Oil!

According to the Writer’s Almanac, today is the 156th anniversary of the first oil well, which was drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania.  Although petroleum had been seen and used much earlier, this was humankind’s first foray into exploration for the stuff.

We all know the story of how oil came to dominate our world’s commerce and consequent military endeavors.  Now we’re watching (and some of us actively helping) all this unravel, as various sources of renewable energy replace fossil fuels at the maximum practical rate, and provide a sustainable approach to powering our civilization.