Lighting the Darkness

Near the turn of the 20th century, Alaska lured thousands of eager prospectors in search of precious minerals to its bountiful mountains. What many found was far more treacherous.

How the Alaska Gold Rush Turned Out to Be Hoax (3:33)

As technology changed, cameras got smaller and color film got simpler, it became possible for soldiers to document the war raging around them.

This Veteran’s Suggestion Made Filming WWII Easier (2:11)

The art of designing deceptive camouflage, once improvised and hand-painted by soldiers in the field, has made tremendous technological and scientific advancements since the First World War.

How Close to Invisible Can We Make Soldiers? (2:03)

One scene in Platoon is directly based on Oliver Stone's first encounter with enemy soldiers in Vietnam. (Still Image: iStock/inhauscreative)

The Real Ambush That Inspired a Scene from Platoon (2:42)

The hallmark of every Die Hard movie is John McClane's ability to get out of the most dangerous situations with the minimum of effort - often using the most unlikely props. But would it really work?

Is This Scene from Die Hard Really Possible? (2:19)

Despite its dry desert landscapes, Utah is a land of surprises, and Glen Canyon is one of them, rivaling Arizona's Grand Canyon for sheer majesty.

Utah's Otherworldly Landscapes (2:20)

From the unearthly pinnacles of Arches National Park to the blinding white terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah has an alien beauty that you must see to believe. It has a history uniquely its own, from the tragedy of the Donner Party to the arrival of Brigham Young, an American leader who built Mormonism into one of the most successful religions in the world. This journey over the Beehive State celebrates a land that offers endless surprises and possibilities.

Utah's Otherworldly Landscapes (2:20)

As a nectar feeder, the lesser long-nosed bat follows the trail of cactus blooms between Mexico and the U.S. One of the plants it also plays a major role in pollinating is agave, which gives us tequila.

The Strange Link Between Bats and Tequila (2:02)

Many attribute the spread of Christianity in Ireland to St. Patrick. But Medieval history and scientific evidence dating back to 540 A.D. hint at a more cosmic reason.

Is This the Reason Ireland Converted to Christianity? (3:39)