Lifestyle

Illuminating facts about the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, France, and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. Challenging political and religious conventions, the Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery for the movement's core beliefs, and even some of its common misconceptions.

Carry extra fuel, have alternative communication methods, airlines told

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia says such preparations are necessary in the event of a flight diversion to avoid conflict zones.

Batik Air Suspends Istanbul Flights Amid Middle East Tensions

The airline cites operational restrictions and safety concerns as the primary reasons for this decision.

The Mariana Trench: What do you know about the deepest point on Earth?

The Earth's land surface is truly remarkable, with its mountainous peaks and spectacular valleys. When we think of the ocean's topography, we tend to imagine a flat sandy floor, but it's actually just as varied as our world above water. One of the most intriguing underwater "valleys" is the Mariana Trench, a place of mystery and wonder shrouded in the deepest depths of the Pacific Ocean. It's famous for being the deepest oceanic trench, as well as the home to Challenger Deep—the deepest known point on the Earth's surface. From mind-boggling depths to astonishing creatures, click on for some fascinating facts about this deep-sea phenomenon.

Disney gets key approval for $1.9BILLION Disneyland expansion project

Disney has finally received approval from Anaheim to go ahead with the $1.9billion expansion of the Disneyland park that will bring Zootopia and Toy Story to life.

Booking.com is offering cheap vacation deals to Las Vegas, Cancún, and more

Now through September 30, Booking.com is offering travelers huge travel discounts on stays in destinations like Paris, Los Angeles, Orlando, and more.

History's famous military retreats

According to military strategists, the best course of action during battle is often to withdraw to fight another day. Indeed, claiming a victory is sometimes to know when to retreat. A retreat is a tactical strategy, and does not equate to surrendering. However, not all retreats are successful. History has recorded some truly disastrous military withdrawals, when fighting on the back foot, often in harsh conditions, has all but decimated an army. However, when undertaken correctly, a retreat can allow forces to regroup and come back stronger. So, when has losing ground enabled combatants to gain the upper hand? Click on and march through this gallery of famous military retreats.

Not all travel insurance is the same – here's what you need to know before buying yours

During a cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever to make sure you are properly insured when you travel. The last thing you want is the expense of a medical claim, the cost of a missed flight, or having to replace lost or stolen baggage. But how do you pick the right policy from the myriad options available? It’s easy to get bamboozled...

Perak welcomes investors to boost hotel sector and tourism, says exco man

IPOH: Perak needs more hotels that are of high standard and encourages investment in such establishments, says tourism committee chairman Loh Sze Yee. Read full story

Traveler, 27, tests ALL major domestic airlines and private jet carriers in the US to create ultimate ranking in week-long saga that left him in TEARS - and revealed very surprising results

Eric Decker, 27, who boasts nearly 15 million YouTube subscribers, decided to fly every one of 28 domestic airlines over one super itinerary during which he pledged to not leave the 'airport system.'

One of three stolen masterpieces from Oxford University returned

After a four-year hunt, the Baroque painting has been recovered from an art dealer in Bucharest, Romania who is believed to have sold off the other two paintings without realising they were stolen.

Big Foot, the Loch Ness monster, and the Bermuda Triangle: mysterious legends we love

'We've never seen anything like this': Dubai Airports CEO expects normal service within 24 hours after flood chaos

Dubai Airports CEO said he expects services to return "close to normality" soon as the major transit hub deals with the fallout from unprecedented flooding.

Shock of the old: 11 transport fantasies that never got off the ground – from jetpacks to swan-powered paragliders

There’s an innocent optimism to transport visionaries. They really thought they could change the world! They absolutely couldn’t! But all respect to them for trying: someone got lucky with the wheel once, didn’t they? Being a transport visionary must have been more interesting back before technological progress and grotesque wealth allowed billionaires to “disrupt” the boring A-to-B-ness of conventional travel and blast a car into space, just...

Iran's Aviation Authority announced removal of flight restrictions

Iran's Aviation Authority has announced the removal of all flight restrictions from the Imam Khomeini International Airport and the Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, Maariv reported citing Iranian media. Restrictions were initially put in place due to the Israeli strike on Iranian territory. This is a developing story.

Taxi drivers' concern over rise of Uber

A local taxi driver says she's concerned Uber drivers are 'undetected'

Female crew aim to be first trio to row Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported

An all-female team hopes to become the first trio to row 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported to "inspire young people to feel that anything is possible". Miriam Payne, 24, Lottie Hopkinson-Woolley, also 24, and Jess Rowe, 27, aim to break three records with their feat, which will see them spend up to six months at sea. The team, named Seas The Day, hopes to become the youngest group to row across the Pacific Ocean, as well as the first trio to take on the challenge non-stop and unsupported.

