When yachts go down: Why orcas are evil geniuses
Despite being dubbed the "killer whale," the orca has enjoyed a pretty family-friendly image, whether it's putting on shows with humans at Sea World or starring in 'Free Willy.' But just like how its classification as a whale is misleading (it's actually the largest subspecies of the dolphin family), so too is its friendly reputation. Orcas live in all the world's oceans, from the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica to warmer tropical seas, and in every single one they are menaces, apex predators at the top of the food chain, ruling with an iron fin! Massive, agile, and extremely intelligent, they are the most powerful and deadly animals in the water. And as if that weren't enough, there have been increasing reports in recent years of their species serial killing, vengefully sinking boats, torturing other animals for sport, and more. Have we got your attention? Then click through to learn more about the evil genius of orcas.
2024-01-18T17:05:37Z
Spain blocks Airbnb listings amid housing crisis
Spain's progressive government blocked more than 65,000 listings that failed to comply with current regulations on popular rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Most of the ads were banned because they did not display a license number or declare whether the owner was a private entity or a corporation. The action comes as part of a larger plan to try to regulate a business that has widespread “lack of control” and “illegality,” according to government officials. An Airbnb spokesperson affirmed the company will appeal the decision. Short holiday rentals are experiencing a wild surge in Spain, with 321,000 homes having official licenses and many more operating illegally. This wave is causing many negative impacts for locals, as it is exacerbating mass tourism, shortening the housing supply, and making rents unaffordable. Spain is not the only country affected by the so-called 'Airbnb effect.' Indeed, it is becoming a major global worry, as it impacts housing stock, prices, and communities. Despite the company's denials, others cities around the world are scrambling to curtail the impact of short-term rentals. For example, Berlin, New York, and Paris are already clamping down on vacation rental giants such as Airbnb to protect their housing markets. But even if Airbnb is harming local housing markets and communities, can anyone really stop this massively popular, multi-billion-dollar powerhouse? Click through to find out.
2025-02-11T08:12:41Z
LGBTQ+ Americans look to Europe for safer travel
LGBTQ+ travelers had already voiced growing concerns about visiting the US, as political shifts fuel fears around safety and inclusivity—especially in states where laws and public attitudes can feel unwelcoming. Now, the trend is reversing: more LGBTQ+ Americans are choosing European destinations over domestic ones. And some aren’t just looking for a vacation—they’re actively exploring places where they might settle long term, according to Darren Burn, founder of luxury LGBTQ+ travel company Out of Office." In recent months, we’ve seen a clear rise in interest from LGBTQ+ American travelers seeking time abroad, especially in Europe," Burn says. "They’re not just looking for culture and new experiences—they’re also searching for safety and inclusivity." This growing interest in safe and inclusive destinations reflects a broader global movement. Over the past few decades, many countries have made major strides in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance through supportive laws and public advocacy.With that said, some countries do it better than others. In this gallery, take a look at the nations that are the most welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community and have taken positive action to ensure that changes are implemented. Click on for a pleasant discovery!
2023-10-16T10:15:47Z
