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April 3, 2025
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FREEEngineering Nerdy CurioFree1 CQ
Anyone worrying about a potential The Last of Us situation can breathe a sigh of relief. A new, experimental antibiotic is showing great promise in fighting fungal infections, even ones that have typically been resistant to drugs. Unlike bacterial infections, fungal infections have always been notoriously difficult to treat. Antibiotics usually have no effect on them, and fungal cells are similar enough to human cells that other potential treatments have a difficult time distinguishing between the infection and the cells it’s attacking. Fungus is an extremely tenacious form of life that evolves fast, which means that it can develop resistance to anti-fungal drugs very quickly. Mandimycin, a drug discovered by researchers from China Pharmaceutical University, works differently than other anti-fungal medications. Although it’s an antibiotic, it’s been shown to kill fungi responsible for drug-resistant infections, including those on the World Health Organization’s fungal priority pathogens list. The drug works by targeting fungal cells’ phospholipids, lipids that help form the cells’ membranes and regulate their permeability. When mandimycin binds to these lipids, holes appear in the fungal cells’ membranes, killing the cells. While mandimycin is part of the same class of drugs as the effective anti-fungal amphotericin B, the new drug’s side effects seem, at least in mice, to be much less severe. Amphotericin B is usually considered a “last resort” medication since it can lead to side effects like double vision, shortness of breath, and even seizures. Hopefully those unlucky enough to face a fungal infection will soon have a gentler, yet more effective option.
[Image description: A red-and-white toadstool on Kaien Island, British Columbia.] Credit & copyright: Extemporalist, Wikimedia Commons. This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
Anyone worrying about a potential The Last of Us situation can breathe a sigh of relief. A new, experimental antibiotic is showing great promise in fighting fungal infections, even ones that have typically been resistant to drugs. Unlike bacterial infections, fungal infections have always been notoriously difficult to treat. Antibiotics usually have no effect on them, and fungal cells are similar enough to human cells that other potential treatments have a difficult time distinguishing between the infection and the cells it’s attacking. Fungus is an extremely tenacious form of life that evolves fast, which means that it can develop resistance to anti-fungal drugs very quickly. Mandimycin, a drug discovered by researchers from China Pharmaceutical University, works differently than other anti-fungal medications. Although it’s an antibiotic, it’s been shown to kill fungi responsible for drug-resistant infections, including those on the World Health Organization’s fungal priority pathogens list. The drug works by targeting fungal cells’ phospholipids, lipids that help form the cells’ membranes and regulate their permeability. When mandimycin binds to these lipids, holes appear in the fungal cells’ membranes, killing the cells. While mandimycin is part of the same class of drugs as the effective anti-fungal amphotericin B, the new drug’s side effects seem, at least in mice, to be much less severe. Amphotericin B is usually considered a “last resort” medication since it can lead to side effects like double vision, shortness of breath, and even seizures. Hopefully those unlucky enough to face a fungal infection will soon have a gentler, yet more effective option.
[Image description: A red-and-white toadstool on Kaien Island, British Columbia.] Credit & copyright: Extemporalist, Wikimedia Commons. This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
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FREEEngineering Daily Curio #3058Free1 CQ
It sounds gross, but it really is good for you! This month in 1942, Anne Miller became the first patient to be successfully treated for a streptococcal infection with penicillin, the first antibiotic. The antibiotic properties of penicillin, a drug derived from a mold called Penicillium, were first discovered by Alexander Fleming in the late 1920s. Yet, it wasn’t until March 14, 1942, that the drug was used to save a civilian’s life. Miller was an everyday woman who had the tragic misfortune of suffering a complicated miscarriage. Within weeks, she began experiencing symptoms of a grave infection with a fever reaching 106.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The culprit was streptococcal septicemia, a deadly infection that was once common after miscarriages. Penicillin's potential had long been known by this point, and its use was already being tested in the U.K, but there were a couple of problems keeping it from widespread usage. First, a little conflict called WWII was taking place at the time, making it difficult to safely transport penicillin across the Atlantic. Secondly, penicillin was exceedingly difficult to extract, making it prohibitively expensive. Its supply was so limited that ome patients who were being treated for infections that penicillin could have defeated passed away anyway because they couldn't receive a full course.
