Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Innovations in Grandfather ClocksThe Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while the term 'grandfather clock' represents significant innovations in clockmaking history

      The Capital One Venture X Card offers cardholders unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, along with premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. The name "grandfather clock" for these tall, standing clocks came about centuries after their invention by Galileo Galilei and early clockmakers, who created some of the first precise timekeeping devices in large forms. Despite the name's origins, both the term "grandfather clock" and the earlier "long case clocks" represent significant innovations in clockmaking history.

    • From Galileo's pendulum observations to the invention of pendulum clocksGalileo's observation of pendulum motion led to the creation of increasingly accurate clocks, starting with the first pendulum clock by Huygens in 1657, and eventually leading to the popular grandfather clocks from the late 17th to mid-19th century.

      The discovery of the constant swinging rate of pendulums led to the creation of increasingly accurate and precise clocks. Galileo Galilei's observation of pendulum motion paved the way for the invention of the first pendulum clock by Christian Huygens in 1657, which was significantly more accurate than earlier clocks. Over time, advancements in manufacturing and design led to the development of grandfather clocks, which were a popular and accurate timekeeping option from the late 17th century to about 1850. Meanwhile, Henry Clay Work, a musician and songwriter, used his platform to promote the Union cause during the Civil War through songs like "Kingdom Coming." Thus, the development of accurate timekeeping devices and the use of music as a means of expression both had significant impacts during this period.

    • A song gave name to the Grandfather ClocksThe song 'Grandfather's Clock' by Henry Clay Work, written in late 1800s, sold a million copies and influenced the popular name 'Grandfather Clocks' for long case clocks.

      Henry Clay Work, a prolific songwriter during the late 1800s, wrote a poignant and enduring song called "Grandfather's Clock." This song, which has been estimated to have sold close to a million copies and earned the equivalent of about $95,000 in today's currency, is believed to have given its name to the long case clocks, also known as grandfather clocks. The song's lyrics describe a clock that stood in a man's home for 90 years, from the day he was born until it stopped working the day he died. The clock's connection to the man's life and its eventual cessation upon his death struck a chord with the American public, leading to the widespread adoption of the term "grandfather clock" for this type of timepiece. The song's influence can still be seen today, with references to it in various forms of media, from Johnny Cash's recordings to video games like Five Nights at Freddy's. Despite its significance, the name Henry Clay Work may not be as well-known as the term "grandfather clock" itself.

    • Kid-friendly social media platform Zigazoo and automated investing app BettermentZigazoo is a safe social media platform for kids to share self-created videos, COPPA certified for added security. Betterment is an automated investing and savings app to help your money grow.

      Zigazoo is a kid-friendly social media platform where children can share their self-created videos with others, all while ensuring data safety through human moderation and parental consent. The platform is COPPA certified, adding an extra layer of security for kids. Meanwhile, Betterment is an automated investing and savings app that helps your money grow while you relax. As for the intriguing tale of "Grandfather's Clock," it's believed that the inspiration for the song may have come from a hotel in England, where a clock stopped after the death of its owner's sons. While the veracity of this story is debated, it's an interesting piece of folklore that adds to the song's enduring appeal.

    • Misunderstood stories and exaggerationsStories can be misunderstood and exaggerated, leading to false beliefs. Seek accurate information and be aware of potential misconceptions.

      Stories can be misunderstood and exaggerated, leading to false beliefs. For instance, a song about a clock that stops when people die, which originated from a family's possession of an old clock, has been misconstrued as being about a haunted clock. Similarly, social media platforms can be sources of both positivity and negativity, with examples like Zigazoo, a safe and moderated social media network for kids, and Orlando, a city known for both business and entertainment, offering contrasting perspectives. Additionally, there are interesting trivia facts, such as the naming conventions for different sizes of grandfather clocks. Overall, it's essential to seek accurate information and be aware of the potential for misconceptions.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff You Should Know

    Selects: How Restaurant Health Inspections Work

    Selects: How Restaurant Health Inspections Work

    If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know the feeling that occurs when the health inspector pays a visit. While nerve wracking, it's the best insurance patrons have that their food will be prepared and served in a proper environment. Learn all about how these inspections work, from their past history to current incarnation, in this classic episode.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 29, 2024

    Whistling!

    Whistling!

    Whistling is pretty cool when you think about it because it can mean many things, from simple happy tunes to legit communication. Learn all about this ubiquitous skill today. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 25, 2024

    The Big Episode on Wikipedia

    The Big Episode on Wikipedia

    Wikipedia changed the world. Before it came along, you had to go to the library to get the answers you sought. And you and your friends had to just agree to disagree on facts. And as the internet grew and commercialized, Wikipedia remains free and open.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enJune 20, 2024

    Related Episodes

    SYSK Selects: How Filibusters Work

    SYSK Selects: How Filibusters Work

    In this week's SYSK Select episode, although lots of people incorrectly believe the filibuster was an intentional rule created by the founders of the U.S., this ancient method of stalling legislation was actually brought about in America by accident. Learn the ins and outs of this contentious quirk of parliamentary rules that allows a single senator to hijack the proceedings of the entire legislative body in this episode.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Selects: Do People Really Run Off to Join the French Foreign Legion?

    Selects: Do People Really Run Off to Join the French Foreign Legion?

    Anyone who knows anything about Jean-Claude Van Damme knows he played a French legionnaire in the movies. He was just one of many actors to star in films that romanticized this mercenary force. Check out the details in this classic episode with Josh and Chuck.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How do Tibetans avoid altitude sickness?

    How do Tibetans avoid altitude sickness?

    Due to the region's elevation, the average traveler to Tibet often experiences altitude sickness -- a condition caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn how Tibetans have adapted to life in high altitudes.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.