Who Invented the Emoticon and Emoji? (And How They’re Forever Changing Written Language)

Emoticons and emoji are used to bring nuance to short text passages that might be misunderstood otherwise. Of course, some folks use it for decoration, emphasis, and humor, but that wasn’t the original idea. Written language was first used to convey information, but as time passed and technology enabled communication over distances, humanity has struggled […]



Are the Illuminati Actually Real?

The year was 1776. In Bavaria, new ideals of rationalism, religious freedom and universal human rights competed with the Catholic church’s heavy influence over public affairs. Adam Weishaupt, a law professor frustrated with the Church’s ideology, decided to spread his ideas through a secret society: the Illuminati. Chip Berlet dives into the history, ideals and […]