Jack P Taylor's Political and Historical Curiosities

Latest Episodes:

51. The rise and rise of Xi Jinping Oct 29, 2017

Show notes

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 to Wikileaks Cable on Xi Jinping: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/09BEIJING3128_a.html

50. Ignaz Semmelweis's hand washing Oct 15, 2017

Show notes

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 fortnightly as this will allow me greater freedom to produce a higher quality show for you on topics that I just can't cover in a week.

Thank you for taking me to episode 50!

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4UMbUyMK7OSS29sJ15FCw

49. The theft of sex.com - act two Oct 02, 2017

Show notes

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 Sep 24, 2017

Show notes

A good domain can be key to any business and in the porn business they don't come much better than sex.com.

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 Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

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 an independent Catalonia could face.

46. The Abdication of King Edward VIII Sep 17, 2017

Show notes

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 Sep 10, 2017

Show notes

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 Sep 03, 2017

Show notes

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. I'm better now but sorry for the delay!

43. Air Force One Aug 20, 2017

Show notes

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-house-a-history-of-its-construction-and-its-renovation

Link two – Podcast episode on The White House: Re-Decoration http://jackptaylor.libsyn.com/the-white-house-re-decoration

Link three – virtual tour of National Museum of U.S. Air Force - look in the Presidential Aircraft area http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/full/tour-std.html

Link four – news story on new Air Force One plane http://archive.is/1WbM3

42. The Moscow-Washington Hotline Jul 30, 2017

Show notes

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

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