Jack P Taylor's Political and Historical Curiosities

61. Embassies

Embassies are fascinating entities having existed for longer than the concept of the modern nation-state. They are often misunderstood and can offer a unique insight into the diplomatic issues that countries face. In this episode I cover: What embassies and consulates are, Their unofficial varieties like from Taiwan, Their titles e.g. the People's Bureua, The difficulties in deciding where and how to build them, And the laws that govern them.

60. Midgley's Leaded Gasoline

Thomas Midgley Jr. was undoubtedly a great inventor, yet he was far from a great man. Midgley was recognised by J. R. McNeill, a pioneer of the study of environmental history, as having “had more impact on the atmosphere than any other single organism in Earth's history“. Midgley's inventions have contributed significantly to the 400,000 deaths from lead in the USA each year - with more around the world. On top of this his invention of Chlorofluorocarbons have wrecked our atmosphere In...

59. Truman's Internationalised Waterways

A lot of wonderful things can be said about Truman, particularly his attitude to the office of the President. We can not say wonderful things about Truman's idea to internationalise the waterways of Europe.  It was a silly idea and one given far too much attention by Truman.  In this episode I give what detail is available on the idea, discuss how and why Truman pushed the policy, and showcase it's obvious flaws.

58. The Academy Awards (Oscars)

The Academy Awards/Oscars are the culmination of the Hollywood award season and celebrates the prior years greatest cinematic accomplishments. In this episode I look at what the Academy Awards are, their history, what they recognise, what films are eligible, and how they are nominated. Sample Official Screen Credits form: https://submissions.oscars.org/Content/Documents/Sample%20OSC.pdf  The 2018 REMINDER LIST OF PRODUCTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 90TH ACADEMY AWARDS: https://www.oscars.org/...

57. Qazaqstan?

Countries do not change their name often, and far less often their alphabet.  Kazakhstan will soon be doing both to become Qazaqstan. In this episode I cover the why, what, when, who, and how of this change.

56. Champagne & Stilton

REGULATION (EU) No 1151/2012 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs - is an incredibly curious piece of legislation. The Dave Law, as I call it, looks to protect producers of quality food stuffs and consumers of them - making sure when you buy Champagne or Stilton that it is what you expect. In this episode I discuss how the Dave law works, its impact across the world, and evaluate the criticisms of it...

55. The impossible christmas quiz 🎄

Merry christmas everyone! A fiendishly difficult christmas quiz for you all based on my past episodes - anything better than 50% and you deserve to be on Santa's good list. Let us know how you got on, and of course have a wonderful Christmas!

54. Bazalgette's sewers

Please don't think I have an obsession with sewers. In this episode I look at work of Bazalgette, the former Chief Engineer of the London Metropolitan Board of Works, a man who “probably did more good, and saved more lives, than any single Victorian public official”. Bazalgette probably may claim more credit for London's infrastructure than any other individual. He is responsible for bridges, major thoroughfares, and the London sewer system.  Now Chicago's sewer system is incredibly im...

53. Norway's $1 Trillion of foresight

Many nations sit on some form of natural resource wealth and, as is their right, they will exploit that wealth. The windfall is often spent nearly as quickly as it is earned with few able to exercise sufficient restraint to save some for a rainy day. This short-termism is most prevalent in democracies where a dollar saved for another day is often a dollar that can be used to entice someone to vote for you. Norway is a shining example of why a more long-term is so beneficial. The Norwegia...

52. The 1904 St. Louis Olympics marathon

The olympics as we know them today are a rather modern phenomenon, peculiarly mixing 'amateur' athletics with a very professionally run programme of events. The 1904 St. Louis olympics were in every sense amateur. With very few participants generally, and barely any foreign competitors specifically.  Yet one event, the Marathon, was spectacularly crap and can reasonably claim the title of the worst olympic event ever. However it is also featured a number of firsts, including the first bl...

51. The rise and rise of Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping has been called many things. The Economist describes him as 'the most powerful man in the world', his own party call him 'the core of the Chinese Communist Party', others a 'closet Maoist'. Whatever your opinions of him, compared to many world leaders comparatively little is known of his background.  In this bumper episode I analyse the rise and rise of Xi Jinping, explaining how his entire life and even that of his father's has helped him get to his current position. Link t...

