Stuff You Should Know

Discover the intriguing world of the bar exam, its historical roots, and its evolution from colonial licensing to today's standardized tests. Learn about the challenges of racial exclusion and the legal battles that shaped its landscape. Dive into the complexities of bar prep, costs, and pass rates across states, while questioning the exam's effectiveness in measuring legal competence. Explore alternative paths, like apprenticeships and diploma privilege, and the implications of possibly eliminating the bar altogether.

Discover the remarkable life of Camberley Kate, England's first independent animal rescuer. She dedicated decades to adopting strays, including a legendary greyhound rescue that sparked her mission. With an astounding memory for hundreds of animals, her devotion included local donations and kindness from a pro bono vet. Kate's fierce personality saw her battling public criticisms over leash laws, even writing to royalty. Her legacy continues to inspire future animal advocates, making her a true pioneer in animal rescue.

Explore the dark history of prison labor, tracing its evolution from early punishments to modern exploitation. Discover how the 13th Amendment's loophole fueled convict leasing and the human toll it took, particularly in the postwar South. Learn about brutal systems like chain gangs and the decline of reform efforts. The discussion dives into current practices, pay disparities, and legal gaps affecting incarcerated workers. Finally, consider reform proposals aimed at ensuring fair wages and rehabilitation over punishment.

Dive into the chaotic world of Black Friday, where deep discounts trigger holiday shopping madness. Discover the origins of the term and how it evolved from police slang to retail goldmine. Unpack the economic impact of the season and the surprising question of whether this one-day frenzy is actually hurting retailers. Learn about crowd crushes, infamous shopping incidents, and the rise of alternatives like Cyber Monday and Singles Day. It’s a riveting exploration of consumer culture and the fine line between holiday spirit and shopping insanity.

Explore the incredible journey of Julia Child, a culinary icon who revolutionized American cooking. Discover her transition from a wartime OSS employee to a passionate cook in France. Marvel at how her groundbreaking cookbook, 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking,' made gourmet techniques accessible to everyone. Learn about her beloved TV persona that made cooking relatable and entertaining. From iconic recipes like beef bourguignon to her lasting legacy, this tale will inspire anyone with a love for food.

Dive into the delicious world of pies! Explore the ancient origins of pie making in Egypt and the innovative Greek contributions. Discover global savory variations like empanadas and spanakopita. Uncover the medieval mystery of pie 'coffins' and royal show pies with hidden delights. Learn pumpkin pie's Native American roots and the fascinating journey of apple pie as a symbol of America. Plus, get the scoop on Boston cream pie's cake lineage and the lore of Key lime pie from Florida.

Dive into the world of rice, the most consumed food globally. Explore its vital role in Asian diets and its economic significance. Discover the differences between white and brown rice, and learn about various species like Oryza sativa. Uncover the fascinating methods of enriching white rice and innovative practices like rice-fish farming. Gain insights into the global production of rice and savor traditional dishes such as biryani and sushi. Don’t miss out on debates about arsenic in rice and the delightful desserts made from this staple.

Discover the fascinating story of the Rockettes, starting from their roots in St. Louis to their fame at Radio City. Hear about the precision dance influences that shaped their iconic style. Uncover the evolution of height requirements and the optical illusions used in staging that create their signature look. Learn about their role in USO tours, the struggles they faced in the 1970s, and the waves they made in pop culture. Dive into the grueling demands of their holiday performances and the strides toward diversity in modern shows.

Explore the vibrant world of graffiti, where NYC kids pushed artistic boundaries with spray cans. Discover the evolution from subway art to iconic tagging styles that define hip-hop culture. Learn about early pioneers like Cornbread and how tagging became a mark of identity. Dive into the impact of influential documentaries and the legal challenges faced by artists. Hear about the transition of street art into galleries and the modern artists fighting against co-opting. This colorful journey through graffiti reveals its undeniable essence in urban expression.

In a world where words could be dangerous, Victorians turned to flowers to express love and longing. Discover the fascinating roots of floriography, inspired by Ottoman traditions. Learn how color, type, and condition of flowers altered messages, and the risks of conflicting guides. Explore the hidden meanings behind nosegays, from romantic intentions to jealousy, and how position and presentation could change everything. Who knew a bouquet could communicate so much more than just beauty?