Topic

Geography & Places

A collection of 107 issues

Beyond Marilyn Monroe: The Quirky World of Britain's 'Marilyns' and 'Munros'

In Britain, a 'Marilyn' isn't a person but a hill with a prominence over 150m, a pun on the more famous 'Munro'—a Scottish mountain over 3,000ft. Discover the fascinating hobby of 'peak bagging' and the unique classifications that define the British landscape.

Adventure & Exploration Geography & Places Sports & Games

From Prank to Prestige: How a Plastic Flamingo Became the Official Bird of Madison, Wisconsin

In a testament to its quirky spirit, Madison, Wisconsin's official bird is the pink plastic flamingo. The title commemorates a legendary 1979 prank by UW students from the Pail and Shovel Party, who famously covered the campus's Bascom Hill with over one thousand of the iconic lawn ornaments.

History Geography & Places Art, Culture & Design

The Lost Mausoleum: Alexandria's Centuries-Long Quest for Alexander the Great's Tomb

For centuries, the tomb of Alexander the Great, once a famous pilgrimage site in Alexandria, has been lost to history. Since the 19th century, over 100 official excavations have tried and failed to find it, making it one of archaeology's most enduring and captivating mysteries.

History Adventure & Exploration Geography & Places

Singapore's Royal Ghost: How the Lion City Became a Republic From Day One

Singapore, once a medieval kingdom, became a republic the moment it gained independence from Malaysia in 1965. It has never had a monarch in its modern history, with its first head of state, Yusof Ishak, transitioning from a governor-like role to become its first President.

History Geography & Places Biography & Personal Stories

Skulls, Powders, and Potions: A Journey into the World's Largest Voodoo Market

The Akodessawa Fetish Market in Lomé, Togo, is the world's largest voodoo market. It offers animal parts like monkey heads and dried snakes, used not for dark magic but as essential ingredients in traditional West African Vodun remedies and rituals for healing and spiritual well-being.

Religion & Philosophy Geography & Places Art, Culture & Design

South Sudan: The Story of the World's Newest Country and Its Tumultuous First Decade

On July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world's newest nation after a historic referendum, ending decades of civil war with Sudan. Despite initial optimism, the country has since faced immense challenges, including internal conflict, humanitarian crises, and the difficult task of nation-building.

History Geography & Places Wars, Conflict & Heroes

Jojoba's Secret: How a Scribble Sent a Desert Plant to China (On Paper)

The Jojoba plant's scientific name, Simmondsia chinensis, implies it's from China. This is a historical error. A 19th-century botanist misread the collector's handwritten label 'Calif.' for California as 'China,' and the name stuck due to scientific naming rules.

Science & Nature History Geography & Places

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