The Origins of Monopoly’s Iconic Playing Pieces

Ever wonder how such random items as a shoe, thimble, wheelbarrow and battleship became the playing pieces of possibly the most iconic board game in history? According to Cool Material, their origins date back to the 1930s, when Monopoly inventor (and probable idea thief) Charles Darrow developed the idea to use small items from around the house to use in his new board game. His …

The Most Important Era of Innovation

A recent article in The New York Times asks, “What Was the Greatest Era for Innovation?” It’s a difficult question to answer—if there even is an answer—as everything from plumbing to airplanes, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and smartphones have shaped the evolution of American life. Instead, The Times surfaces some of the most notable inventions and ground-breaking ideas of the past couple centuries to allow the …

360-Degree Photos of Chernobyl 30 Years Later

30 years ago, the worst nuclear accident in history occurred. Reactor number four at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power plant in Russia (then the Soviet Union) exploded, killing workers and many in the surrounding area. Though the area is still contaminated by radiation, this hasn’t prevented vines, trees, shrubs and animals from taking over the facilities through its 30-year shut down. National Geographic recently took a …