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    SYSK Selects: Who Gets to Name Continents?

    enNovember 14, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Continents and Shopping SavingsThe Capital One Venture X Card earns 2X miles on every purchase and includes travel perks, while shopping Kroger brands are budget-friendly with a satisfaction guarantee.

      The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and comes with premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One travel. Meanwhile, shopping for Kroger brand products provides proven quality at lower prices, with a money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction. In the world of geography, naming continents is a human tendency to identify with locations, reflecting our in-group mentality. For more intriguing information, listen to the Stuff You Should Know podcast episode about who gets to name continents. Additionally, Josh Clark shared his excitement about an upcoming detailed map purchase and the joy of collecting maps.

    • The History of Continents: From Panjia to Today200 million years ago, Panjia was a single supercontinent, but continental drift caused it to break apart and form various continents we know today

      The continents we know today have fascinating histories and were not always in their current forms. Around 200 million years ago, there was a supercontinent named Panjia, which was the only continent surrounded by the ocean Pantalasa. However, due to continental drift, this continent cracked apart, and its pieces drifted and shifted over time, leading to the formation of various continents we see today. This theory was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1915, and his evidence included the similarity of coal seams and fossils found on different continents. This discovery challenges our perception of the stability of the landmasses and highlights the dynamic nature of our planet.

    • Continents' Historical Origins and Drifting ApartContinents have historical roots but were once connected as part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, they drifted apart, influencing human psyche and geography, with continents continuing to change today.

      The names of continents have historical roots, likely named by various civilizations throughout history. However, if we were to go back in time hundreds of millions of years, continents were once connected as part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, continents drifted apart, leading to the geographical distribution we see today. This concept is supported by geological evidence and the continental drift theory. The human psyche is influenced by these geographical distributions, leading to a sense of otherness and togetherness among nations. The continents' climates during the time of Pangaea are also a topic of interest, with theories suggesting that certain areas may have been arid deserts or lush rainforests. Today, continents continue to change, with Australia creeping towards Asia and parts of Eastern Africa attempting to break off. The discussion also touched upon the social media platform Zigazoo, a kid-safe alternative to other social networks, and the importance of saving and investing money with Betterment.

    • Betterment manages your money, continents shiftBetterment optimizes finances with tax-efficient strategies, continents move due to magma activity, discoveries named after explorers

      Your money, when managed with Betterment, is a hardworking asset, diversified across low-cost ETFs and optimized with tax-efficient strategies. This allows you to focus on other things, knowing your finances are in good hands. On a different note, continents, like your money, have their own unique characteristics. The theory of continental drift explains how continents move and shift, with magma playing a crucial role. This geological phenomenon has been proven through various forms of volcanic activity and earthquakes. The naming of continents is often linked to those who played a significant role in their discovery. Antarctica, being relatively new, is an exception. Sir John Murray, an oceanographer and explorer, played a key role in the discovery and naming of Antarctica. His work during the HMS Challenger expedition, which covered an impressive 69,000 nautical miles, remains a significant achievement in ocean exploration.

    • Discovering the New World: Vespucci vs ColumbusVespucci, not Columbus, was the first European to recognize the Americas as a new continent, leading to its naming. Important maps expanded geographic knowledge in the 1500s, but Vespucci's reputation was later tarnished due to rivalry.

      The names of ships, such as HMS (Her Majesty's Ship), RMS (Royal Mail Ship), and USS (United States Ship), signify their national affiliations. Another interesting fact discussed was the discovery of the Americas. Contrary to popular belief, Amerigo Vespucci, not Columbus, is credited with being the first European to recognize the Americas as a new continent. This recognition led to the continent being named after him. The first map depicting the Western Hemisphere as a separate entity was created by a German cartographer named Martin Waldseemüller in 1507. The map, which also showed the Pacific Ocean as a separate body of water, significantly expanded geographic knowledge during the 1500s. Despite this, Vespucci's reputation was tarnished over the centuries due to Italian rivals, leading to inaccurate ideas about him. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of accurate record-keeping and cartography in shaping our understanding of the world.

    • The origin of America's name is uncertainHistorians debate the true origin of America's name, with theories ranging from explorer Amerigo Vespucci to indigenous Mayan words or British royalty. The most widely accepted theory is that cartographers named new lands after explorers or royalty.