50. Ignaz Semmelweis's hand washing

You may not have heard of Ignaz Semmelweis.  Yet along with Louis Pasteur and Alexander Fleming he should be seen as one of the most important men in medical history.  Semmelweis reduced maternal mortality in his clinic by 85%. It was no fluke however as he reproduced the results in another clinic. Yet his ideas were not accepted in his lifetime. I cover the who, how, when, and why in this episode. At the end is also a little podcast update. The tl;dr is that I will now be publishing...

49. The theft of sex.com - act two

A good domain can be key to any business and in the porn business they don't come much better than sex.com. One man, Gary Kremen, realised this early on and registered the site for a bargain $100. It would eventually cost him millions in legal fees as an extraordinary conman named Stephen Cohen would blatantly steal the domain. In part 2 of 2 of this tale I focus on how Cohen used sex.com, the legal battles, the conclusion of our tale, and where our actors are now.

48. The theft of sex.com - act one

A good domain can be key to any business and in the porn business they don't come much better than sex.com. One man, Gary Kremen, realised this early on and registered the site for a bargain $100. It would eventually cost him millions in legal fees as an extraordinary conman named Stephen Cohen would blatantly steal the domain. In part 1 of 2 of this tale I focus on the main protagonists, Kremen's purchase of the domain, and how Cohen stole sex.com.

47. Briefing: Catalonia Independence Referendum

It has been a little while since I've wrote a briefing. With the upcoming Catalonia Independence Referendum I decided to write another. I'll cover in this show: What is happening. The importance of Catalonia. Why Catalonia would want independence. The 2014 referendum. What's changed since 2014. The legality of the referendum. The activities of the Spanish police in the referendum. The current polling outlook. What happens next if the secessionists win. The difficulties ...

46. The Abdication of King Edward VIII

This week's show details how King Edward VIII was forced to chose between the love he held for his country or his love for Wallis Simpson. With original audio of speeches by King Edward I will take through this royal scandal that threatened the UK's monarchy and our government. As ever I hope you enjoy!

45. A history of Tulip mania

This weeks episode covers the first ever recorded economic speculative bubble. A period in the Netherlands during the 17th century where one tulip bulb could cost the same as a fashionable house in the Amsterdam.  The backing track was partly due to my neighbour deciding to do some very loud building work yet I think it works.   

44. Lloyd's of London

This week's episode is a history of Lloyd's of London. With a history stretching back over 300 years this insurance marketplace has been part of some of the biggest parts of history. Today it is a huge part of the global economy and provides cover to all manner of celebrities. I hope you enjoy understanding more of how Lloyd's works and its tale.   If you're curious as to why this episode is a week late I've been ill for a few days. This meant I was unable to record this for 6 days. ...

43. Air Force One

It’s good to be back from my summer holidays and thanks for continuing to listen. This week’s episode covers a history of Air Force One and Presidential aviation more generally. It’s a fascinating history, although I would say that wouldn’t I? The planes form part of a tale covering assassinations, resignations, legislation, and terror attacks. Link one – Podcast episode on The White House: A history of its construction and its renovation - http://jackptaylor.libsyn.com/the-white-ho...

42. The Moscow-Washington Hotline

The Moscow-Washington Hotline: must a world be lost for want of a telephone call? The Moscow-Washington Hotline has become a seminal part of how many see the American Presidency. In this episode I will talk you through its history, developments, and its legacy. I'm on holiday now until the 13th of August meaning no new episodes - I'll see you on the 20th

41. The BBC Advisory Committee on Spoken English

BBC English: the BBC Advisory Committee on Spoken English, its history, and its effect on the English language today. The BBC Advisory Committee on Spoken English lasted only around fifteen years before World War 2, yet its effects can still be felt today. In this episode I'll talk you through the committee's history and it effects us today. Apologies again for the 24 hour delay on releasing this weeks episode. As advance warning I will be on holiday for the first two weeks of August s...

40. The raising of Chicago & the reversal of the Chicago River

In the early 19th Century Chicago barely existed, by the the late 1840s it was growing rapidly. With no sewage system it had numerous issues with disease, and being level with Lake Michigan there was no way to build a traditional sewer system. The solution was to raise Chicago up to fourteen feet in places, and then later to reverse the Chicago river.  This episode covers all this and more! Before and after image for Chicago River reversal: https://chicagoriverstories.files.wordpress...