Revamp complaint process at Mavcom, says transport expert

Rosli Khan highlights critical areas for improvement, including publishing data on airline offences and passenger complaints.

Windows fell out of King Charles' plane in mid-air

The Titan Airways Airbus had three windows fall whilst 14,00ft in the air last October, after it took off from Stansted Airport on a flight to Florida .

Fire breaks out at 'The Shining' hotel: Oregon's historic lodge burns

An inferno broke out inside of the historic Timberline Lodge in Oregon late on Thursday, the hotel and ski resort was made famous in 1980 as the setting for horror classic The Shining.

The New 7 Wonders of the World to visit at least once in your life

While the ancient 7 world wonders hold their allure, there's a (more) fresh set of seven wonders that await your exploration. These gems stand proudly, offering a glimpse into human ingenuity and cultural richness. Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness these awe-inspiring sites firsthand, where each step echoes with history and beauty. Come, let us guide you through this voyage of wonder and inspiration.

Local airlines resuming flights from Sabah, Sarawak following volcanic eruption

PETALING JAYA: Local airlines are gradually resuming flights to and from Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. Read full story

The least free countries in the world

The amount of freedom experienced in a given country is not approached the same way across the globe. The Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. and the Fraser Institute in Vancouver, Canada, co-publish the annual Human Freedom Index Report, which observes the relationship between freedom and other social and economic phenomena. Personal freedom might be described as our ability to voice our opinion, equality experienced before the courts, and the ease of travel to/from a country. Economic freedom is the ability of people in that country to do well, without the need for government assistance or an economic authority. To calculate the final Human Freedom score, personal freedom and economic freedom are measured and combined, then compared to the scores of other countries. The nations in this gallery scored the lowest on the Human Freedom score, compared to countries in the rest of the world. Click on to discover which countries made this regrettable 'top' 30.

Spain is different: 20 fun facts about the country

Emirates told cabin crew to report for duty during historic Dubai flood despite government's stay-at-home warning, report says

As the UAE saw its largest rainfall in 75 years and the government told people to stay at home, Emirates encouraged its cabin crew to report for duty.

The richest fictional characters of all time

Mansions, private jets, and vacations on exotic islands–the ultra-rich certainly seem to have it all! But while the celebrities and tech giants of the real world have been amassing their millions and billions in ways we can somewhat grasp, there are other, less real characters that have impressive fortunes of their own. These fictional characters may not be real, but their bank accounts will make you believe they belong among the glittering crowd of the mega rich. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which characters are worth their weight in gold! All amounts in USD.

Goggles, bubbles and puddles: Africa's top shots

A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent and beyond.

The most dangerous sports in the world

Truro's award-winning hedgehogs set for a makeover

After five years on the Trafalgar roundabout, the four wooden creations are to be repaired.

‘The Fall Guy' Live Stunt Show Added to Universal Studios Waterworld Attraction for Limited Time

Universal Studios Hollywood will host a new live show, “The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show,” inspired by 87North’s new film “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The live show, a part of the theme park’s Waterworld attraction, will open April 27 and end May 19. The entertainment performance features an original storyline that […]

The many ways people say hello around the world

Boeing subject of 32 whistleblower complaints, documents reveal

US workplace safety regulator received the complaints of employer retaliation over three-year period.

Prehistoric animals that still roam the Earth

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Belize

Find out these must-know tips for a great time in Belize.

30 islands ranked by their highest point

The world's islands are not usually considered as featuring some of the highest points on Earth. But, in fact, some of the most impressive mountains and volcanoes, most of them active, are located on islands scattered around the globe, anywhere from Antarctica to Indonesia. And many achieve some truly impressive elevations. But where exactly on the planet can you admire the tallest and most dramatic island high points? Click through this gallery of 30 islands ranked by their highest point to discover the loftiest mountain peak of an island on Earth.

Thai divers seek to take on 'ghost gear' threatening marine life

By Napat Wesshasartar PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters) - Beneath the surface of the turquoise waters off a beach on Thailand's holiday island of Phuket, divers laboriously collect abandoned fishing gear, much of it made from plastic, that is tangled on coral and trapping sea life. This discarded or lost fishing equipment is known locally as "ghost gear" and is a growing problem in waters off Thailand

Promenade restrictions in place for building works

Parking is suspended on a stretch of Port St Mary promenade for a year to allow for building works.

Canary Islands beg Brits to spend their holidays - and cash - there despite anti-tourism protests

British holidaymakers have reportedly been calling hotels in Tenerife to ask if they will be safe amid a series of mass protests planned across the islands by activists

These are the world's 10 best airports for 2024, according to passengers. None are in the US.

