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.
Environment
February 4, 2022

France Bans Single-Use Plastic Wraps on Fruits and Vegetables in Grocery Stores

Single-use plastics are a major threat to our planet. Waste clogs landfills, where it will take hundreds of years to rot. The trash also washes into oceans, where it kills marine life. Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally every year, 91% is destined to pollute our Earth rather than be recycled. Like other countries in the European Union, France is aiming to mitigate these environmental harms.

Read Article

Aerial Photography
January 29, 2022

Colorful Aerial Photos of a Spring Known as “the Devil’s Eye” in the Gobi Desert

Sulfur is a fascinating element. It is Earth's fifth most common element to be found in the natural world. It typically manifests as a mineral—a sulfide or sulfate. You may have smelled its presence in the “rotten egg” odor of certain natural mineral waters which bubble up from springs. Such springs have long been spa destinations for health and enjoyment, but they can offer incredible, barren beauty as well.

Read Article

Astronomy
January 25, 2022

NASA’s HiRISE Mars Orbiter Captures Detailed Images of an Important Crater

Mars has long fascinated astronomers. Known as the “Red Planet” because of the oxidized iron in its soil, Earth's smaller neighbor is cold and desert-like. NASA has devoted a huge amount of time and resources over the past few decades in a quest to understand the mysterious weather, mineral content, and celestial history of Mars.

Read Article

Gift Guide
January 23, 2022

10 Thank You Notes and Cards to Show Your Appreciation to All the Amazing People in Your Life

You have probably written dozens of thank you notes in your life. To your grandma, to your wedding guests, to your best friends—sending a sweet card can express your gratitude for gifts received. More importantly, a well-written thank you note lets the recipient know you value the intangible gifts they give. Love, time, and advice all deserve recognition.

Read Article

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.