39. Disaster Victim Identification

Victim identification is an incredibly important part of resolving a disaster. For families, and loves ones it can be difficult to gain closure without their loved ones remains. Similarly those charged with resolving disasters can struggle to know where to place resources e.g. counselling if they do not know who has perished. As with any process which humans have needed since well day one, like farming, we have refined it. This episode covers a history of Disaster Victim Identification i...

38. Submarine Communication Cables - from the Telegraph to the Internet

Submarine cables account for over 99% of international internet traffic. You will use them everyday on the latest pieces of technology. Yet this infrastructure is based on old knowledge. In this episode I'll take you through 170 years of submarine cables helping us to communicate. Link to Stuff You Missed in History Class episode on Transatlantic Telegraph Cable: http://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts/transatlantic-telegraph.htm

36. Le Tour de France

Le Tour de France started in 1903 and since then it's history has become dominated by war, politics, drugs, and most importantly amazing feats of physical prowess. I'll cover the first 110 years of its history and I hope you enjoy. If you curious how the French Cycling Federation's name is actually said in French: Union Velocipedique France

35. Presidential Libraries

A tale with an intro by Hayes, a story by FDR, and a possible conclusion under Obama. The Presidential Library is a fascinating concept. In this episode I explore how they started, how they've developed, and how they may be changing drastically with Obama.  The link to the Politico article "Presidential Libraries Are A Scam. Could Obama Change That?" May be found here: http://archive.is/r6wjR  

34. The Victoria Cross medal and Charles Upham

In this 3rd episode of three recorded partly during my bike ride I fill you in on the Victoria Cross medal's history, and the story of Charles Upham - the most highly decorated Commonwealth soldier of World War 2. The link to donate to the National Autistic Society if you're feeling generous is here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jackptaylor

33. Albertopolis: the town that Prince Albert built

In this 2nd episode of three recorded partly during my bike ride I fill you in on Albertopolis the area of the London built with the profits from the Great Exhibition of 1851 by Prince Albert. The link to donate to the National Autistic Society if you're feeling generous is here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jackptaylor

32. Highgate Cemetery: its history and its famous occupants.

In this 1st episode of three recorded partly during my bike ride I fill you in on Highgate Cemetery's history and its famous occupants. The link to donate to the National Autistic Society if you're feeling generous is here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jackptaylor

31. Briefing - UK General Election - the first and last constituencies to declare

The title says it all really so I don't what you are looking here for. Go away. Oh you wan't that link to when each constituency should roughly be declared. Here you go: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/08/what-time-does-each-constituency-declare-its-results-in-the-2017-general-election

30. Pu Yi - The Last Emperor of China

Today I discuss Pu Yi the Last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and of Imperial China. I won't say any more detail as #nospoilers

29. The Avignon Papacy of 1309 to 1378: Anti-Popes and the Catholic Church goes on tour

In this week's episode I'll cover from 1292 to 1417 discussing: how the Avignon Papacy of the Catholic Church began, the Popes of the Avignon Papacy, how the Papacy returned to Rome, the issues this return caused including Anti-Popes, and finally how these issues were resolved. CGP Grey's "How to Become Pope" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF8I_r9XT7A As ever thank you for listening. Please share with your friends, colleagues, and dogs. 

28. The Pitcairn Islands - fit for 50 kings

In this week's episode I discuss the fascinating history of the least populous national jurisdiction in the world - the Pitcairn Islands. Covering: Early settlers, Discovery, HMS Bounty, Mutiny on the Bounty, Early settlement on the Pitcairn Islands, Murder, Re-discovery of the mutineers, A constitution being drafted, Emigration - twice, The Pitcairn Island's Philatelic Bureau, The 2004 sexual abuse trials, The future of the Pitcairn islands. As ever thank you so ve...

27. Eurovision

Not only an early episode but one that is current! A history of the European Broadcasting Union - which you'll probably find boring. Then a history of Eurovision in all its glory. Imgur album: http://imgur.com/a/TqdiB Thanks as ever for listening!

