Author Archives: admin

April 26-May 2, 2023 Observations 1. People. Like most everywhere, Tanzanians are extremely nice and all too ready to help with advice or directions. English can be sporadic and many speak little or none. I downloaded Swahili on Google Translate … Continue reading →

Centuries-old cypresses, planted by royal decree, still line miles of the Shu Roads in the lush hills of northern Sichuan. The roads were built about the same time as the Romans built the Appian Way. PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL SALOPEK ​This … Continue reading →

Why is Sudan on the brink of civil war, again? The country is especially prone to civil war and coups Apr 18th 2023 ECONOMIST  On April 5th Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, and much of the rest of the country were engulfed … Continue reading →

Pearl and Hermes Atoll, in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOAA The world’s biggest marine reserve seems to be doing its job Fishing boats around Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawai’i are catching more tuna than they used … Continue reading →

These dragon’s blood trees exist in only one place on Earth. Now their survival is under threat Story by the Associated Press  5-minute read Updated 3:27 AM EDT, Mon May 19, 2025 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC   Goats roam amid dragon’s blood … Continue reading →

Pretty words for petty corruption How to ask for a bribe without asking for a bribe In southern Africa try invoking thirst; in west Africa, religion Apr 20th 2023 | ABUJA ECONOMIST  “Corruption is our biggest enemy and is not welcome here.” So … Continue reading →

These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam Mecca is the religion’s most iconic destination. But these exquisite mosques and shrines found from Tunisia to Syria also honor its sacred history. The skyline of Jerusalem’s Old City is … Continue reading →

Rats invaded paradise. Here’s how paradise fought back. Invasive rodents spent more than 100 years eating their way through Australia’s Lord Howe Island, sending several species to oblivion. Now the island has a chance to thrive again. Rats wrought ecological … Continue reading →

Who buys lion bones? Inside South Africa’s skeleton trade The country has sent thousands of lion skeletons to Asia—legally. Experts say this has encouraged an illegal trade, potentially endangering South Africa’s remaining wild lions. For years, South African lion farmers … Continue reading →

THE SHIFTING SHAPE OF PEYTO GLACIER WILL OUR CHILDREN BE ABLE TO SKI THE WAPTA TRAVERSE? IT’S NOT LOOKING GOOD. Once upon a time in 1996, I first met the Peyto Glacier. I was a young man leading my friends … Continue reading →