landmark

Riff Raff – Time Warp in the ‘Tron

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It’s astounding, but not for very much longer, madness takes its toll… at a deadly pace, it came from outer space, a “Science Fiction – Double Feature” hit Hamilton, again. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is probably the most successful indie-cult-classic-science-fiction-horror-comedy-musical to hit the stage and screens on this planet schmanet of ours. Let do […]

theology and religion

Sopona – Giver of Smallpox

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Shhh! You do not want to wake this one up! Sopona, the Yorùbá god of smallpox and infectious disease originated in northern Nigeria in the 17th century, possibly by the Nupa, Tapa or Hausa people. Also known as Sakpata in voodoo, Sopona migrated to the new world with the slave trade. He became known as Sakpata in Brazil, Shakpana in Trinidad, and Babalú Ayé in Cuban Santeria where he was disguised […]

theology and religion

Punga – The God of Ugliness

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He whanau a Punga koe, for you are a child of a god – but don’t let it get to you head. Punga, your forefather is the god of ugliness, and all ugly things are his descendants. This old-fashioned insult (also “te aitanga a Punga”) is used to describe anything ugly or undesirable and has […]

architecture

Pyramid of Communism – Piramida, Tirana

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Tombs of the pharaohs, or pathways to the gods for sacrificial rituals. Pyramids are the most symbolic icon of several of the world’s ancient cultures. They are fantasied by storytellers, authors, and movie creators. In stark contrast is one infamous pyramid, the most recognised national symbol of the former-communist era of Albania. The Enver Hoxha Pyramid […]

architecture

Torre Telefónica, Santaigo

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The mobile phone. One of the most pivotal technological advances of the 20th century. Mobile phones and telecommunications have affected almost every single aspect of human life. If you had a major telecommunications company, how would you show the world your company’s technological superiority? If your answer is to build your country’s tallest ever tower […]

architecture

The Beehive, Wellington

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What do you get when you mix a box of matches with a napkin? Answer: The executive wing of the New Zealand government. Not the answer you’re expecting? This is the true story of why Wellington has the Beehive: the ugliest government building in the world. The Fire Since Wellington became the nation’s capital in […]

architecture

House of Soviets, Kaliningrad

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Of the finest architectural achievements of the Teutonic Order; Unfortunately, the Soviet Union destroyed the Königsberg Castle in the 1960s. They erected in its place the boring but bold, blueish-grey House of Soviets, representing the depressing nature of Soviet style columns. The Predecessor To appreciate the ugliness of the House of Soviets, you need to […]

destinations

Rapa Nui – Easter Island

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Woken by a flock of chooks up a tree, you get out of bed, slip on some jandals and and make your way outside. It’s not cold, but not hot either, you hear waves crashing into rocks in the distance. Crossing the road to a field scattered with canoes, you are greeted by a couple […]

sports

Cnapan

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Galloping down the beach, you see your target: a half-naked man holding his slippery wooden ball. But it’s not his ball, it’s your ball, and you need to get it back to church before sundown. He’s sprinting as fast as he can, but the beach was a foolish passage for him to take, with nothing […]