Topic

Geography & Places

A collection of 113 issues

The Great Swedish Church Migration: An Engineering Marvel as Slow TV

To escape an expanding iron ore mine, the Swedish town of Kiruna is moving its iconic 1912 church whole. The 600-tonne wooden structure's slow, multi-day journey is a marvel of engineering and a key part of one of history's most ambitious urban relocations.

Technology & Innovation Culture & Design Geography & Places

Titanpointe: Inside the Windowless New York Skyscraper Allegedly Tapping the World's Communications

In Manhattan, the windowless 33 Thomas Street skyscraper is more than an AT&T telecom hub. Snowden-leaked documents identify it as 'Titanpointe,' a top-secret NSA surveillance site tapping global communications, monitoring calls, faxes, and internet data.

Geography & Places Technology & Innovation Politics & Power

Nine Years a Nation: The Unfamiliar Story of the Republic of Texas

Before the iconic lone star represented a state, it symbolized a nation. For nearly a decade, Texas was a sovereign country, navigating international diplomacy, creating its own currency, and defining its identity after a revolution, a unique chapter before its voluntary union with the U.S.

History Politics & Power Geography & Places

When Ice Burns: Inside the World's Coldest Fire Department

In one of the Earth's most hostile environments, a team combats an unexpected threat: fire. Antarctica's professional fire department at McMurdo Station protects residents and vital science from heightened fire risk in the extremely dry, windy conditions.

Geography & Places Work & Labor Oddities & Curiosities

Mapping Marx: How East Germany Wrote an Ideology Onto Its Landscape

To cement its ideology, East Germany held 'Karl Marx Years,' state-sponsored events that went beyond ceremony. Entire cities, like Chemnitz which became Karl-Marx-Stadt, and universities were renamed, tangibly weaving the philosopher's legacy into the very fabric of daily life.

History Politics & Power Geography & Places

A Cup of Coffee in Two Countries: The Cartographical Chaos of Baarle

On the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, the town of Baarle exists as a geopolitical puzzle. Resulting from medieval treaties, its international boundary runs through homes and businesses, creating a place where residents navigate the laws of two countries simply by walking across a room.

Geography & Places History Oddities & Curiosities

Beyond Today's Maps: The Slow, Unstoppable Collision Forming Pangaea Proxima

Plate tectonics are slowly rearranging our world. In 250 million years, the Atlantic may vanish, merging the Americas with a fused Afro-Eurasian landmass. This theorized supercontinent, Pangaea Proxima, offers a profound look at the dynamic, ever-changing nature of Earth's surface.

Science & Nature Geography & Places Environment & Climate

Around a Continent on One Road: The Story of Australia's 'Big Lap' and Highway 1

Australia's Highway 1, the world's longest national highway at 14,500km, encircles the continent. It's more than just a road; it's a rite of passage known as the 'Big Lap,' offering an unparalleled journey through the nation's vast deserts, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities.

Geography & Places Adventure & Exploration Transportation & Infrastructure

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