series 'Middle Ages around the World' - discover them here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/the-middle-ages-around-the-world-reveals-flourishing-south-america/

Many civilizations thrived during the Middle Ages. This week on Wondrium Shorts, see a flourishing South America.

05/09/2022

Life in a Medieval Palace

Working, eating, and enjoying entertainment in the same room is no COVID invention—it dates back to palace life in the Middle Ages. Kings and other nobles used the great halls of their residences for a wide array of purposes. Better learn to love court jesters, traveler; they didn't have Netflix. https://youtu.be/8QF4acxNjew

Working, eating, and enjoying entertainment in the same room is no COVID invention—it dates back to palace life in the Middle Ages. Kings and other nobles us...

05/08/2022

Understanding Communism: Marx and the Soviet Union | Wondrium Perspectives

Communism is one of the largest and most controversial political ideologies in the modern world. It has been adopted in various forms by Cuba; China; and, of course, the Soviet Union. But who developed the underlying tenets of Communism? Why has this form of government not been adopted more widely by Western nations?

In this episode of Perspectives, five experts use events from the last century to illustrate the ideological development of Communism, as well as its promises and pitfalls. http://ow.ly/jnBq50J2cVw

Communism is one of the largest and most controversial political ideologies in the modern world. It has been adopted in various forms by Cuba, China, and, of...

05/08/2022

Moms can do whatever they set their minds to: installing their son as khan, frightening off an invading horde, or even burning their enemy's city to the ground.

This Mother's Day, learn about history's ruthless moms, and other powerful women, in Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals: 36 Great Women before 1400. http://ow.ly/g5eF50J0v7c

05/06/2022

The Road to Roe v. Wade | Liberty on Trial in America

Roe v. Wade is one of the most explosive and historic Supreme Court cases ever heard, but it certainly wasn't the first regarding procreation. Even in the 20th century, it was preceded by cases involving sterilization and restrictions on contraceptives. Gain some crucial perspective on what led to Roe v. Wade—and the landmark case itself—right here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-efTWV2ikY

Roe v. Wade is one of the most explosive and historic Supreme Court cases ever heard, but it certainly wasn't the first regarding procreation. Even in the 20...

05/06/2022

Tesla coil

We had an illuminating chat in-studio with Laura Bottomley, PhD on the set for her brand-new course, Electrical Engineering for Everyone. Here, she demonstrates how the electromagnetic waves of a Tesla coil can cause gases to light up.

Jump over to wondrium.com to enlighten yourself on electrical engineering and more! http://ow.ly/zBVt50J0tXv

05/05/2022

Insect Photography Exhibit Latest Chapter in Insect Art

A macrophotography exhibit showcasing extinct and at-risk insects opens in June. Insects have featured in artwork for a long time; get the buzz on them here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/insect-photography-exhibit-latest-chapter-in-insect-art/

Levon Biss's insect photography turns bugs into visual art. Insects appear prominently in art, film, and literature.

05/05/2022

Cinco de Mayo

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has largely become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, in general. Its origins, however, are much more specific. The holiday originally celebrated the victory of Mexican forces against the French at the Battle of Puebla. http://ow.ly/eLmG50J0tlS

05/04/2022

Putin Says Russia Has Nuke That Evades Defenses

Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia has nuclear weapons that can evade defenses. His rise to power following Boris Yeltsin changed Russia forever; get the inside story here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/putin-says-russia-has-nuke-that-evades-defenses/

Russia claims to have a nuclear missile that outwits defenses. Putin's 1999 rise to power changed the country.

05/02/2022

"Understanding Russia" Shows Centuries of Global Influence, Imperialism

The media's reference to "new Russian imperialism" is about 500 years late. Just ask Ivan the Terrible. Unfold the five-century history of the major global player that is Russia starting right here.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/understanding-russia-shows-centuries-of-global-influence-imperialism/

Media accounts of Russian imperialism as "new" are a misnomer. Wondrium's "Understanding Russia" sets the record straight.

05/01/2022

The Story of Knights | Wondrium Perspectives

We’ve all heard legends, seen paintings, and watched movies about knights, but just how much has their story been dramatized for the sake of entertainment? What role did knights actually play in history?

In this episode of Perspectives, you’ll hear from several experts who cover knights’ battlefield dominance, their behavior, and several of their orders. Finally, the experts wrap up by exposing the military changes that eventually ended the knights’ reign. It’s not always as glamorous as a Hollywood film.

https://youtu.be/lp57xXMU2iw

We’ve all heard legends, seen paintings, and watched movies about knights, but just how much has their story been dramatized for the sake of entertainment? W...

04/30/2022

Now that April is in the rearview mirror, what do you think—Is it really the cruelest month? http://ow.ly/NG4B50IBtxI

04/29/2022

France Holds Impactful Election between Macron, Le Pen

France has reelected Emmanuel Macron president, which will affect France's presence on the global stage. France once nearly fought a war against the U.S.; travel to the past and get the details here. Bon voyage!

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/france-holds-impactful-election-between-macron-le-pen/

France's presidential election put NATO and Russia in its crosshairs. France once came close to war with the United States.

04/29/2022

How to Dance

Swing into #InternationalDanceDay with the grandfather of all swing dances, the lindy hop. Named for Lindburgh's "hop" across the Atlantic, this energetic dance evolved in Harlem's desegregated Savoy Ballroom before spreading across the country—and the world—thanks to enlisted men during WWII.

Now that you know the story, learn the moves! Get into the swing of things with How to Dance, now streaming on Wondrium. http://ow.ly/e9HR50ILU8I

04/28/2022

Drill Bit Removed from Dental Patient's Lung after Accidental Inhalation

A dental patient inhaled a drill bit during a routine examination and was rushed to the hospital for its removal. How do the digestive and respiratory systems overlap? Open your mouth and say "Ahh" for this look into the epiglottis.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/drill-bit-removed-from-dental-patients-lung-after-accidental-inhalation/

An Illinois man inhaled a drill bit at the dentist's office in March. Our airways are part of the respiratory system.

04/28/2022

"We grew up sitting down or sitting in, and we grew up very fast.” From the modest beginnings as a sharecropper's son to being the first African American lawmaker to lie in state at in the rotunda of the US Capitol, John Lewis’s spirit of social change lives on.

Learn the legacy of John Lewis in our Webby-awarded documentary, “John Lewis: Witness to History" https://www.wondrium.com/john-lewis-witness-to-history

04/28/2022

Schrödinger's famous thought experiment involved a cat, a single atom of a radioactive isotope, and a vial of poison gas, all in a sealed box. Variations on this experiment eventually helped create the semiconductor chip, which is essential for computers to process and display images.

Learn more about this famous cat, and how these theories relate to Einstein's theories, in Einstein's Legacy: Modern Physics All around You, now streaming on Wondrium. http://ow.ly/y7rV50IBtux

04/27/2022

Scientists to Exhume 14th-Century Sarcophagus in Notre Dame Cathedral

Scientists will soon open an ancient sarcophagus recently found in Notre Dame cathedral during repairs. Check out the blueprints for what makes Paris's famous cathedral so historically important today.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/scientists-to-exhume-14th-century-sarcophagus-in-notre-dame-cathedral/

Workers repairing the Notre Dame Cathedral after a 2019 fire found a sarcophagus. Forensics experts will soon exhume it.

04/27/2022

“After the Plague” Finds Roots of Robin Hood Myth

Fear of social unrest swept across Europe after the Black Death. England passed new laws that clamped down on the working class. These conditions helped popularize a new folk legend: Robin Hood.

https://www.wondriumdaily.com/after-the-plague-finds-roots-of-robin-hood-myth/