History

Google’s “Year in Search” for 2020

Just in case you didn’t know it, 2020 has been a pretty trying year on so many levels. So much has happened in the last 12 months that it is easy to forget some of what we have all been through. Each year Google puts out their “Year in Search” video which curates visuals associated with the most dominant trend in search, and this year the trend was “why?”.

Google captures 2020 in 3 minutes and reminds all of us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that while this year has been rough, to say the least, there is a reason to keep going. Here’s to 2021 and a better year ahead.

The Unoffical History of America’s National Parks

The video below is the unofficial history of the National Parks of the United States. It’s a lo-fi lesson in history with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Made by — Ryan Maxey: MaxeyFishAndSea.com there is a ton of historical footage, bad titles, 8 bit music, and one very important point. How much the arts had to do with the development, and survival of our National Park System.

Ted Ed, How Hitler Rose To Power. An Animated Short.

The video below is a lesson in history and how fragile democracy can be. Alex Gendler and Anthony Hazard lesson were animated by Uncle Ginger for Ted ED, and as the video progresses creates some uncanny parallels to this election cycle in America. The video itself is wonderfully animated and illustrated. The look keeps the viewer engaged as the narrator explains how Hitler came to power in Germany, and the events following the end of the First World War that helped to propel his rise in power. It is a quick overview that manages to summarize the history into a quick and digestible lesson. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions about the parallels to this year’s elections and the candidates running.

“Seven Days”, April 1968.

This video is a masterful blend of archival footage, newly captured video, animated stills, and CGI. it encompasses one of the greatest tragedies for America in the 20th century, and one of our greatest triumphs. If you are old enough to remember April 1968, this will bring back plenty of memories for you. If you weren’t around, or to young, hopefully it will inspire you to learn a bit more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Fair Housing Act, and the state of politics and race in America in the late sixties. We’ve come a long way since then, but have miles to go.