As luck would have it, Miller's physician, Dr. John Bumstead, just so happened to be treating Dr. John Fulton, who just so happened to be friends with Howard Florey, an Australian researcher who was a pioneer in the use of penicillin for therapeutic purposes. Bumstead pleaded with Fulton to acquire a sample of the precious penicillin from his friend, and Florey obliged, using his connections in the pharmaceutical industry to secure a sample produced in the U.S. The penicillin was delivered to the hospital where Miller and Fulton were staying, and thanks to the miracle drug, Miller made a full recovery. She would go on to live another 57 years, passing away at the age of 90 in 1999. Next time you see a moldy piece of bread, show a little respect!
[Image description: A close-up photo of moldy bread.] Credit & copyright: Ciar, Wikimedia Commons. The copyright holder of this work, has released it into the public domain. This applies worldwide.It sounds gross, but it really is good for you! This month in 1942, Anne Miller became the first patient to be successfully treated for a streptococcal infection with penicillin, the first antibiotic. The antibiotic properties of penicillin, a drug derived from a mold called Penicillium, were first discovered by Alexander Fleming in the late 1920s. Yet, it wasn’t until March 14, 1942, that the drug was used to save a civilian’s life. Miller was an everyday woman who had the tragic misfortune of suffering a complicated miscarriage. Within weeks, she began experiencing symptoms of a grave infection with a fever reaching 106.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The culprit was streptococcal septicemia, a deadly infection that was once common after miscarriages. Penicillin's potential had long been known by this point, and its use was already being tested in the U.K, but there were a couple of problems keeping it from widespread usage. First, a little conflict called WWII was taking place at the time, making it difficult to safely transport penicillin across the Atlantic. Secondly, penicillin was exceedingly difficult to extract, making it prohibitively expensive. Its supply was so limited that ome patients who were being treated for infections that penicillin could have defeated passed away anyway because they couldn't receive a full course.
As luck would have it, Miller's physician, Dr. John Bumstead, just so happened to be treating Dr. John Fulton, who just so happened to be friends with Howard Florey, an Australian researcher who was a pioneer in the use of penicillin for therapeutic purposes. Bumstead pleaded with Fulton to acquire a sample of the precious penicillin from his friend, and Florey obliged, using his connections in the pharmaceutical industry to secure a sample produced in the U.S. The penicillin was delivered to the hospital where Miller and Fulton were staying, and thanks to the miracle drug, Miller made a full recovery. She would go on to live another 57 years, passing away at the age of 90 in 1999. Next time you see a moldy piece of bread, show a little respect!
[Image description: A close-up photo of moldy bread.] Credit & copyright: Ciar, Wikimedia Commons. The copyright holder of this work, has released it into the public domain. This applies worldwide.
April 2, 2025
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9 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
From the BBC World Service: Finland is planning to boost defense spending by $3.2 billion because of security worries. The Nordic country has seen a boom in ...
From the BBC World Service: Finland is planning to boost defense spending by $3.2 billion because of security worries. The Nordic country has seen a boom in ...
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FREEBiology Nerdy CurioFree1 CQ
Who are you calling ugly? Derided and memed across the internet for its droopy, endearingly ugly visage, the humble blobfish has finally found redemption. It was recently voted "Fish of the Year" in New Zealand. The blobfish has been an unlikely star since 2003, when images of its puffy face went viral on the early internet. Most photographs show a fish the color of light human skin with a frumpy face that seems to be in a deep frown. As its name suggests, the fish is also blobby, for lack of a better word. Despite these unflattering internet images, though, the blobfish doesn’t actually look as strange as one might think…at least, not in its natural environment.
There are several species of blobfish, also known as fatheads, and all are members of the family Psychrolutidae. They’re fairly small, only reaching lengths of around 12 inches. Small doesn’t mean weak, though. In fact, these fish live in one of the most extreme environments on Earth: the deep ocean. Blobfish live at depths between 2,000 and 3,900 feet, where water pressure can be over 100 times greater than at sea level. It’s so deep, in fact, that humans have observed very little of blobfishes' day-to-day lives. In this environment, blobfish actually look pretty unremarkable. They have smooth, gray skin and their bodies are somewhat tadpole-shaped, with round heads, prominent jaws, and long tails. Their skin is gelatinous, and is able to keep its shape only because of their home’s immense water pressure. It’s only when they’re brought to the surface, either by storms or human intervention, that blobfish start to get blobby. Their bodies expand uncontrollably, leading to a bloated, misshapen appearance. You could say that it’s a fish-out-of-water situation.
