Weekly Recess

The First Email Ever Sent Was Just ‘QWERTYUIOP’: Ray Tomlinson’s 1971 Test

Posted on October 16, 2025 (October 2, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

The world’s first email, sent in 1971 by computer engineer Ray Tomlinson, wasn’t a profound message—it was a simple string of letters, possibly “QWERTYUIOP.” Yet, this seemingly meaningless test quietly ignited a communication revolution that reshaped how billions connect today. This article explores the birth of email, Tomlinson’s innovations including the iconic “@” symbol, and the humble beginnings of a tool we now take for granted. […]

How Love Led to the Invention of Baking Powder in 1843

Posted on October 6, 2025 (September 25, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

In 1843, English chemist Alfred Bird created baking powder, an invention born of love and necessity. His wife, Elizabeth, suffered from allergies to eggs and yeast, common ingredients in baking at the time. Determined to make delicious, yeast-free bread for her, Bird developed a chemical leavening agent that revolutionized baking forever. This article explores how love inspired innovation, explaining the science behind baking powder, its early history, and its profound impact on modern cooking. […]

The Surprising Story of How Potato Chips Were Accidentally Invented

Posted on October 3, 2025 (September 25, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

In the summer of 1853, a customer’s relentless complaints about soggy French fries pushed chef George Crum to slice potatoes incredibly thin and fry them until they were crisp enough to annoy. Ironically, his prank backfired when the diner loved the crunchy new creation, unknowingly sparking the invention of the potato chip—a snack that would grow into a global culinary phenomenon worth billions today. This article delves into the origins of the potato chip, the man behind it, and the lasting impact on food culture worldwide. […]

How a Headache Cure Experiment Led to the Invention of Dynamite

Posted on September 16, 2025 (September 14, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

Alfred Nobel discovered dynamite while experimenting with nitroglycerin, a volatile liquid he also took in tiny doses for headaches. Ironically, the explosive that made him wealthy and feared also eased pain—later inspiring his legacy as founder of the Nobel Prizes. […]

Before Radar: How Giant Acoustic Mirrors Detected Enemy Aircraft in WWI and WWII

Posted on August 10, 2025 (August 10, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

Long before radar revolutionized air defense, enormous acoustic mirrors and specialized sound locators stood as the first line of defense against enemy aircraft. Designed as giant “ears,” these structures amplified distant engine noises, allowing operators to detect incoming planes by sound alone. Dive into the intriguing world of these pioneering listening devices, their operation, limitations, and enduring legacy in military history. […]

Kodak Invented the Digital Camera in 1975 but Hid It to Protect Film Sales

Posted on July 21, 2025 (July 20, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

Kodak invented the digital camera in 1975 but hid the invention because they feared it would Jeopardize Photographic Film sales. […]

LEGO Braille Bricks: Revolutionizing Braille Learning Through Play and Inclusion

Posted on April 23, 2025 (April 21, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

go Braille Bricks were launched in 2020 to help visually impaired children learn Braille through play. Each brick features the Braille alphabet and is fully compatible with standard Lego sets, allowing sighted peers to join in, fostering inclusivity and collaboration in learning environments. […]

The Accidental Birth of Super Glue: Dr. Harry Coover’s WWII Discovery

Posted on February 28, 2025 (February 26, 2025) by weeklyrecess_admin

Dr. Harry Coover was trying to develop clear plastic for gun sights during WWII when he accidentally created cyanoacrylate, an extremely strong adhesive. Initially dismissed, it was later marketed as Super Glue in the 1950s. […]

Sylvan Goldman: The Visionary Who Revolutionized Shopping with the Cart

Posted on January 19, 2025 by weeklyrecess_admin

The inventor of shopping carts, Sylvan Goldman, had to hire several male and female models to push carts around in his store, demonstrate their utility, and explain their use to other customers, due to not catching on initially. […]

how Ferris wheel invented

Posted on April 22, 2024 (May 17, 2024) by weeklyrecess_admin

In 1891, Chicago challenged engineers to create a structure to surpass the Eiffel Tower for the World’s Columbian Exposition. George Washington Gale Ferris jr. responded with the original Ferris Wheel, a giant rotating structure elevating visitors above the city. This invention became an iconic attraction at the fair. […]