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Island Power: El Hierro and Renewable Energy
by Ben Bowlin | July 21, 2011
Often called “The Meridian Island,” El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands. It’s a haven for diving enthusiasts, and it may soon become the first island powered entirely by renewable energy. At a first glance, this might not seem like a big deal. After all, El Hierro is only about 107 square miles [...]
For decades, space travel has been the province of nations. A nation like the United States would select a handful of people, train them extensively, anoint them as astronauts and send them into space at very great cost. That model changed slightly in 2001. A businessman named Dennis Tito spent $20 million to become the [...]
How a Semi-Submarine Works – A cheaper way to build a sub
by Marshall Brain | February 22, 2011
Submarines tend to be expensive, even if they are small. That’s because any sealed container full of humans presents problems with oxygen supply, CO2 removal and humidity. Then when you stick that sealed container underwater in the form of a submarine, the problems multiply because of water pressure. The container (including its windows) has to [...]
Women Rule the Roost in China’s Mosuo Tribe
by Cristen Conger | December 20, 2010
A new photo essay in the Guardian documents life in the Mosuo tribe, which it describes as “one of the last matriarchal societies in the world.” Located in southwestern China, the Mosuo tribe is known as the “Kingdom of Women” where traditional gender roles are flip-flopped, for the most part.
Chernobyl Tourism: Not for the Faint of Heart
by Deblina Chakraborty | December 17, 2010
The Ukrainian government announced this week that they’ll open Chernobyl — the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster — to tourists next year. Would you risk a little radiation to check it out?
In recent weeks, I’ve written about the individual merits of gigantic, religious landmarks and eclectic, roadside attractions. Now, a group of private investors is banking on a combination of the two as the key to tourism success. The governor of Kentucky recently announced plans for this faith-based project — known as Ark Encounter — and its massive centerpiece: a “full-size” replica of Noah’s ark.
Statue with No Limitations
by Deblina Chakraborty | November 9, 2010
If bigger is always better, then Poland now has a huge leg up in the realm of religious tourism. A construction team in the tiny Polish town of Swiebodzin completed work on an enormous statue of Jesus Saturday, and according to some locals, it’s the tallest Jesus statue in the world.
Would you like to take a tour of the slums?
This week, federal and state authorities in Brazil, which will host the 2016 Olympics, launched a new program to attract tourists to its poorer neighborhoods, for a peek at their unique art and music scenes. The slum tourism program is called “Rio Top Tour: Rio de Janeiro in a Different Perspective,” and the first shantytown open for tourists is Santa Clara, where the drug gangs that once reigned have been successfully rung from the community.
Translation above — “Smile for the tourist swine!” Or, as babelfish says it, “To smile for the pigs of tourists!” I like that one better, actually.
What we’re talking about here is a directive, or maybe that’s too harsh. A plea rather, to French citizens to extend a more welcoming hand for the sake of the board of tourism.
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