[Image description: A gray blobfish on the ocean floor surrounded by ocean plants and sea urchins.] Credit & copyright: Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska. Images in the NOAA Digital Library are in the “public domain” and cannot be copyrighted.Who are you calling ugly? Derided and memed across the internet for its droopy, endearingly ugly visage, the humble blobfish has finally found redemption. It was recently voted "Fish of the Year" in New Zealand. The blobfish has been an unlikely star since 2003, when images of its puffy face went viral on the early internet. Most photographs show a fish the color of light human skin with a frumpy face that seems to be in a deep frown. As its name suggests, the fish is also blobby, for lack of a better word. Despite these unflattering internet images, though, the blobfish doesn’t actually look as strange as one might think…at least, not in its natural environment.
There are several species of blobfish, also known as fatheads, and all are members of the family Psychrolutidae. They’re fairly small, only reaching lengths of around 12 inches. Small doesn’t mean weak, though. In fact, these fish live in one of the most extreme environments on Earth: the deep ocean. Blobfish live at depths between 2,000 and 3,900 feet, where water pressure can be over 100 times greater than at sea level. It’s so deep, in fact, that humans have observed very little of blobfishes' day-to-day lives. In this environment, blobfish actually look pretty unremarkable. They have smooth, gray skin and their bodies are somewhat tadpole-shaped, with round heads, prominent jaws, and long tails. Their skin is gelatinous, and is able to keep its shape only because of their home’s immense water pressure. It’s only when they’re brought to the surface, either by storms or human intervention, that blobfish start to get blobby. Their bodies expand uncontrollably, leading to a bloated, misshapen appearance. You could say that it’s a fish-out-of-water situation.
[Image description: A gray blobfish on the ocean floor surrounded by ocean plants and sea urchins.] Credit & copyright: Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska. Images in the NOAA Digital Library are in the “public domain” and cannot be copyrighted. -
FREEWorld History Daily Curio #3057Free1 CQ
Just because a war is undeclared doesn't mean it's not real. Just take a look at the Falkland Island War, a conflict between Argentina and the U.K. that began on this day in 1982. As its name implies, the Falkland Island War was fought over which nation had sovereignty over the islands, which are located 300 miles from the coast of Argentina. For most of their history, the Falkland Islands were uninhabited, but by the early 1800s, there were Argentine residents living there. Then, in 1833, Britain took control of the islands and forced out their inhabitants, establishing a population of British residents. After that, the island was recognized as belonging to the U.K., despite objections over the years from the government of Argentina.
In 1982, tensions finally boiled over after negotiations between the two countries fell through, and the Argentine military junta launched an invasion of the islands. The decision to reclaim them was partially motivated by the junta's declining grip on Argentina, and they believed that taking back the islands would garner support. British troops were also sent to the islands, and fighting commenced. The conflict lasted over two months and claimed nearly a thousand lives (649 Argentine and 255 British and Falkland Islanders), yet neither England nor Argentina officially declared war. The Falkland Islands remain under British control today, and their residents have rebuffed any attempts by the Argentine government to incorporate them into Argentina. Of the over 2,500 people currently living on the islands, nearly all are English-speaking and of British descent. The island's economy depends largely on a modest agricultural industry and tourism, without much in the way of natural resources. The dispute over the islands’ ownership is mostly just a matter of national pride for both sides. Who knew island life could be so controversial?
[Image description: The flag of the Falkland Islands, featuring a dark blue background, British flag in the upper left, and a seal with a sheep and a sailing ship in the lower right.] Credit & copyright: Government of Great Britain, Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain.Just because a war is undeclared doesn't mean it's not real. Just take a look at the Falkland Island War, a conflict between Argentina and the U.K. that began on this day in 1982. As its name implies, the Falkland Island War was fought over which nation had sovereignty over the islands, which are located 300 miles from the coast of Argentina. For most of their history, the Falkland Islands were uninhabited, but by the early 1800s, there were Argentine residents living there. Then, in 1833, Britain took control of the islands and forced out their inhabitants, establishing a population of British residents. After that, the island was recognized as belonging to the U.K., despite objections over the years from the government of Argentina.
