Author: Anton Foek

Journalist

JFK: Between Affairs and Politics – The Secret Life of a President

John F. Kennedy’s presidency was marked by iconic moments of leadership and historic events. But beneath the carefully crafted public image of a devoted family man lay a hidden reality – a string of extramarital affairs that included some of the most famous women of the era. Here’s a look at how these affairs conflicted…
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Rio’s Marina da Glória Shines, Showcasing Brazil’s Potential

Rio’s Marina da Glória Shines, Showcasing Brazil’s Potential on the World Stage

As the G20 summit unfolds in the picturesque setting of Rio de Janeiro’s Marina da Glória, the world’s gaze turns towards Brazil. This iconic location, steeped in history and natural beauty, serves as more than just a backdrop – it embodies the potential Brazil holds on the international stage. Let’s explore how this event, coupled…
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Did Camus See the Future?

Did Camus See the Future?

“The Plague” and Our Pandemic Odyssey: Lessons from a Prophetic Past Albert Camus’ 1947 novel, “The Plague,” eerily mirrors the chaotic scramble of the COVID-19 pandemic. With its tale of Oran, a city gripped by a deadly disease, the book resonates with themes of isolation, fear, and the search for meaning amidst crisis. So, did…
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Two Subterranean Giants: A Tale of Two Cities

Two Subterranean Giants: A Tale of Two Cities

Beneath the bustling streets of New York City and Moscow lie two iconic subway systems, each mirroring the soul of its metropolis. While both transport millions daily, their histories, social roles, and what they tell us about society paint dramatically different pictures. From Utilitarian Roots to Grand Designs: Divergent Histories NYC’s subway, born in 1904,…
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Moscow Metro's Journey Through Art and Soul

A Monument Beneath Your Feet

The Moscow Metro’s Journey Through Art and Soul Moscow’s metro isn’t just a transportation system; it’s a subterranean odyssey. Each descent unveils not just a station, but a portal to grandeur, history, and a unique Soviet spirit. This intricate network, stretching over 300 kilometers, holds more than just passengers; it holds stories whispered in marble…
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Resilience

How to master antifragility for a happier life

Jonathan Haidt “Resilience” is being able to withstand hardship; “antifragility” goes one step further. “Resilience” is being able to withstand hardship. “Antifragility” goes one step further. The term, first coined by author Nassim Taleb, describes systems or entities that don’t just withstand adversity, but actually benefit and grow stronger from it. In many ways, antifragility…
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Can the problem of plastic pollution ever be solved?

Can the problem of plastic pollution ever be solved?

There are more microplastic particles in the oceans than stars in the galaxy. That’s obviously a big threat to the environment and to human health. The problem is that nobody can agree exactly how to solve this problem.

Donald Duck & Zé Carioca - Walt Disney

Donald Duck & Zé Carioca – Walt Disney

Ah, Donald and Zé Carioca! A dynamic duo whose friendship transcends borders and languages, brought to life by the magic of Walt Disney. But their creation wasn’t just a stroke of genius – it was a fascinating blend of cultural exchange and artistic inspiration. Donald Duck: Donald’s roots go back to 1934, starring in the…
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Why strive? Stephen Fry reads Nick Cave’s letter on the threat of computed creativity

In the events series Letters Live, performers read notable letters – old and new, original and written by others – in front of a live audience. In this video, as part of the Letters Live event at London’s Royal Albert Hall in November 2023, the British comedian and writer Stephen Fry reads a letter by…
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Sidney Rittenberg

To China and back again

the extraordinary life of an American communist Amsterdam, 27 jan 2027— Robert Schwartz,  my landlord on the Upper West Side in Manhattan picks up the phone and calls Sidney Rittenberg at my request as I want to meet with The Man Who Stayed Behind, as he is called. He lives near Seattle and I plan to write…
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