“In the Pocket” Elections

Still on the topic of rigged "elections," this week's article is all about rotten boroughs. You can click on the title to learn more!

Cleveland and Cleveland

Cleveland, England Cleveland is a city in Ohio in the United States, but Cleveland is a region in Britain that was formerly a county. It’s easy to get the two confused. You’ve probably encountered this phenomenon before: two towns with the exact same name! Whether it be Toledo, Ohio and Toledo, Spain or Newcastle, Australia … Continue reading Cleveland and Cleveland →

Pepsi – the Former Naval Superpower and Soda Company

Pepsi was at one point, the world's sixth largest naval superpower, boasting a larger navy than most countries at the time. You can click on the title to learn more!

The Russian Internet Phenomenon of Smiley Faces With No Eyes

Ever wondered why Russian smiley faces have no eyes (or nose for that matter)? Well, the answer is kinda interesting ). You can click on the title to learn more!

The War of the Stop Signs: A Spanish Town in France, A Few Loopholes, and Political Troubles

There have been wars over innumerable things - emus, a bucket, and even stop signs. This is the story of the War of the Stop Signs. You can click on the title to learn more!

The Russian City in Norway

There are many odd border disputes around the world. However, this is not one of them. The Russian Federation owns a town in Norwegian territory. You can click on the title to learn more!

Scandinavia’s Many, Many Name Restrictions

Name restrictions are obviously useful - governments do not want children being named something they are uncomfortable with. However, in many Scandinavian countries, restrictions over naming practices are much more extensive than in the United States and similar Western nations. You can click on the title to learn more!

A Border With Four Hundred Million Years of History

The Anglo-Scottish border has more history than what may come to mind. You can click on the title to learn more!

Why Some Swiss Infrastructure is Rigged to Explode

While many countries tend to focus on gaining military strength, Switzerland is obsessed with defense. As if their many, many bomb shelters weren't enough, the country has rigged their bridges and roads to implode whenever necessary to try and stop invaders from advancing into the country. You can click on the title to learn more!

The Wondrous World of German Notgeld

Image from Bank of Canada Museum website | Notgeld is a German term for 'emergency money.' In history, when countries have not been able to print enough money for themselves, localities within them have gotten creative and made their own currencies. You can click on the title to learn more!