In 1982, tensions finally boiled over after negotiations between the two countries fell through, and the Argentine military junta launched an invasion of the islands. The decision to reclaim them was partially motivated by the junta's declining grip on Argentina, and they believed that taking back the islands would garner support. British troops were also sent to the islands, and fighting commenced. The conflict lasted over two months and claimed nearly a thousand lives (649 Argentine and 255 British and Falkland Islanders), yet neither England nor Argentina officially declared war. The Falkland Islands remain under British control today, and their residents have rebuffed any attempts by the Argentine government to incorporate them into Argentina. Of the over 2,500 people currently living on the islands, nearly all are English-speaking and of British descent. The island's economy depends largely on a modest agricultural industry and tourism, without much in the way of natural resources. The dispute over the islands’ ownership is mostly just a matter of national pride for both sides. Who knew island life could be so controversial?
[Image description: The flag of the Falkland Islands, featuring a dark blue background, British flag in the upper left, and a seal with a sheep and a sailing ship in the lower right.] Credit & copyright: Government of Great Britain, Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain.
April 1, 2025
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7 minFREEWork Business CurioFree4 CQ
Some restaurants are still digging out of the hole the COVID-19 pandemic put them in. Many took on debt to survive the pandemic when they had to shutter; oth...
Some restaurants are still digging out of the hole the COVID-19 pandemic put them in. Many took on debt to survive the pandemic when they had to shutter; oth...
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FREEPolitical Science Daily Curio #3056Free1 CQ
This wasn’t an April Fools joke, but it almost seems like one. The state of Illinois recently allowed its citizens to vote on a new design for their state flag, and by far the largest share of the votes went to the existing design. Last year, Minnesota voted to adopt a new design for their state flag, and maybe Illinois was feeling a little left out. In the end, the state’s redesign contest came down to 10 finalists, and out of around 385,000 voters, 43 percent wanted to keep the same old-same old.
Illinois originally adopted their flag in 1915, and it's not exactly known for its vexillological beauty. It features an eagle atop a rock and a shield decorated with the stars and stripes with the setting sun in the background. Next to the eagle, a banner shows the state motto—"State Sovereignty, National Union”—and on the rock are two dates. One is 1868, the year the state seal (the eagle design featured on the flag itself) was adopted, and 1818 for when Illinois became a state. While it may seem strange to hold a flag-design contest, Illinois’ current flag was actually chosen via a similar contest in 1915 organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and that wasn't even the first time someone tried to come up with a different state flag for Illinois. A few years prior to that contest, a man named Wallace Rice designed a flag featuring blue and white stripes, 20 blue stars, and one white star. The 21 stars were meant to represent the fact that Illinois was the 21st state to be added to the Union, but no matter the symbolism, the flag was never approved by the state legislature. Other flags considered in the past included banners created for the state’s Centennial and Sesquicentennial celebrations in 1918 and 1968 respectively, and those two were also among the 10 finalists in the latest vote. Even with flags, it seems most people agree: if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
[Image description: The Illinois state flag: a white flag with an eagle in the center. The eagle holds a red banner reading “NATIONAL UNION” and “STATE SOVEREIGNTY" while standing on a rock listing the years 1868 and 1818. There is a yellow setting sun in the background.] Credit & copyright: Public Domain.This wasn’t an April Fools joke, but it almost seems like one. The state of Illinois recently allowed its citizens to vote on a new design for their state flag, and by far the largest share of the votes went to the existing design. Last year, Minnesota voted to adopt a new design for their state flag, and maybe Illinois was feeling a little left out. In the end, the state’s redesign contest came down to 10 finalists, and out of around 385,000 voters, 43 percent wanted to keep the same old-same old.
Illinois originally adopted their flag in 1915, and it's not exactly known for its vexillological beauty. It features an eagle atop a rock and a shield decorated with the stars and stripes with the setting sun in the background. Next to the eagle, a banner shows the state motto—"State Sovereignty, National Union”—and on the rock are two dates. One is 1868, the year the state seal (the eagle design featured on the flag itself) was adopted, and 1818 for when Illinois became a state. While it may seem strange to hold a flag-design contest, Illinois’ current flag was actually chosen via a similar contest in 1915 organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and that wasn't even the first time someone tried to come up with a different state flag for Illinois. A few years prior to that contest, a man named Wallace Rice designed a flag featuring blue and white stripes, 20 blue stars, and one white star. The 21 stars were meant to represent the fact that Illinois was the 21st state to be added to the Union, but no matter the symbolism, the flag was never approved by the state legislature. Other flags considered in the past included banners created for the state’s Centennial and Sesquicentennial celebrations in 1918 and 1968 respectively, and those two were also among the 10 finalists in the latest vote. Even with flags, it seems most people agree: if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
[Image description: The Illinois state flag: a white flag with an eagle in the center. The eagle holds a red banner reading “NATIONAL UNION” and “STATE SOVEREIGNTY" while standing on a rock listing the years 1868 and 1818. There is a yellow setting sun in the background.] Credit & copyright: Public Domain. -
2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: April 1, 2025\SYE-nuh-shur\ noun
What It Means
A cynosure is a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: April 1, 2025\SYE-nuh-shur\ noun
What It Means
A cynosure is a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest...
