99% Invisible

Mini-Stories: Volume 17

7 snips
Dec 20, 2023
Chris Berube, a producer, shares the quirky tale of the French Revolution's decimal time and its surprising public challenges. Kurt Kolstad, digital director, delves into architect Carlo Scarpa's unique design approach. Delaney Hall explores ghost kitchens, revealing how they revolutionize restaurant delivery. Finally, acclaimed actor LeVar Burton recounts the fascinating history of the Telharmonium, an early music streaming device. Together, these stories illuminate the intersection of creativity, history, and innovation.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Decimal Time

  • The French Revolution introduced decimal time, a system dividing the day into 10 hours, each with 100 minutes.
  • It aimed to create a rational system but failed due to resistance and impracticality.
INSIGHT

Resistance to Change

  • Decimalization seemed rational but ignored human habits and existing systems.
  • Changing time proved costly and inconvenient with no clear benefits.
ANECDOTE

Scarpa's Courtroom

  • Carlo Scarpa, a Venetian architect, practiced without a license and was sued.
  • He won the case because the judge, impressed by the courtroom Scarpa designed, dismissed it.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app