It's Official: We Found the 40 Prettiest Flowers in the World
How many of these breathtaking beauties do you recognize? As is often the case with beautiful things, we've given flowers meaning—so much so that even looking at one can make you feel more alive. A plain red rose has become a romantic expression of love and sunny daffodils represent the rebirth of the planet every spring. Of course, because they're plants, we also use them in more practical ways: Silky flower petals have been crushed and distilled into essential oils and perfumes for centuries, and we've figured out how to eat some of them and make tea with select leaves, stalks, and blooms. But to put it simply, the joy of admiring a gorgeous, colorful flower is unmatched. (Though we should note that some are best admired from afar because of toxicity.) Not to mention, no two flowers are exactly the same. Some rise out of the water to bloom while others sprout vines that go where they want…permanently decorating the side of your house. Even low bushes can produce incredible blossoms, like giant peonies, and if you've ever sat under a cherry blossom tree with a cool breeze blowing tiny petals around you, you know how magnificent flowering trees can be. A person who loves flowers is called an "anthophile," and if this describes you, you'll probably recognize most—if not all—of the flowers below. Rare or common, bright or soft, simple or complex, these beautiful flowers from around the world are certainly sights to behold.
2023-06-05T21:29:17Z
Should you still vacation on cruise ships?
Over the past decade, cruise ships have become an increasingly popular vacation choice for people seeking an organized, stress-free, all-inclusive vacation. The destinations are paradisaical, there are endless onboard attractions to keep you entertained, and there’s the lure of the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Unfortunately, cruise ships come with massive costs, from putting lives at risk to inflicting devastating effects on the environment. Especially amid the pandemic, cruises became a known hub of contagion, and yet the ships started sailing again, and the virus is once again plaguing the industry which was initially suspended for months precisely because of COVID-19. If that weren't enough, many people have gone missing on cruise ships, as there are thousands of people housed on the boat (many of whom are intoxicated), and the employees don't always keep track of the residents. Passengers, and even crew members, have been regularly lost. But the environmental impact is still the greatest factor driving protests against cruise ships. If you've ever considered this particular getaway, check out this gallery to learn more about not only the true cost of cruise ships, but also concrete ways which the industry can improve its carbon footprint.
2024-01-05T18:17:46Z
The six microstates of Europe
The biggest countries on Earth are, by nature, pretty obvious. And while places like Russia, Canada, China, and the United States certainly have a lot to offer, there's also a lot to be said for the smallest nations on our planet. In Europe alone, there are six countries known as microstates, several of which are smaller than most cities. The stories about how these tiny nations maintained their sovereignty over the years in the face of countless larger and more powerful countries, and the unique peculiarities that come with being so small, are all interesting in their own right. Intrigued? Read on to learn about the six smallest countries in Europe.
2024-02-27T15:59:20Z
Things you think are eco-friendly—but really aren't
There is only one planet Earth, so we like to take care of it. After all, it's where we live, and who doesn't like to live in a nice, clean home? We try our best to do our bit for the environment, and that usually involves choices with regards to what we wear, eat, and use. But with so much conflicting information out there, and trends that come and go, how do we know what's best for the environment? Sometimes we do things we think are eco-friendly, when in fact they're not! Want to find out more? Then click through this gallery.
2024-01-10T11:23:22Z