History
August 22, 2020

Explore the Fascinating History of Petra, a Once-Lost City That’s Now a Wonder of the World

Also known as the Rose City, the prehistoric city of Petra is an incredible spectacle that one must see to believe. The once-thriving trade center was settled in the 4th century BCE. Its architecture, which is carved into the red sandstone cliffs, has helped make it one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Located in the desert canyons of southwestern Jordan, Petra was the capital of the ancient Nabataean civilization.

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History
August 21, 2020

Sommelier History: How Poison-Detecting Servants Became Respected Wine Connoisseurs

The 2012 documentary Somm exposed many Americans to the fascinating hidden world of sommeliers. Somm followed four men studying for the exam that confers the highest qualification in the field: Master Sommelier. But to many people, sommeliers may still be something of an enigma. How can one make a career out of pouring and tasting wine? The answers might surprise you. What Is a Sommelier? Simply put, a sommelier is a wine expert.

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Art
August 21, 2020

Artist Turns Face Masks and COVID-Related Objects Into Miniature Outdoor Adventures

For almost a decade, Japanese artist Tanaka Tatsuya has spent every single day crafting miniature scenes made of everyday objects and tiny figurines. His ongoing Miniature Calendar series sees teeny subjects posed in miniature worlds where broccoli is a tree, a thumbtack is a table, and rice balls are mountains. However, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, Tatsuya has opted for incorporating objects that reflect the “new normal.

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Design
August 20, 2020

Designers Create a Retro Mini Kart From the Original Volkswagen Beetle

Mexican designers at Aldekas Studio are the latest creatives to transform the classic Volkswagen Beetle into something new. Their Bugkart Wasowski is a mini kart that uses the fender of a Type 1 Beetle in an inspired design that merges old and new. This vintage-inspired bike has a retro look that will make any Volkswagen enthusiast go wild. The firm, which also specializes in vintage car restoration, may have been inspired by previous mini kart projects.

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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.