26. The United Nations - a history: part 8 - Sept 11th 2001 to the modern day.

In this final episode we cover: The 9/11 attacks Afghanistan The International Criminal Court Iraq The 60th anniversary of the UN The election of Ban Ki-Moon The Arab Spring - notably Libya Syria Crimea - very briefly The UN today Lord of the Rings and the Ents (it hopefully makes sense) A super long episode A teaser for next week Thank you everyone for listening

EPISODE 25: I asked you for money for charity - yet it was like ages ago so this is just an old post.

24. The United Nations - a history: part 7 - 1994 to 2001.

In this episode we cover: Somalia, Rwanda, Yugoslavia, Sergei Lavrov, Iraq and oil-for-food, Kofi Annan's election, UNSC expansion, The International Criminal Court, & Kosovo.

23. OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries)

In this episode I cover 60 years of history for OPEC - a tale of oil and power Covering its founding How its membership expanded The oil embargoes of 1967 and 1973 A kidnapping ft. Carlos the Jackal Oil prices instability in the late 70s and 80s How OPEC made a $1 trillion in one year

22. The United Nations - a history: part 6 - 1986 to 1993

In today's episode the UN gets out of it's funk. I cover: The Iran-Iraq war The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait How the USSR became the Russian Federation Yugoslavia and Somalia interventions

21. No. 10 Downing Street

No. 10 Downing Street, and the rest of the street actually, are today's topic. I'll cover: Why Downing Street is famous, How Downing Street was built, Who built Downing Street and why, Cocks and the Germans, Sir Robert Walpole's contribution, How No. 10 was a merger of various houses How PMs have used 10 Downing Street, How numbers 11 and 12 also came to be used, How Balfour began PMs using the house as their primary residence, That black door, Renovations and refurbish...

20. The United Nations - a history: part 5 - 1968 to 1985

In today's episode I cover 1968 to 1985 in the UN's history, discussing: The 1968 Protests in Czechoslovakia Rhodesia and the first US veto in the UNSC China's representation in the UN The Yom Kippur war The UN Security Council chamber's renovation Many many wars in around 85 words. Invasions from outer space The boy who cried wolf Horrendous cliches

19. French Politics: the President, the Parliament, and the upcoming elections

In today's episode on French politics I consider how: The French President gets elected, The President's powers, The French Prime Minister's powers,  The structure of the French Parliament, How French Parliamentarians are elected, and, The important information on the upcoming elections.

18. The United Nations - a history: part 4 - 1957 to 1967

In today's episode I cover the history of the UN from 1957 to 1967 covering: Nation building in Africa, Gary Powers and the U-2 Crisis, The Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Council expansion, The Cyprus conflict, The Kashmir conflict, and, The six-day war.

17. The Velvet Divorce: the dissolution of Czechoslovakia

In this episode I say "velvet divorce" a lot. I also cover a brief history of Czechoslovakia, How the dissolution came to be, The issues that the dissolution faced Issues that arose (both major and minor) The current situation

16. The United Nations - a history: part 3 - 1946 to 1956

In today's episode I consider 1946-1956 in the bodies history. The first use of the veto Palestine and Israel An Oscar win The Berlin Blockade Chinese representation The Korean war The new UN Building and The Suez canal crisis  

15. Briefing - Article 50 - what is the process in under 4 minutes.

 In a first I'm covering the actual news. What is article 50? How was it invoked? Has the UK now left the EU? How will we know how it's going? What will the EU Parliament be doing? How would an agreement be reached? What does an agreement look like? When we have an agreement what next? What happens if anyone votes no? Mystery 10th question. Sorry for the poor audio quality I had 2.26 MB of space left on my LibSyn account so I had to compress heavily. 

14. The fireside chats of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Over the four terms of FDR's presidency he would deliver approx. 30 fireside messages, they have been credited for his immense popularity and are still today are unique type of address. Thanks to the FDR presidential library I have been able to use recordings of the address throughout this podcast for one I'm immensely proud of!

13. The United Nations - a history: part 2 - The three conferences and the first meeting

In this episode I consider the Dumbarton Oaks, Yalta, and San Francison conferences, and the first meetings of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council.

12. Scotland: how it joined and how it is trying to leave the UK

I'll consider why Scotland joined England & Wales in 1707, how the fortunes of independence and home rule movements have ebbed and waned, and the state of play today

11. The United Nations - a history: part 1 - what came before, and who wants what?

In this episode I consider what came before the United Nations, how the term United Nations first referred to a military alliance, and what each of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin aimed to secure from the organisation as it was established.