Tourist destinations are often presented as safe and welcoming, but some cities face severe problems with violent crime. Comparing crime levels around the world is not straightforward: countries collect statistics differently, and the boundaries of metropolitan areas can vary considerably. One useful measure is the homicide rate: the number of intentional killings per 100,000 inhabitants […]
Air travel has made it possible to cross continents in a matter of hours. Every year, billions of people travel by plane, and the world’s busiest airports handle passenger volumes comparable to those of entire countries. Some serve as major domestic hubs, while others connect destinations acro...
There are many ways to become wealthy. Some people inherit their money, others build businesses from scratch, and a lucky few win fortunes through investments or lotteries. But what happens when someone who has accumulated millions or even billions decides that money is no longer the most important...
These athletes have made their names by pushing the limits of what the human body can achieve. From spectacular skateboarding tricks and dangerous motorcycle jumps to free solo climbing and big-wave surfing, they perform feats that most people would never even consider attempting. Some are legendary...
We have previously written about famous inventions created in prisons and extraordinary escape attempts by inmates. But some criminals have received sentences so long that no human being could possibly serve them in full. Courts sometimes impose hundreds or even thousands of years in prison. This us...
From premium Italian denim to extravagant designer creations, luxury jeans combine fashion, craftsmanship and exclusivity. Jeans are no longer just practical everyday clothing. Some of the world’s leading fashion houses have transformed denim into a luxury product, using premium fabrics, disti...
Cities, like large countries, can be ranked according to different criteria, including land area, population, and population density. This ranking compares the largest cities in the United States by the number of people living within their official city boundaries. This is different from ranking met...
Spain has one of Europe’s most extensive high-speed railway networks, connecting major cities with modern trains travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h. However, the country’s railway history also includes several devastating accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives. The tragedies h...
At the house where I grew up, there was a pale pink tea rose bush. Every spring, it burst into bloom, filling the air with an unforgettable fragrance. Many years have passed, but the sight and scent of those flowers still bring back warm memories and a touch of childhood nostalgia. The rose, often c...
Every year, perfume enthusiasts seek increasingly distinctive fragrances, while perfumers experiment with more original and extravagant compositions and presentations. Rare ingredients, elaborate craftsmanship, and luxurious bottles can all contribute to a perfume’s price. Some of the most expensive...
It is hard to call yourself a true fan of music and dancing without knowing about these iconic venues. From legendary superclubs to historic dance halls, these destinations have attracted clubbers from around the world. They became famous for performances by celebrated DJs, spectacular shows, and un...
The modern world has many criminal organizations, each with its own leaders and bosses. Comparing today’s crime figures with the gangsters of earlier eras, however, is difficult and often misleading. Many of the notorious figures of the past built criminal empires based on violence, extortion,...
It’s no secret that today’s consumers are becoming increasingly self-reliant. Instead of going to a barber and paying for a haircut, some people buy clippers and do the job themselves. Instead of heading to the store for fresh yogurt, they buy a yogurt maker and prepare it at home. Fortu...
Throughout history, governments have passed laws that seem bizarre, excessive, or downright amusing by modern standards. Some were introduced to maintain public order, others reflected religious beliefs or political anxieties, and a few addressed problems so specific that it is difficult to imagine...
One of the latest developments attracting attention is the newly unveiled Tesla Roadster. Its spectacular demonstration included airborne stunts and technology associated with SpaceX. However, calling it a true flying car is misleading: it is primarily an electric sports car, and the demonstrated ab...
Henry Ford’s contemporaries believed it might take a hundred years to determine whether he had helped or harmed humanity. There was no doubt about one thing: the American industrialist changed the world forever. There is little point in repeating the familiar story of a young mechanic who beca...
Most of human knowledge in every field exists only on paper, in books – this paper memory of humanity… Therefore, only a collection of books, a library, is the sole hope and indestructible memory of the human race… Schopenhauer A library is an institution that not only preserves pr...
Interest in stratospheric parachute jumps was rekindled by Felix Baumgartner, who planned to jump from an altitude of 36 kilometers. On Tuesday, 9 October 2012, Baumgartner had to postpone his jump even though he had already climbed into the balloon capsule. An unexpected gust of wind, reaching appr...
Annexation (from the Latin annectere, meaning “to join”) is the unilateral incorporation by one state of all or part of another state’s territory. Unlike occupation, which refers to effective control over territory by a foreign military, annexation asserts that the territory has become part of...
Catholics around the world have followed the historic events taking place in Vatican City. Pope Benedict XVI, who led the Catholic Church for nearly eight years, officially announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. The previous papal resignation had taken place almost six centuries earlier, whe...