Travel

Seven states later and everything from Noah’s ark to a hillbilly zoo: Postcard from Freak Flag America

Seven states later and everything from Noah’s ark to a hillbilly zoo: Postcard from Freak Flag America

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Be prepared to be jealous. Seriously.

From gator rentals to an isolated community of Swiss immigrants and being referred to as “fat-ass hunters,” local photographers Rob Brulinski and Rachel Younghans are on a roadtrip discovering what makes Americans… well uniquely American… for their upcoming book Freak Flag America.

Seven states later and 3,818+ miles driven, the duo shares a photo postcard dated Oct. 21 from the road.

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Fighting bullfighting with paint, press and nudity [EXPLICIT]

Fighting bullfighting with paint, press and nudity [EXPLICIT]

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The “Running of the Bulls” rose out of the growing popularity of bullfighting in western European countries like Spain and Portugal. It’s exact origin remains unknown, possibly due the hundreds of concussions and contusions reported each year since modern record-keeping of these events began in 1924.

To this day, the annual bull run in Pamplona, Spain, and the ensuing bullfights of the San Fermin festival, stand out as one of the world’s most popular. While the run itself lasts a mere 4 minutes, the fighting bulls of Pamplona have prodded their way into the pages of classic literature and onto the big screen. (See the opening scene of City Slickers.)

Due to the innate violence of bullfighting, and the captivating draw of the bull runs that proceed them, protests have increased in recent years. With demonstrations like the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ “Running of the Nudes,” each year animal rights activists organize flashy, and often gory displays to relay their messages against bullfighting.

The selections below contain barely-covered activists interspersed with violent bullfighting images from which they derive their inspiration. Be advised that this story may not be suitable for younger viewers.

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3 Weeks in Asia from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City

3 Weeks in Asia from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City

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Go ahead. Bookmark this page now, and file it under “Trips I’d like to take one day.” But I’ll save you the trouble of thinking about it. Here’s why…

Baltimore couple Scott and Pam Gorsuch traveled from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City this spring, March 27 through April 17. The trip took them from big cities to rural towns, beaches and jungles, bringing the pair in contact with colorful souls and exotic local cuisines. Scott Gorsuch shares photos and details of the trip with The Darkroom, answering questions over email.

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One World Trade Center becomes the tallest building in NYC

One World Trade Center becomes the tallest building in NYC

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One World Trade officially surpassed the height of the Empire State Building today to become New York City’s tallest building. With the addition of a steel column, the unfinished frame of the building stands at more than 1,250 feet high. When completed it is expected to be declared the tallest building in the United States and the third-tallest in the world.

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