The Iranian Revolution

The Iranian Revolution

Podcast Transcript The story of modern Iran is a collision between a monarchy with a history dating back to the Persian Empire and a frustrated nation with massive oil reserves historically coveted by Western powers. Governed by an authoritarian monarch in the mid-20th century who welcomed Western influence, the nation grew increasingly resentful of foreign …

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Everything You Never Really Cared To Know About Groundhog Day

Everything You Never Really Cared To Know About Groundhog Day

Podcast Transcript Every February 2nd, a small ceremony takes place in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  A crowd will gather to see if a rodent can see its shadow. The results of said shadow seeing are supposed to have implications for the long-term weather forecast.  If all of that sounds a bit absurd, you are …

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Questions and Answers: Volume 39

Questions and Answers: Volume 39

Podcast Transcript February is upon us. It is a time when we in the United States predict the weather on the basis of a rodent seeing its shadow, and we celebrate American presidents by buying linen and mattresses.  We also celebrate romance and sweethearts by honoring a 3rd century Roman bishop who was beheaded.  If …

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The Battle of Trafalgar

The Battle of Trafalgar

Podcast Transcript In 1805, an epic confrontation occurred off the southwest coast of Spain, resulting in one of the greatest naval battles in history.  This monumental sea battle saw the British and French fleets facing each other in one of the most important conflicts of the Napoleonic Wars. When the smoke cleared, the results left …

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The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Switzerland

The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces begin on the eastern outskirts of Lausanne, Switzerland and cover a roughly 30 km along the stretch of Lake Geneva’s northern shore in the canton (similar to a state) of Vaud. This is a stunning area and a wine route through the Lavaux vineyards is a popular activity for travelers hoping …

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Patrice Lumumba and Congolese Independence

Patrice Lumumba and Congolese Independence

Podcast Transcript After decades of Belgian rule, Congo gained independence in June 1960 under the leadership of the nation’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba. However, hope was quickly shattered by Cold War rivalries and a fierce internal power struggle.  Lumumba’s vision for a sovereign, prosperous Congo was crushed by forces that prevented the nation from …

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The Seven Wonders of the Philippines

The Seven Wonders of the Philippines

The Seven Wonders of the World is a fun list that has inspired a lot of people to look at other countries in a new light. The New Seven Wonders of the World furthered that fascination with the best natural and made-made beauty that every country has to offer. For that reason, my Seven Wonders …

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The History of Disney Animation

The History of Disney Animation

Podcast Transcript Disney is one of the most popular and well-known brands in the world. They are a massive conglomerate of movie studios, television networks,  a cruise line, and theme parks. The massive company we know today, however, had much more humble beginnings. It all began with a man and a cartoon mouse.  Learn about …

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Visiting Refugees in Bangkok

This guest post was written by Jodi Ettenberg who blogs at LegalNomads.com. Jodi is one of the most accomplished travelers I’ve met in the last three years. She left her job as an attorney in New York City to pursue her dream of traveling. I met Jodi in Bangkok in 2010 and visited the Immigration …

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