History


Author and ‘ordinary acrobat’ Duncan Wall dives into circus history

When Duncan Wall fell in love with the circus, he fell hard. (Many times.) After undergoing rigorous training - and theoretical study - at at France’s École Nationale des Arts du Cirque, he went on to direct a clown-theatre company and then to teach at Canada’s national circus school in Montreal. His new book “The Ordinary Acrobat: A Journey into the Wondrous World of the Circus Past and Present” relays his experiences alongside a history of the art form - from red-and-yellow stripes to contemporary acts like Cirque Du Soleil. He gives Brendan a crash course, with the greatest of ease.


The vacuum cleaner and The Suck It Up

This week back in 1899, John Thurman patented a device that was almost -- but not quite -- a vacuum cleaner... inspiring Englishman Hubert C. Booth to invent the real deal. Hear the story, then toast the spirit of invention with a cocktail that doesn't suck.


History Sparks and the Strike

This week back in 1827, a chemist based in Stockton-on-Tees, England, made a striking discovery. Learn about John Walker's accidental invention of the friction match, and then light up your night with these brilliant matchstick cocktails.


Remembering Howard Zinn

Hear an extended, 12-minute cut of our interview last February with the late Historian/Author/Activist.