Language Quirk: Brazil’s Portuguese in Spanish South America
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided newly discovered lands beyond Europe between Spain and Portugal, using a north-south meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. This agreement effectively split the South American continent into two spheres: Spain controlled most territory to the west of the line, while Portugal claimed land to […]
Rediscovering Morocco’s Ourika Valley
Vivian Yee of The New York Times highlights Ourika Valley, Morocco, as one of the top travel destinations for 2024. Despite recovering from an earthquake in 2023, Ourika Valley offers breathtaking landscapes, supporting local lives in an economy dependent on tourism. Ourika Valley is the dreamiest of escapes: silvery-green olive groves that give way to […]
In-law Hate: A Waste of Life
Psychotherapist Philippa Perry, and columnist for The Guardian, responds to a reader’s question: “Does it really matter if your in-laws hate you?” It matters if your in-laws hate you. They’re going to be upset, you’re going to be upset, your partner is going to feel pretty horrible too. Dislike can be easier to feel than […]
Celebrating Normandy’s Impressionist Legacy
Normandy, France, is poised as one of the top travel destinations for 2024, according to Seth Sherwood of The New York Times. Celebrating its role in the Impressionist art movement, Normandy hosts the Normandy Impressionist Festival, tracing the footsteps of Impressionist masters amidst charming landscapes. Combine with picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and charming villages. Rouen, […]
Benny Ong’s Evolution from Couturier to Textile Artist
Benny Ong, a Singaporean artist-designer, gained fame for dressing royalty, notably Princess Diana. In an interview with May Yip of the Business Times (Singapore) from the 1990s, Ong discusses his evolution from couture fashion to textile-based artworks: I appreciate the beauty and nature of textiles but fashion is limited to a degree; it is very […]
The Curse of the Charismatic Startup Founder
Perhaps the problem with charismatic business leaders is that we’re just suckers for them. Quote from Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Art of Disruption (2022): A necessary part of starting a company is to be able to tell a story of where you’re going, what the vision is, and […]
Discovering Massa-Carrara, Italy’s Artistic Legacy
Massa-Carrara, Italy, emerges as a top recommendation from Ingrid K. Williams of The New York Times for 2024. This region boasts a rich artistic heritage, including marble quarries, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern galleries. As part of the Uffizi Diffusi program, the renowned Uffizi museum relocates masterpieces to alleviate overcrowding, making Massa-Carrara a prime destination for […]
Singapore’s Hawker Chan: The Once-Michelin-Starred Master of Soya Sauce Chicken
In Singapore, hawker stalls hold a special place as a cherished cultural tradition. Locals eagerly visit these modest establishments, seeking culinary pleasure and the irresistible umami flavor they offer. Matilda Egere-Cooper, writing for The Culture Trip, shines a spotlight on Hawker Chan, renowned for its budget-friendly $2.50 soy sauce chicken noodle dish. While this Michelin-starred […]
Exploring Iceland’s Puffin Paradise
Nicholas Gill of The New York Times highlights Iceland’s enchanting puffin colonies, renowned for their stunning coastal cliffs and dramatic landscapes. In 2024, the Westman Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, off Iceland’s south coast, emerge as top travel destinations. Improved accessibility with a new electric ferry connecting the islands to the mainland has inspired many […]
Ron DeSantis’ Downfall: A Story of Recklessness and Ruin
In The Guardian, political journalist Sidney Blumenthal discusses how Ron DeSantis’s campaign for the Republican Party’s presidential candidacy became entangled in excessive conflict, mudslinging, and divisiveness. Attempting to out-Trump Trump, DeSantis showcased a thirst for unchecked power and control: The aspiring authoritarian tries to seize absolute authority through contempt for civil authority. But once he […]