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The stories behind the episodes — history, pop culture, and the little things that make you just dangerous enough to hold your own. New reads every week.
What Is a Semiquincentennial? America's 250th Has a Name Nobody Can Say and a Job Nobody's Doing
What is a semiquincentennial? A 250th anniversary, and America's arrived on a Constitution the founders never expected anyone to still be using.
What Does Blandishment Mean? The Word for Every Nice Thing Somebody Says Right Before They Ask You for Something
What does blandishment mean? Flattery with an agenda attached, and the difference between a compliment and a blandishment is entirely in what comes next.
Was the Constitution Meant to Be a Rough Draft? The Debate America Forgot to Have
Jefferson thought the Constitution should expire every 19 years. Madison built a machine instead. At America's 250th, we debate whether we've stopped doing the maintenance.
America Turns 250: 5 Facts That Will Make You the Smartest Person at the BBQ
A C-grade college paper that changed the Constitution, Hamilton's secret contempt, and 8,000 living Washingtons. Semiquincentennial fun facts from Episode 110.