The pneumatic system for transporting mail, active in NYC from 1897-1953. Very neat. Systems like this are still in use at many banks, with trash management, and some research libraries.
Tag: history
The New York Public Library is training computers to recognize building shapes and other information from old city maps, and they need your help! Take a few minutes to help hone the data; no experience or knowledge required! This is a very neat experiment in crowdsourcing data aggregation for use to improve civic society.
It’s hard to believe cellular phones have been around for 40 years. They’ve really changed the way we keep in touch, do business, and communicate on whole. I wonder where the next 40 years will take our talking devices…
Did you know: Area Codes
Q. Why was New York City’s original area code 212? A. Because it was easy to dial. When area codes were introduced to speed the calling of long-distance numbers, telephones had rotary dials. The nearest digit to the dialing stopper, and thus the digit that could be dialed the quickest, was 1. Next came 2,… Continue reading Did you know: Area Codes
Happy International Women’s Day!
Here’s to all the women who live life to the fullest, those who have paved the way for increased opportunity in the past and present, and those men who have chimed in with their undying support. It is my wish for women worldwide that we continue to raise our voices, proudly work and raise families… Continue reading Happy International Women’s Day!
Mormons can finally say ‘we got it wrong’ over black priest ban
My friend Tresa is a very skilled writer, and I liked this piece she did. Check it out.Mormons can finally say 'we got it wrong' over black priest ban
February 8 in History
via Alexis: It’s February 8th. Today marks the 45th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, the first incident on a U.S. college campus in which unarmed student protesters were killed. South Carolina highway patrol men opened fire on a group of students protesting the segregation of a local bowling alley, killing three and injuring 27 others.… Continue reading February 8 in History
Jim O’Grady talks about Grand Central’s history. He also did some construction exploring. It’s also Grand Central’s 100th birthday today! 1913 prices and celebration galore!
Wealthy Young Donors Push Charities to Show Results
Bottom line: This article argues that 20 and 30-somethings with wealth want to clearly see how their financial gift will advance a cause, but that they also respect established histories of giving in their family. Makes sense. I’m excited to see more stories in the coming years on what causes specifically millennial donors are giving… Continue reading Wealthy Young Donors Push Charities to Show Results
Chris has been watching math videos (huh?!), so I tuned in for a few, including this video introducing differential equations. They’re really easy to watch, follow, and learn from, and the instructor is an absolute delight. It’s impressive to see lessons that are considered ‘upper level’ math presented with such ease and in such manageable… Continue reading
Jen Bokoff 
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