This article focuses on the Territories of France. It is part of a three-part series explaining the current day situation of the remnants of the colonial empires of the early 20th century, almost all of which are small islands scattered around the world. Other parts of the territories series examine the status of British territories and U.S. …
Wat Hup Ta Khrot temple left an indelible mark on my psyche. Not only because it was the first major temple complex we visited in Thailand, but it also introduced me to Thai polytheism. The idea that different gods and even religions could be worshiped together, side by side in peace and harmony simultaneously baffled …
Banff National Park is the oldest and most popular national park in Canada. Located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, it attracts millions of visitors every year due to its mountainous landscape, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for hikes or you love road trips …
Podcast Transcript Perhaps the preeminent symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree. Christmas trees aren’t just a symbol of Christmas; the act of setting up a tree is an event, and the adornment of a tree often uses ornaments that have been passed down for generations. But why is cutting down an evergreen tree and …
Podcast Transcript Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one of the best-known theories in psychology. First introduced in 1943, the theory posits that people have an innate desire to reach their maximum potential, but to achieve this goal, they must first have their basic needs met. These needs can be both physical and psychological, but …
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 …
Podcast Transcript In 1188, a historic gathering took place in the city of León, in the Kingdom of León and Galicia. It was a kingdom-wide assembly convened by King Alfonso IX that brought together nobles, clergy, and town representatives to advise the crown. It is significant because it is the earliest documented European assembly to …
Podcast Transcript Some of the most venerated objects in many different religions are holy relics. Relics offer a tangible connection to significant figures in various religious traditions, and they are often highly prized and sought after. In the Middle Ages, relics became a significant business, and possessing the right relics could substantially boost a local …
From the World Heritage inscription for the Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona: These are two of the finest contributions to Barcelona’s architecture by the Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Palau de la Música Catalana is an exuberant steel-framed structure full of light and space and …