March 31, 2025
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 31, 2025\PEN-chunt\ noun
What It Means
Penchant refers to a strong liking for something, or a strong tendency to beha...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 31, 2025\PEN-chunt\ noun
What It Means
Penchant refers to a strong liking for something, or a strong tendency to beha...
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10 minFREEWork Business CurioFree6 CQ
President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the U.S. This is on top of other import taxes already in effect. An...
President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on cars, trucks and auto parts imported into the U.S. This is on top of other import taxes already in effect. An...
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FREEAesthetic Art CurioFree1 CQ
This muse has got some moves. In this painting from 1800, French artist Charles Meynier depicted Polyhymnia, one of the nine muses in Greek mythology. The piece above, Polyhymnia, Muse of Eloquence, shows a woman dressed in ancient Greek attire, with her arms outstretched to the left. She stands in front of a chair, behind which is a bust of a bearded man. The daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Polyhymnia was a muse of dancing and geometry. In some legends, she is credited as the inventor of the lyre. Fitting, considering that she is often said to be the mother of Orpheus, the tragic hero known for his skill with the stringed instrument. In line with her association with dancing and the lyre, she is also mentioned in some legends as the muse of song and music. That makes sense. After all, you need music if you want to dance!
Polyhymnia, Muse of Eloquence, Charles Meynier
(1768–1832), 1800, Oil on canvas, 108.25 x 69.68 in., The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio
[Image credit & copyright: Charles Meynier (French, 1768–1832). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2003.6.1. Public Domain, Creative Commons Zero (CC0) designation.]This muse has got some moves. In this painting from 1800, French artist Charles Meynier depicted Polyhymnia, one of the nine muses in Greek mythology. The piece above, Polyhymnia, Muse of Eloquence, shows a woman dressed in ancient Greek attire, with her arms outstretched to the left. She stands in front of a chair, behind which is a bust of a bearded man. The daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Polyhymnia was a muse of dancing and geometry. In some legends, she is credited as the inventor of the lyre. Fitting, considering that she is often said to be the mother of Orpheus, the tragic hero known for his skill with the stringed instrument. In line with her association with dancing and the lyre, she is also mentioned in some legends as the muse of song and music. That makes sense. After all, you need music if you want to dance!
Polyhymnia, Muse of Eloquence, Charles Meynier
(1768–1832), 1800, Oil on canvas, 108.25 x 69.68 in., The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio
[Image credit & copyright: Charles Meynier (French, 1768–1832). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2003.6.1. Public Domain, Creative Commons Zero (CC0) designation.] -
FREENutrition Daily Curio #3055Free1 CQ
Here’s a citrus to celebrate. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that eating citrus might be an effective way to lower the risk of developing depression. Depression is an extremely common condition, yet it can be extremely difficult to treat. Around 290 million people worldwide are thought to suffer from the disorder, and for many of them, treatments aren’t effective. In fact, around 70 percent of those with depression don’t find antidepressants to be effective. However, in recent years, researchers have found a strong link between an individual's gut microbiome and their mental health, and the Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce the risk of depression by almost 35 percent. Now, similar effects have been found in patients who eat at least one orange every day.
Harvard researchers’ recently examined a study known as the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS2), which began in 1989 and involved detailed interviews with 100,000 regarding their diets and lifestyles. Those who ate a lot of citrus tended to have significantly lower rates of depression compared to those who didn't. Based on the data, just one medium orange every day might lower the risk of depression by up to 20 percent. But it's not the orange that's helping directly. Rather, citrus consumption promotes the growth of F. Prausnitzii, a beneficial bacterium found in the gut. Researchers believe that F. Prausnitzii affects the production of serotonin and dopamine in the intestines, which can make their way to the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are the hormones that are often lacking in people with depression. Apples might keep the doctor away, but it seems that oranges really keep the blues at bay.
