In September 2023, I explored London’s hidden corners at the Open House Festival, an annual event that unveils the city’s usually closed spaces. From architectural wonders to historical nooks, London laid bare its secrets, and I was there to capture my fleeting impressions.
How Vladimir Putin Stole Cookies From a Scottish Bakery
The most memorable takeaway for Putin personally from the UK trip probably wasn’t a business deal but a spontaneous theft from a Scottish bakery they were courting for business in Leningrad.
A Look Back: When Russia’s Time Zones Were Front-Page News
Regrettably, Dmitry Medvedev didn’t heed my advice. It wasn’t his first mistake, and certainly not his last.
Osborne House: A Royal Retreat Amidst Time and Tranquility
Osborne House was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s haven away from the formalities of court routine. This personal aspect sets it apart from ordinary royal residences, as it was designed to provide respite and a sense of familial intimacy.
Eltham Palace: Where Art Deco Splendor Marries the Past and Future
Eltham Palace began as a medieval royal residence with a magnificent Great Hall. However, by the early 20th century, the palace had fallen into disrepair—just like Stonehenge. Then, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld stepped in, reimagining Eltham Palace as a canvas for their unique vision.
Echoes Across Time: My Journey with Stonehenge and AI Artistry
My fascination with Stonehenge began in childhood as I pored over pictures and stories about this enigmatic structure in old books in the attic. The image of magnificent stones against the backdrop of the English countryside has been embedded in my imagination ever since.
Climate Change is Destroying Cricket and Football
Due to heavy rains in England and Wales, 2019 Cricket World Cup is the wettest tournament of all time resulting in abandonments of several matches. Unlike many other sports, cricket is very weather-sensitive. Climate change could very well destroy it.
Sailing Race Records High Volume of Plastic Particles
More than 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. Currently, scientists can only account for 1% of the plastic they think is in the ocean.
Avian Archivists: Bird Nests Reveal Hidden Manuscripts
During the restoration of the Assumption Cathedral, which was constructed in the early 15th century in Zvenigorod, Russian archaeologists made a fascinating discovery. They found numerous bird nests that had been built over several centuries under the deteriorated roof. What surprised the researchers even more was that as the nests broke down, they uncovered paper… Read more Avian Archivists: Bird Nests Reveal Hidden Manuscripts
Unmet Expectations: Novosibirsk Gathering of Tech Leaders, Diplomats, and Ashton Kutcher
In February 2010, a unique assembly in Novosibirsk involved tech CEOs, US diplomats, and the actor Ashton Kutcher—all part of the Russian-American Presidential Commission.