      The origin of the name "America" is still a topic of debate among historians. While some believe it was named after explorer Amerigo Vespucci, others suggest it could have been derived from indigenous Mayan words or even named after a British royal representative. The most widely accepted theory is that cartographers named new lands after the explorer's last name or royalty's first name. However, some theories, such as the one suggesting Vespucci changed his name to align with the naming of America, have been debunked. Ultimately, the true origin of the name America may never be definitively known. Additionally, the discussion touched on the significance of discoveries and their value, whether it be historical artifacts or new lands. Some discoveries can lead to great fortune, while others may only hold historical significance. Regardless, the allure of discovery and the potential for great finds continues to intrigue and inspire people.

    • Exploring Opportunities: Kids, Businesses, and HomeownersKids connect and express creatively on tech platforms like Zigazoo, businesses find talent on LinkedIn Jobs, small biz owners hire effectively at the start of the year, homeowners earn extra income on Airbnb, and individuals pursue ambitious goals like Lex Luthor.

      Technology and social media platforms like Zigazoo offer safe and fun opportunities for kids to connect and express themselves creatively. Meanwhile, businesses, especially small ones, can leverage platforms like LinkedIn Jobs to find qualified professionals and grow their teams. Additionally, the start of a new year presents an opportunity for small business owners to evaluate their teams and hire effectively using resources like LinkedIn. Lastly, homeowners can explore the potential of earning extra income by sharing their spaces on platforms like Airbnb. In the entertainment realm, the desire for control and power, as depicted in the character Lex Luthor from Superman, can lead individuals to pursue ambitious goals, even if it means wanting an entire continent.

    • Reminiscing about iconic actors and the history of Australia's nameJosh and Chuck discussed Walter Matthau's iconic acting range and the possible origins of Australia's name, highlighting the lasting impact of great actors and historical discoveries.

      The entertainment industry, particularly in film and television, has been graced with the presence of some truly iconic actors whose performances continue to resonate with audiences, even decades after their initial release. During a conversation between Josh and Chuck, they reminisced about the late Walter Matthau and his incredible acting range, which left a lasting impression on them. Matthau's unique ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles, as seen in films like "The Odd Couple" and "Couch Trip," made him a standout among his peers. Moreover, the discussion touched on the fascinating history of the name "Australia" and how it came to be known by that name. While most people associate Matthew Flinders with the naming of Australia in 1802, the conversation revealed that a German astronomer named Siriocco Jakob Zumbarth may have actually been the first to label the continent as "Australia" on a map from 1545. Throughout the conversation, Josh and Chuck also shared their appreciation for other actors, such as Gene Hackman and Robin Williams, and their iconic roles. The conversation served as a reminder of the enduring impact of great actors and the importance of preserving and celebrating their legacies.

    • Origins of continents' names: Africa, Asia, and EuropeThe origins of continents' names, such as Africa, Asia, and Europe, are uncertain and may have been derived from sailors for identification purposes. Theories suggest possible connections to various cultures and languages, adding to their intrigue.

      The origins of certain names, such as continents and actors, are often shrouded in mystery. During a conversation about movies, the discussion veered towards the possible origins of the names Africa, Asia, and Europe. It was suggested that these continents were likely named by sailors for the sake of identification and navigation. The origins of Africa's name are uncertain, with theories suggesting it may come from the Afarac people or the Greek word for sunny. The origins of Asia and Europe are believed to come from Phoenician sailors, with Asia possibly derived from the word for sunrise or east, and Europe from the word for sunset or west. The discussion then shifted to the actor John C. Riley, with some comparing him to John C. Reilly. The takeaway is that names, whether of continents or actors, often have interesting and complex histories that may never be definitively known. The enjoyment of ambiguity and open-endedness, as seen in movies with ambiguous endings, can depend on personal preference. Some people may be more drawn to such resolutions due to their frequent exposure to fiction, while others may prefer clear-cut answers. Ultimately, the intrigue lies in the theories and possibilities that arise from the uncertainty.

    • Perspectives on continents and educational podcastsPeople have different ways of defining continents, and educational podcasts like 'Stuff You Should Know' can make long road trips more engaging.

      The way continents are named and recognized can vary depending on geographical perspectives. For instance, some people consider North and South America as one continent named America, while Europe and Asia are combined as Eurasia. This is different from the common Western perspective that recognizes these as separate continents. Additionally, the podcast "Stuff You Should Know" has been a popular companion for many road trips, with listeners sharing how it has helped make their journeys more educational and entertaining. A couple, Kim and Tom Kepler, even credited the podcast for keeping them engaged during their long drive from Texas to Florida. If you're interested in learning more about geography or other topics, you can check out the articles on HowStuffWorks.com by searching for "geography." And if you're looking for a safe social media platform for kids during their spring break, consider Zigazoo, where all community members and content are verified and human-moderated.

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