Only airports in Europe and Asia made Skytrax's list of the top 10 best airports in the world, with none in the US even breaking the top 20.

Astrotourism: Visit these incredible dark sky reserves around the world

In many parts of the world, especially those most densely populated, it's becoming increasingly difficult to be able to view the galaxy surrounding us in all its primordial glory, like our ancestors could for millennia. Rising levels of industry emissions and light pollution have obstructed many people's ability see one of the universe’s greatest and most awe-inspiring nightly gifts: a sky full of stars. Fortunately, organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are working to preserve the night sky for its cultural, environmental, and scientific value, by working with countries around the world to designate protected dark sky reserves and parks. Even more fortunately, many of these places are also being made accessible for visitors, prompting a forthcoming "astrotourism" trend. An area can earn its designation by meeting a minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, plus an evaluation of the peripheral area, which should also support dark sky preservation. Many of these reserves and parks also offer specific stargazing-related education opportunities, so they're perfect even for those who don't know much about it! Click through to see some of the most beautiful places to witness the dark sky with its original illumination.

It's all in the name: Where the US states got their names

The list of the names of the 50 US states is long, colorful, and fascinating. While some names appear to be self-explanatory, like Maryland or New York, the stories behind the names aren't always so simple. Linguists and historians have worked tirelessly for decades to decipher certain state names that appear to have their roots in old terms used by Native Americans, but its not easy work. What we have found out, however, can provide us a deeply insightful look into the cultures that thrived across North America before colonization, the importance of natural features to both Native Americans and European colonists, and the monarchs of the Age of Discovery that made the American experiment possible. Read on to learn about the origins of the names of all 50 states.

Sinkhole appears in woodland popular with walkers

A dog walker came across the hole in Northumberland woodland, which is possibly linked to old mines.

Celebrate spring with Great Wisteria Festival 2024 at Japan’s Ashikaga Flower Park

Spring in Japan is the most picturesque season, with flowers achieving their full blooms and draping nature in hues of soft colours. While Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, other gorgeous flowers, like the spectacular purple wisteria, have gained world recognition! To witness this flower at its best, Ashikaga Flower Park is the place to be, as it’s hosting its annual Great Wisteria Festival 2024. Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan’s Tochigi...

Cracking the mysterious codes of Freemasonry

Freemasonry, the world's oldest fraternal organization, is often shrouded in secrecy with its ancient rituals, peculiar emblems, and clandestine handshakes. But what exactly does all that symbolism mean, and where did it come from? Browse this gallery and peek inside the secretive world of the Freemasons.

Moving pictures: travelling cinema takes stories of ‘departures and dreams’ to Senegal

At about 1pm on Monday a 35-seater bus arrived in Pikine, a city east of the Senegalese capital, Dakar. A portable screen, projector, sound system and generator were unpacked to set up a temporary cinema in a lively neighbourhood where the scent of hibiscus and orange blossom fill the air. Pikine’s cultural centre was the first stop for Cinemovel, a travelling cinema that is showing the Oscar-nominated Italian film Io Capitano in the streets and...

Ryuhei Kitamura To Direct Roller Coaster Pic ‘Thrill Ride', Film Bridge Launching For Cannes Market

EXCLUSIVE: Ryuhei Kitamura (The Midnight Meat Train) is set to direct roller coaster thriller Thrill Ride, which Film Bridge International is launching for sales ahead of next month’s Cannes market. Production is being lined up for the fourth quarter of this year with filming due to take place in Bulgaria at Pro Cinema Studios. Penned […]

Intriguing and unknown facts about Air Force One

If you're curious about the lives of American presidents, then Air Force One has a plethora of fascinating facts waiting to be explored. To uncover everything you never knew about the White House in the sky, fasten your seatbelt and keep your seat upright. Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve into the intriguing world of Air Force One and its role in American history. Click through the gallery to get started.

‘A water world teeming with wildlife’: readers’ favourite national parks in Europe

Suddenly the Polish sky was filled with cranes One of the most incredible bird scenes in Europe took place as I hiked through the Bielawa nature reserve in northern Poland, about 40 miles north of Gdansk. I had left the village of Sławoszyno via a dirt track and was heading towards Kłanino, the open countryside and fields disappearing from my sight as the hedgerows grew taller either side of me. As I stepped forward, a gap appeared in the hedge...

Malaysia Airlines axes 10 flights over Mount Ruang eruptions

It says the flights have been cancelled due to weather and operational safety concerns.

Travellers set to be banned from Australia's largest lake

Visitors will no longer be able to set foot on one of Australia's premier tourist destinations under a proposed plan to protect its cultural significance for traditional owners.