Sometimes the best inventions just grab you and stick with you. In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral went on a hunting trip in the Alps with his dog. Upon returning home, he noticed that his four-legged friend’s...
Author - Sarah Simonovich
Sarah Simonovich
New Jersey: The Birthplace of American Industry and Innovation
When we think of American innovation and technological advancement, California is really at the forefront of our minds. In this day and age, Silicon Valley is where it’s at: Apple, Tesla, eBay…from Fortune 1000...
The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Labor Day
As you fire up that grill in your white clothes and polarized sunglasses, you might casually wonder, how did we get here? No, not in some particularly deep, spiritual, or anthropological way. More like in a, it’s...
How Understanding Viscosity Can Help You Enjoy Ketchup More
So, say you’re at a nice restaurant. Maybe you’re on a date or having an important business lunch. You order a burger and, while it’s a lovely sandwich, cooked perfectly medium, all it’s missing is that sweet, acidic...
Petroleum Product of the Week: Tetra Pak Cartons
Boxed Beverages Welcome to the 21st century where you can purchase your beverages and liquids in a multitude of packaging options. Do you want glass bottles? Go for it. Plastic bottles? They’re everywhere. Plastic bags...
Are Diesel Emissions Really More Polluting than Gasoline?
Diesel vs. Gasoline: Will the Great Debate Ever End? Diesel engines are divisive, to say the least. If you drive one, you probably have good reasoning for doing so. And if you hate them, well—you probably have good...
What in Tarnation are the La Brea Tar Pits?
Where else can you find a Dire Wolf outside of Westeros? California, of course. If you ever find yourself cruising around Hancock Park in Los Angeles, California, you might find yourself very close to some fascinating...
Oh My Gears: Understanding the Ancient Antikythera Mechanism
If a ship sinks more than 2,000 years ago and no one’s around to witness it, does it make a splash in history? The answer is yes—it just might take a while. In 1900, a storm blew a team of Greek sponge divers off course...
Now is the Time to Undercoat Your Vehicle
Purchasing a vehicle is a huge investment. Whether it’s a light passenger car or a heavy duty commercial truck, you want to get the most out of your purchase. Since the average life expectancy of light passenger...
Leaded Gasoline–What’s Up With That?
If you’ve gone to the gas pump recently (I mean, who of us hasn’t?), you might not pay much attention to anything other than the price. Maybe there’s a sign that says “may contain up to 10% ethanol.” Ethanol in gasoline...