[Image description: Rows of cut oranges.] Credit & copyright: Engin Akyurt, PexelsHere’s a citrus to celebrate. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that eating citrus might be an effective way to lower the risk of developing depression. Depression is an extremely common condition, yet it can be extremely difficult to treat. Around 290 million people worldwide are thought to suffer from the disorder, and for many of them, treatments aren’t effective. In fact, around 70 percent of those with depression don’t find antidepressants to be effective. However, in recent years, researchers have found a strong link between an individual's gut microbiome and their mental health, and the Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce the risk of depression by almost 35 percent. Now, similar effects have been found in patients who eat at least one orange every day.
Harvard researchers’ recently examined a study known as the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS2), which began in 1989 and involved detailed interviews with 100,000 regarding their diets and lifestyles. Those who ate a lot of citrus tended to have significantly lower rates of depression compared to those who didn't. Based on the data, just one medium orange every day might lower the risk of depression by up to 20 percent. But it's not the orange that's helping directly. Rather, citrus consumption promotes the growth of F. Prausnitzii, a beneficial bacterium found in the gut. Researchers believe that F. Prausnitzii affects the production of serotonin and dopamine in the intestines, which can make their way to the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are the hormones that are often lacking in people with depression. Apples might keep the doctor away, but it seems that oranges really keep the blues at bay.
[Image description: Rows of cut oranges.] Credit & copyright: Engin Akyurt, Pexels
March 30, 2025
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 30, 2025\un-TOH-erd\ adjective
What It Means
Untoward is a formal word that describes something that is improper or i...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 30, 2025\un-TOH-erd\ adjective
What It Means
Untoward is a formal word that describes something that is improper or i...
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9 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
Student loan borrowers saw a bit of a reprieve during the pandemic and the following years, with many lenders stopping repayment obligations and freezing int...
Student loan borrowers saw a bit of a reprieve during the pandemic and the following years, with many lenders stopping repayment obligations and freezing int...
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FREEUS History PP&T CurioFree1 CQ
Rags to riches is an understatement. Madam C.J. Walker, the daughter of two former slaves, worked her way up the ladder of a prejudiced society to earn enormous riches as an entrepreneur. Today we're celebrating her birthday with a look back at her remarkable career.
As a young black woman living in St. Louis in the 1890s, Walker didn't start out looking for the "next big idea." She was eking out a living for her and her daughter as a washerwoman. It wasn't until she found a job as a sales agent with a haircare company that things started taking off. The role was personal for her, as she suffered from scalp rashes and balding. Plus, her brothers worked in the hair business as barbers.
Walker was successful selling other people's hair products, but employment was getting in the way of her dream. Literally: a man who visited her in a dream inspired her to start her own company, selling hair and beauty products geared towards black women. The Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, of which Walker was the sole stakeholder, made its fortunes on sales of Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower. 19th-century hygiene called for only infrequent hair washing, which led to scalp infections, bacteria, lice, and—most commonly—balding. Walker's Hair Grower combatted balding and was backed by Walker's own guarantee that she used it to fix her own hair issues. A marketing strategy focused on black women, a neglected but growing portion of consumers, was a key ingredient for success.
As the business grew, Walker revealed bigger ambitions. “I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself," she said. "I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race." Her company employed some 40,000 “Walker Agents” to teach women about proper hair care. Walker stepped beyond the boundaries of her business as a social activist and philanthropist. She donated thousands to the NAACP and put her voice behind causes like preserving Frederick Douglass's home and fighting for the rights of black World War I veterans.
It's often claimed that Walker was America's first black female self-made millionaire. But when she passed away in 1919, assessors found out her estate totaled around $600,000. Not that the number matters at all, really; Walker's legacy is priceless. We're guessing the businessmen and women she inspired could more than make up the difference.Rags to riches is an understatement. Madam C.J. Walker, the daughter of two former slaves, worked her way up the ladder of a prejudiced society to earn enormous riches as an entrepreneur. Today we're celebrating her birthday with a look back at her remarkable career.
As a young black woman living in St. Louis in the 1890s, Walker didn't start out looking for the "next big idea." She was eking out a living for her and her daughter as a washerwoman. It wasn't until she found a job as a sales agent with a haircare company that things started taking off. The role was personal for her, as she suffered from scalp rashes and balding. Plus, her brothers worked in the hair business as barbers.
