Magic can happen anywhere, at any time, to almost anybody.
Take Aretha Franklin, for example.
In an innocuous two-story building with a barn-like roof on a side of a nondescript street in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is the home of FAME Recording Studios (short for Florence Alabama Music Enterprises.) Music lovers will know it well.
They were small, but…
Those of us who live up here in the Pacific Northwest of North America are very lucky, in many ways. The weather, the diversity (especially of our residents) and the history that is constantly being discovered and enjoyed. As with many other countries, Canada has a population that can be considered as First Nation. In…
We get that feeling that sometimes the country of Pakistan is misunderstood, and that the misunderstanding conjures up specific images and misconceptions. And that's a shame, as the country is rich in so many ways. There is so much history in Pakistan, with its mix of religions and beliefs, and it's long relationship with India. …
When one thinks of the Titanic, the usual thoughts are of glamour, a life of luxury and the history of its most unfortunate demise. It is probably safe to say that you might not naturally associate Pigeon Ford, Tennessee with the ill-fated vessel. But, lo and behold, there is the Titanic Museum Attraction in that…
England is a funny old place. It is / was a part of Europe for decades, but finally opted to bail out in 2018. It has people from every country arriving there, and all in relative harmony. The history of the UK is of legend - literally - and you will find examples of that -…
Everything is relative, relatively. Some of us boast that we live in homes that were built in the 1950's. Your editor, for example, lived in a house from the 1800's, and almost resided in another from the 1400's. That's pretty impressive if you're a history fan. But this all pales when it comes to places…
When Did Persia Become Iran and Why? The region that is now the country of Iran has been known by many different names, and has had varying boundaries and borders over the past 5000 years. The name Iran comes from the Avestan word airyānąm, appearing in the time of Cyrus the Great (4th century BC).…
Every so often, a human mass movement comes along that subtly alters the zeitgeist of we humans. It could have been the art enlightenment in the 1920's. Or perhaps it was the peace and love Hippies in the 1960's. But one of these movements has persisted - the Chautauqua Institute. Chautauqua was an adult education…
You've got questions? We've got answers - especially to ones that you probably thought you'd never find yourself asking. Unless you're bored, doing research or are an anorak. This particular peculiarity focuses on the urgent need to understand why airline captains sit on the left-hand side of the plane? You'll find out here, but if…
How often does one get the chance to sleep in the same halls as royalty? Not often for most of us.
But, you can at the Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul directly on the Bosphorus. A former home to Ottoman royalty, you will find yourself bathed in history, glamourous surroundings, sumptous spas and world-class restaurants.
And,…
This sounds like fun, but, most importantly, has a very good intent at its heart. You can win two seats on one of the first Virgin Galactic flights to space. Sir Richard Branson is putting his money and his spaceship where his mouth is. Here's what's you can look forward to: Make history as you…
Politically, Colombia has its ups and downs, let's face it. But, during the calm times, this country will make your jaw drop. Featuring geuninely kind people, stunning mountains, overwhelming lush forests and unspoiled coasts, Colombia should be a must-see on your list. And now, Ama Waterways are making it easy for you with luxury cruises…
There are few cities that are as appealing (and to some, daunting) as Moscow. It's history and "reputation" precede the city itself. But it would be a big mistake to miss it. Moscow is bound to be a special one. From the multicolored spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the sturdy red walls of the…
Every country and every peoples have stories to tell. The Chinese have such a long and colourful history, it's only natural that their catalogue is perfect for relaying those stories via opera. The West Kowloon District in Hong Kong, has the Xiqu Centre which is dedicated to preservation of the art of traditional Cantonese opera,…
Covid, BE GONE!
Who doesn't love Warner Bros entertainment? Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Harry Potter?
The Studio Tour is finally open again, and WB are excited to welcome you back. Get even closer to the entertainment you love in their new Storytelling Showcase highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. history.
And, the new grand finale will…
There can never be enough opportunities to reach out: to family, friends, initiatives. It is critical to us, as humans. But, sometimes it is difficult, if not impossible to do so. But, a creative and enterprising group, the Benediktas Gylys Foundation bring new thinking to being together. For the first time in history, countries and…
This is astounding. It almost defies belief, but the Chinese are behind it, so it could very well happen. Their abilities are legend. China wants to build a $200 billion underwater train to the United States. The China-Russia-Canada-America line would be the most expensive megaproject in history and take years to complete. The biggest engineering…
Every summer, giant warriors roam the Japanese city of Aomori. Lit from within by lanterns, these formidable paper floats are the centerpiece of the Nebuta Matsuri, a weeklong evening festival in August and one of Japan’s biggest seasonal events. Accompanied by taiko drummers and dancers, the floats depict scenes from kabuki and Japanese mythology. Each…
You may not think of Italy as a particularly diverse country, but its history includes a Black Roman emperor, Septimus Severus, and, in the 19thcentury, colonies in the North African countries now known as Eritrea and Ethiopia (from where Italians’ beloved caffè originates). I arrived here from New York two years ago, and have found…
Raise your hands, those of you who have visited Brescia, Italy.
If you haven't, let us assist you in exploring this rich and varied place.
Brescia is a city and comune in the region of Lombardy, Northern Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Alps, a few kilometers from the lakes Garda and Iseo.
With a…