The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Texas Tuxedo

Momspreading • 176 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family History Art Travel
  1. The author reminisces about their family's Texas roots and reflections on visiting old haunts.
  2. The experience of exploring ancestral graves and family history in Texas cemetery.
  3. Reflections on their relationship with a beloved godfather from Texas and the impact on their life.

Political Science

Life in the 21st Century • 176 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Political Science Democracy Science Technology History
  1. Science and politics are intertwined, and there is a need to integrate scientific understanding into political decision-making.
  2. Democracy is about taking action and beginning something new, with every citizen playing a role in decision-making and implementation.
  3. The power to act in modern politics has shifted towards scientists and technologists, highlighting the importance of understanding the influence of science and technology in political systems.

Where the stores are

Tabletops • 176 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology Retail Events Architecture History
  1. A glimpse into the nostalgic past of Apple store openings in malls.
  2. Interesting details about the first Apple store locations and connections to other brands.
  3. Apple's recent event at the Tower Theatre showcased the blend of classical music and technology.
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Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' Should've Ended in Tragedy

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Film Analysis History Entertainment Critique
  1. The extended television revision of Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' is set to premiere as an original series on Hulu.
  2. Luhrmann revisited the film during the COVID lockdown and felt dissatisfied with the theatrical ending, hinting at a potential tragic alternate ending.
  3. The film 'Australia' is a deliberate blend of reality and fantasy, tackling historical themes while also playing with romantic and ironic elements.

A state of flow

Austin Kleon • 1119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media History
  1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known for the concept of 'flow', which describes a state of being fully immersed in an activity. It’s important to recognize moments when we feel completely engaged and focused.
  2. Joy Williams is a talented short story writer whose work can be enjoyed through various podcasts. Listening to authors read their stories can provide a deeper appreciation for their writing.
  3. David Epstein’s book 'Range' discusses the benefits of being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. It’s a good reminder that having a diverse range of skills and interests can be very valuable.

The Genetic History of the British Isles

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution History Research
  1. Exploring genetic history through ancient DNA analysis is a fascinating discipline with different names like paleogenomics and genetic anthropology.
  2. Genetic studies on the British Isles, like the book 'Saxons, Vikings, and Celts,' highlight the complexities of genetic ancestry, including the influence of different ancient populations like the Bell Beaker culture.
  3. Haplogroup analysis, focusing on Y and mtDNA, provides insights into ancestry, although it may have limitations due to genetic drift, selection, and incomplete picture of the genome.

Literary Precocity

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Books History Cultural Studies
  1. Literary precocity refers to young writers who show exceptional talent early in life. Writers like Abraham Cowley became famous for publishing their work at a very young age.
  2. The concept of precocity emerged around the early 1600s, influenced by the rise of print publication. Printing made it easier to track when someone officially became an author.
  3. Before print, it was hard to define when a writer crossed into authorship. With printed books, age and publication date became clear, creating a clear distinction between different types of writers.

Five... of London's Historical Musical Instruments, in Action

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration London Museum History
  1. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performs on historical instruments or faithful replicas, bringing a unique sound experience to their chamber music gigs in London pubs
  2. The Musical Museum in Brentford houses a remarkable 1929 Mighty Wurlitzer Cinema Organ, a rare piece used for silent films and currently looking for crowdfunding to avoid closure
  3. Exploring London's historical musical instruments offers a glimpse into the city's rich musical past and the unique experiences these instruments can provide

Ramadan: A centuries-old American tradition

Pen>Sword • 179 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Islam Diversity Multiculturalism History Racism
  1. The first Muslims to celebrate Ramadan in America were enslaved Africans.
  2. Ramadan has a deep history in the US, going back to the antebellum era with enslaved Muslims fasting against oppressive slave codes.
  3. Today, Ramadan in the US reflects a multicultural tradition, highlighting the diverse Muslim community and the need to acknowledge and integrate the history of enslaved Muslims.

A Bird in the Hand

The Abbey of Misrule • 293 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Faith
  1. A holy well found during a camping trip in Donegal had offerings like statues and a child's shoe.
  2. St. Conall, a local Donegal saint from the sixth century, has intriguing stories, including about repentance.
  3. Early Irish Christianity used handbells rung by Abbotts for prayer, with St. Conall's sixth-century bell surviving in the British Museum.

When Will Women Be Human?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture History Science Social Issues Gender Studies
  1. Women in science, like the Morris sisters, often faced struggles for recognition and respect. Their hard work was sometimes overlooked because of the views society had about women's roles.
  2. Margaretta and Elizabeth Morris had to use clever strategies to get their scientific contributions noticed, like publishing anonymously and building relationships with influential men in science. They showed that persistence was key.
  3. Despite some advancements, women still had to fight for equality in scientific societies and other areas of life. This shows that the fight for women's rights is ongoing, and society needs to value women as equals.

Protests, Makeup, and a Whole Lotta Grateful Dead in Tour '74's Penultimate Stop

Flagging Down the Double E's • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music History
  1. Tour '74 made a significant stop in Oakland, California, 50 years ago, with high anticipation and popularity in the music scene.
  2. The event featured local bands like Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and more, showcasing the vibrant music culture of the San Francisco area.
  3. A paid subscription is required to access the full post archives on Flagging Down the Double E's, with a 7-day free trial available.