Walker was successful selling other people's hair products, but employment was getting in the way of her dream. Literally: a man who visited her in a dream inspired her to start her own company, selling hair and beauty products geared towards black women. The Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, of which Walker was the sole stakeholder, made its fortunes on sales of Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower. 19th-century hygiene called for only infrequent hair washing, which led to scalp infections, bacteria, lice, and—most commonly—balding. Walker's Hair Grower combatted balding and was backed by Walker's own guarantee that she used it to fix her own hair issues. A marketing strategy focused on black women, a neglected but growing portion of consumers, was a key ingredient for success.
As the business grew, Walker revealed bigger ambitions. “I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself," she said. "I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race." Her company employed some 40,000 “Walker Agents” to teach women about proper hair care. Walker stepped beyond the boundaries of her business as a social activist and philanthropist. She donated thousands to the NAACP and put her voice behind causes like preserving Frederick Douglass's home and fighting for the rights of black World War I veterans.
It's often claimed that Walker was America's first black female self-made millionaire. But when she passed away in 1919, assessors found out her estate totaled around $600,000. Not that the number matters at all, really; Walker's legacy is priceless. We're guessing the businessmen and women she inspired could more than make up the difference.
March 29, 2025
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 29, 2025\ih-LOO-suh-dayt\ verb
What It Means
To elucidate something is to make it clear or easy to understand.
// Th...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 29, 2025\ih-LOO-suh-dayt\ verb
What It Means
To elucidate something is to make it clear or easy to understand.
// Th...
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9 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
The current economic landscape, marked by tariffs and other policy-driven uncertainty, could be a particularly difficult one for Fed decision-makers to navig...
The current economic landscape, marked by tariffs and other policy-driven uncertainty, could be a particularly difficult one for Fed decision-makers to navig...
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FREESports Sporty CurioFree1 CQ
This goal comes courtesy of the Great Lake State. The New York Sirens made hockey history during a recent Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game, when forward Abby Roque made the league’s very first “Michigan” goal. This difficult style of goal happens when a player picks up a puck behind the net with their stick, lifts it into the air, and shoots it back into the net at a short distance. Roque is a native of (where else?) Michigan. Though the Sirens lost the match 5-2 to the Ottawa Charge, the goal still marks an important moment in women’s hockey, as Michigan goals are exceedingly difficult to pull off. In post game media, Roque was in high spirits as she explained that a Michigan goal had been, well, a goal of hers for a long time. “...it's something that I jokingly say every day when I come to the rink. I'm like, Okay, Michigan today, and I don't actually mean it, but the opportunity presented itself, so I had to try,” she said. Michiganders represent!
This goal comes courtesy of the Great Lake State. The New York Sirens made hockey history during a recent Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game, when forward Abby Roque made the league’s very first “Michigan” goal. This difficult style of goal happens when a player picks up a puck behind the net with their stick, lifts it into the air, and shoots it back into the net at a short distance. Roque is a native of (where else?) Michigan. Though the Sirens lost the match 5-2 to the Ottawa Charge, the goal still marks an important moment in women’s hockey, as Michigan goals are exceedingly difficult to pull off. In post game media, Roque was in high spirits as she explained that a Michigan goal had been, well, a goal of hers for a long time. “...it's something that I jokingly say every day when I come to the rink. I'm like, Okay, Michigan today, and I don't actually mean it, but the opportunity presented itself, so I had to try,” she said. Michiganders represent!
March 28, 2025
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9 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
From the BBC World Service: As Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, says the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner, Canadian businesses that work with Americ...
From the BBC World Service: As Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, says the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner, Canadian businesses that work with Americ...
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 28, 2025\DAIR-uh-likt\ adjective
What It Means
Derelict is a formal word that describes something that is no longer c...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 28, 2025\DAIR-uh-likt\ adjective
What It Means
Derelict is a formal word that describes something that is no longer c...
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FREEMind + Body Daily CurioFree1 CQ
You can’t help but catch a whiff as you chow down with this dish. Referring to a food as “stinky” might seem rude, but it’s actually a point of pride for makers of stinky tofu. This Chinese dish’s actual name, chòu dòufu, literally translates to “smelly tofu”, and is lovingly referred to as stinky tofu in English. The dish has gone viral in recent years as influencers descend on Asian food markets to try unusual dishes on camera, but stinky tofu’s history predates the internet by quite a few years. In fact, it’s ancient.
