Author: Ms. R.

Tableware has long played an important role in the dining experience. The color, shape, and design of plates and bowls not only impact the presentation of the food and diners’ perception of the meal, but they’re also an expression of the chef’s overall artistic vision. Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York, is lauded as much for its fine dining as it is for its sustainability practices.* Every aspect of the farm-to-table establishment showcases the relationship……

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Presidential pageantry has always been a part of American politics, from the grandeur of Inauguration Day to campaign-trail theatrics to victory celebrations. Through the years, presidents have shown an affinity for flair—whether it’s cheesy campaign logos, over-the-top merchandise, photoshopped portraits, or massive inaugural parade floats. In these five stories, we explore how presidents spare no expense when it comes to making an impression. Presidential Campaigns of the 1800s Involved a Surprising Amount of Flags and Throw Pillows By Anika……

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Tourists trickle down into the bowels of Belgrade’s monumental fortress, attracted by banners promising a “MEDIEVAL TORTURE MUSEUM.” A $5 entrance fee secures access to three dusty, gloomy rooms, tucked away in the battlements alongside a range of other money-spinning ventures. The sounds of axes chopping and muffled screams are piped through the catacombs, creating a slightly cheesy, slightly unsettling atmosphere. Dusty cases present a confused mix of artifacts of dubious historical origin, glorying in lurid names. The “pear……

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Part art installation. Part super market. Part interdimensional portal. Visit Omega Mart for your next psychedelic-inspired shopping trip. On the first floor, check out, or even buy, products such as “Corn P.M., a Soothing Nighttime Corn for Adults” and “Tattoo Chicken.” While the shopping mall is an attraction in its own, it’s more than just shelves of odd products. Explore secret rooms and art installations, and find a hidden bar within Omega Mart’s walls.   Visitors can sign up to……

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The Tower of Centocelle, or San Giovanni Tower (also called Tower of Torre Spaccata), is a medieval tower located in eastern Rome. The tower was part of a farmhouse from the first phase of the settlement of the Roman countryside and can be dated to the end of the 12th century, thanks to the construction technique in flakes and irregular stone blocks of lava, tuff and limestone, arranged with fairly regular sub-horizontal courses. It is still preserved at a considerable……

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Driving on the lonely U.S Route 93 between Wikieup and Wickenburg, Arizona, travelers will stumble upon a surprising sight: On a high tower, a wooden sign with red painted letters that says “Nothing.” There, the little ghost town of Nothing slowly fades under the blazing desert sun. Established in 1977, Nothing had, at its peak, only four inhabitants. It was composed of a simple gas station and a small market (ironically named “All-Mart.”) The now-gone town sign once read:……

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Less than 20 miles from Joshua Tree, a unique, five-acre ranch named Kaleidoscope Desert provides sanctuary for animals and humans alike. The place eludes simple definition. On it you’ll find art installations, murals, and sculptures. Four accommodations—ranging from an antique barn to an art-deco-influenced hacienda—can be booked for overnight stays and retreats. And rescue animals—including emus, goats, dogs, peacocks, and mini horses—roam the grounds. While the property defies tidy categorization, its aim is clear: Kaleidoscope Desert wants to offer……

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