A brief history of creativity (and power)

escape the algorithm • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture History Philosophy Power Art Gender
  1. Creativity has a complex history tied to power dynamics, transitioning from divine origins to human control over time.
  2. The concept of creativity evolved alongside the shift in gender roles and power dynamics, affecting societal views on art and innovation.
  3. In modern times, creativity is intertwined with capitalist productivity, leading to value creation and power imbalances in various spheres of society.

The Half-Finished House

The Abbey of Misrule • 260 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Travel Literature Fiction
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.

No yelling!

Austin Kleon • 879 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art History Media
  1. Reading and re-reading thoughtful works can deepen your understanding, like Rebecca Solnit's writings about Virginia Woolf.
  2. Exploring archives and profiles of creative figures, such as the woman behind 'Goodnight Moon,' can be really inspiring.
  3. Finding new music and podcasts can enhance your listening experience, like discovering Cate Le Bon's albums or Annie Murphy Paul's ideas on thinking.

Adam Smith on the Potato Diet

The Heart Attack Diet • 119 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🍲 Food & Drink Nutrition History Health
  1. Potatoes are considered to be a nourishing and suitable food for health, proven by the strength and beauty of individuals who consume them as a staple diet.
  2. Adam Smith raises questions about the healthiness of chips compared to potatoes on their own or in combination with other food items like meat and dairy.
  3. The historic example of the Irish potato famine serves as a cautionary tale against solely relying on a single food source like potatoes and the dangers of population explosions and monocultures.

The Mosaic of Urban Memory

The New Urban Order • 159 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Architecture History Urbanism Art Society
  1. St. Louis has a deep history reflected in its urban architecture, but faces challenges due to population decline and urban renewal.
  2. The exhibit 'Urban Archeology: Lost Buildings of St. Louis' showcases salvaged architectural elements to create a 'mosaic of urban memory' that tells a story of past communities and structures.
  3. The exhibit emphasizes a different approach to historical preservation, focusing on individual artifacts to understand the broader narrative of St. Louis's urban fabric and the importance of valuing and defending historical elements.

Designer Drug Exposé: Introduction To Research Chemicals 🧪

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Designer Drugs Regulations Risks Harm Reduction History
  1. Designer drugs are synthetic substances meant to simulate the effects of known psychoactive drugs but with modified chemical structures to avoid legal restrictions.
  2. Designer drugs pose inherent risks like dosing variability, impurities, unknown toxicity, and dangers from unscrupulous vendors, highlighting the importance of harm reduction practices.
  3. The history of designer drugs spans decades, evolving through different eras with the introduction of AI-driven drug discovery, increased regulatory challenges, and a growing market of novel psychoactive substances.

Mystical Matriarchs: 10 Women Who Redefined the Psychedelic Landscape

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art History Health Advocacy
  1. Women have made significant contributions to the field of psychedelics, but their efforts are often overlooked compared to men.
  2. These women exhibited resilience in the face of societal challenges and disparities, showing immense dedication to their work.
  3. Their legacies, from healing with mushrooms to advocating for psychedelic therapy, serve as an important foundation for future advancements in the field of psychedelics.

VFYW: Calm Before The Storm

The Weekly Dish • 21 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Entertainment Media Society History
  1. The contest focuses on views from windows, showcasing different locations and inspiring interesting guesses about where they are.
  2. Participants share their personal connections and experiences related to the locations featured in the contest, making it more engaging.
  3. Many contributors express appreciation for the work behind the scenes and enjoy the variety of content like music and movies highlighted in the discussions.

The "Greatest Show on Earth"

Variations on a Theme • 99 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Society History Events Traditions
  1. In 1919, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses combined to create the 'Greatest Show on Earth' in New York City, marking a significant moment in circus history.
  2. John Ringling, a key figure behind this merger, built his circus empire and amassed an impressive collection of art, leading to the establishment of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL.
  3. Reflecting on the legacy of John Ringling and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the post explores themes of art, culture, authoritarianism, and the evolving nature of entertainment and society.

O-Day - NOON

Remote View • 157 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🔬 Science Physics Technology History Symbolism Archaeology
  1. There is a livestream event on Feb 14, 2023 at 21:00 CET, so review previous materials beforehand.
  2. The post includes a list of references discussing various topics like solitons, plasmoids, and symbols from different cultures.
  3. The content hints at connections between ancient symbols, cosmic powers, and historical artifacts, suggesting deeper meanings or connections.

Five Things About... London Winters Through The Centuries

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Travel Literature
  1. London has a long history of winters with various activities like jousting on ice, showcasing a mix of high-energy events and brutal sports.
  2. Despite the cold, Londoners have found ways to embrace, enjoy, and even incorporate extreme sports into their winter experiences.
  3. Historical accounts show that Londoners have both celebrated and complained about winters since ancient times, highlighting a mix of perspectives on the season.

My Face is Mine

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Religion Travel Art History
  1. The concept of image rights and consent has been a concern since the early days of photography in 1838.
  2. Different cultures and religions have varying views on images; aniconism plays a significant role.
  3. Photography can evoke strong reactions based on territoriality and cultural norms, as seen in various encounters in different parts of the world.