Stinky tofu is, of course, a kind of tofu, which is a gelatinous food made from soybean paste. The paste is mixed with soy milk, then an acidic coagulant is added, causing the milk to curdle, thus producing solid pieces of tofu. Normal tofu has a very mild smell, though it’s great at soaking up the smells and flavors of dishes that it’s added to. Unlike regular tofu, stinky tofu is fermented, and its pungent aroma, which is sometimes compared to that of rotting vegetables, comes from the brine it’s made in. Fermentation is the same process that turns cucumbers into pickles; it involves submerging food into a brine and keeping it in a sealed container until yeast and bacteria create chemical changes that make it taste (and smell) different. Stinky tofu is usually fermented in a brine of veggies like bamboo shoots and greens, meat products like dried shrimp, fermented milk, and spices. While stinky tofu’s flavor is stronger than that of normal tofu, it’s not nearly as overpowering as its smell. The dish is creamy and rich, with a sour, somewhat salty flavor. It can be eaten in many different ways: cold, steamed, or fried. It’s usually served with spicy sauce for dipping.
Stinky tofu dates all the way back to China’s Qing Dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1912. Unlike many ancient foods, we actually know who invented stinky tofu: a scholar-turned-tofu-merchant named Wang Zhihe. In 1669, he journeyed to Beijing from his home in Anhui province to try his hand at becoming part of China’s state bureaucracy. However, he failed the official examination for the job, and found himself low on funds after his journey. To keep afloat, Zhihe set up a tofu stand in the city. His bad luck continued, though, and he ended up with a lot of unsold tofu. Rather than let it go to waste, Zhihe fermented the tofu in jars. This new, stinky tofu was a hit, as it stood out from Beijing’s other street food offerings. To this day, stinky tofu is mainly sold as a street food, both at permanent food stalls and at pop up events, like festivals and night markets. It’s especially popular in Taiwan, and is considered by many to be Taiwan’s unofficial “national snack food.” Sometimes, pungency is perfection.
[Image description: A plate of five thick tofu squares with shredded vegetables in the center.] Credit & copyright: Pilzland, Wikimedia Commons. The copyright holder of this work has made it available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.You can’t help but catch a whiff as you chow down with this dish. Referring to a food as “stinky” might seem rude, but it’s actually a point of pride for makers of stinky tofu. This Chinese dish’s actual name, chòu dòufu, literally translates to “smelly tofu”, and is lovingly referred to as stinky tofu in English. The dish has gone viral in recent years as influencers descend on Asian food markets to try unusual dishes on camera, but stinky tofu’s history predates the internet by quite a few years. In fact, it’s ancient.
Stinky tofu is, of course, a kind of tofu, which is a gelatinous food made from soybean paste. The paste is mixed with soy milk, then an acidic coagulant is added, causing the milk to curdle, thus producing solid pieces of tofu. Normal tofu has a very mild smell, though it’s great at soaking up the smells and flavors of dishes that it’s added to. Unlike regular tofu, stinky tofu is fermented, and its pungent aroma, which is sometimes compared to that of rotting vegetables, comes from the brine it’s made in. Fermentation is the same process that turns cucumbers into pickles; it involves submerging food into a brine and keeping it in a sealed container until yeast and bacteria create chemical changes that make it taste (and smell) different. Stinky tofu is usually fermented in a brine of veggies like bamboo shoots and greens, meat products like dried shrimp, fermented milk, and spices. While stinky tofu’s flavor is stronger than that of normal tofu, it’s not nearly as overpowering as its smell. The dish is creamy and rich, with a sour, somewhat salty flavor. It can be eaten in many different ways: cold, steamed, or fried. It’s usually served with spicy sauce for dipping.
Stinky tofu dates all the way back to China’s Qing Dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1912. Unlike many ancient foods, we actually know who invented stinky tofu: a scholar-turned-tofu-merchant named Wang Zhihe. In 1669, he journeyed to Beijing from his home in Anhui province to try his hand at becoming part of China’s state bureaucracy. However, he failed the official examination for the job, and found himself low on funds after his journey. To keep afloat, Zhihe set up a tofu stand in the city. His bad luck continued, though, and he ended up with a lot of unsold tofu. Rather than let it go to waste, Zhihe fermented the tofu in jars. This new, stinky tofu was a hit, as it stood out from Beijing’s other street food offerings. To this day, stinky tofu is mainly sold as a street food, both at permanent food stalls and at pop up events, like festivals and night markets. It’s especially popular in Taiwan, and is considered by many to be Taiwan’s unofficial “national snack food.” Sometimes, pungency is perfection.
[Image description: A plate of five thick tofu squares with shredded vegetables in the center.] Credit & copyright: Pilzland, Wikimedia Commons. The copyright holder of this work has made it available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
