Posts by Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a historian of early modern Britain & the Atlantic world. She holds a BA in History and Mathematics from Brown University and an MA in European & Russian Studies from Yale University. Madeleine has worked in archives and museums for years with a particular focus on photography and arts education. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, film photography, and studying law while cuddling with her cat Georgia.
Archeology
January 13, 2023

Looted 2,500-Year-Old “Green Sarcophagus” Is Returned to Egypt

Egypt is famous for its ancient history, among other topics. Unfortunately, for centuries looters have turned this history into an extremely profitable black market full of tablets, relics, and even large sarcophagi. The latter are famous, intricate coffins (or containers for coffins) in which ancient Egyptians with means were buried. Many are painted intricately, and some are inlaid with precious stones.

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Environment
January 6, 2023

Tobacco Companies Must Pay For Cigarette Butt Pollution Clean-Up In Spain

Cigarette butts are everywhere—scattered among shells on the beach, stamped into sidewalk grates, and floating in ocean waters. An estimated 5 billion butts alone clog our planet's oceans. This common litter takes about 10 years to decompose, releasing toxins as it deteriorates. The filters in particular are a problem. Spain has a solution: as part of a large environmental package recently passed, tobacco companies must foot the bill of cleaning up butts around the country.

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Books
January 3, 2023

‘Sherlock Holmes’ and Many Other Works Become Public Domain in 2023

Every year, works of art, literature, and music pass into the public domain as their copyright terms expire. Intellectual property law is meant to ensure that creatives can protect their ideas and support themselves on their earnings. However, when these terms of protection expire, public domain designation can inspire new waves of creativity. Suddenly, a new generation can remix music, retell old stories, and access free copies of great works.

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Endangered Animals
December 29, 2022

This Rainbow Fish Is Born Female and Becomes Male As It Ages

Untold wonders fill the seas. In 2022, a new wonder was revealed: an elusive rainbow-colored fish in the waters off the Maldives. The rose-veiled fairy wrasse—or Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa—darts along the reefs. Patterned in yellow, rose, and violet, the interesting creature is born female and becomes male as it ages. This shift in gender is accompanied by one in the vivid color of its scales.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.